Knowledge is the number one tool in a home shopper’s research arsenal. Getting the facts about your potential neighborhood gives you confidence in making a firm and definite decision about this community.
Acquire as much information as possible relevant to potential real estate agents who work in the area you happen to be researching. Spend time and energy doing online and offline due diligence to find the right home for your needs.
Check out the Neighborhood
Location plays a chief role in finding the right home for you. Stunning homes may be located in poor neighborhoods. If your commute will be too long or the home sits by a less than safe community keep looking. Scour your next potential neighborhood. Learn more about life in the community to see if you have a good match.
Ask locals about any issues with safety or security. Talking to your potential new neighbors gives you the truth as opposed to community crime statistics which may or may not be doctored. Spend time connecting with neighborhood residents to see if you’d be a good fit. If you’re older and require a calm, relaxed community you’d be foolish to buy a home in a young community full of weekend parties.
Drive to your place of employment and any other important spots, including your children’s schools. Clock each trip to see how long it takes to reach the destination. Did you run into any traffic? Make sure to take an actual road trip because the time spent behind the wheel may differ greatly from estimates of neighbors.
Research Realtors
Get a feel for realtors in your area. Research prospective agents online and offline to gain confidence in your final decision. Interview agents off of a carefully built watch list to better understand how the realtor can help you.
Savvy realtors make the meeting all about you. Unsuccessful, desperate realtors will give off a needy, frantic vibe. If your potential agents can’t stop talking about themselves and their track record it’s time to search for a new realtor. Self-centered folks rarely do a good job thinking about the needs of their clients.
Use the internet to find good matches. Visit sites like Facebook, twitter and Google Plus to use social media in your favor. Check for client reviews and glowing testimonials to gain confidence in your potential agent.
Patiently sift through online forums related to real estate and your potential community. Smart realtors maintain a strong online presence in this age of increased mobile adoption rates. Potential clients are likely to check their smart phone or tablet before speaking to a person on the phone.
Work Your Referral Network
Friends, family, neighbors and co workers may have suggestions about potentially appealing neighborhoods or agents. Ask around to hit up your referral network. People who know you well have an idea of what you want in your new home. Patiently ask these individuals if they have any recommendations in regards to potential real estate agents and neighborhoods which may interest you.