Start Your Search

For new buyers & investors, I ALWAYS recommend working with a licensed real estate professional.

This would either be a real estate agent or a REALTOR (I write “realtor” in lower case for readability). The difference is that a realtor is a real estate agent that has additionally joined a local REALTOR association and complies with a specific Code of Ethics.

In either case, both professionals have access to local listings, relationships and past experience that is difficult to replicate without prior exposure to the industry. Real estate professionals will set you up with a formal search directly in the MLS, a private database with real time insights on available homes. Additionally, they will have experience navigating transactions, negotiations, regulations, zoning, permitting, and other expertise that is not learned during your first transaction.

If you’re experienced in the industry, you probably haven’t made it this far on my site :) BUT if you have, you can manage your own search online or via networking to get a general sense of your desired area. Online, filter websites like Zillow with your price range and select a radius and see what comes up.

What is most important about this new home?

The location? Square footage? Layout? Get super clear on this.

Use this information to determine a general vicinity of your search area and then use the vicinity to shape what kind of house are available and what kind of house matches your budget.

Based on what’s most important to you, you may have to compromise on other aspects of the home.

Except that NO HOME IS PERFECT.

Making the first offer can feel nerve-wracking. That’s normal. It’s a big expense; possibly the biggest you’ve encountered so far.

Listen to your intuition. If it’s a house you love and feel excited about, don’t miss the chance to throw your hat in the ring. If it’s your dream house, work with your realtor to make sure your offer will be competitive and compelling to the seller.

For any offer in general, seriously consider the price point that you’d feel comfortable paying and don’t go above that.

Sure, your offer may not be accepted but that keeps you from feeling like you overpaid or you’re in over your head. Even still, if your offer is accepted, you still have outs in the contract in case the inspection, appraisal or something else that surfaces is concerning.

If you found a home you would like to buy, it’s time to make an offer on the home.

Work with a realtor to discuss the offer. They will walk you through the entire document and submit it on your behalf.