For Homebuyers

Finding the Right Property

Assess your needs: Having established your price range through lender prequalification, the next step is to recognize what you must have, what you need, and what's most important to you. Typical questions are the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, and geographic area.

You may want to tell your realtor if you have your heart set on a newer home, or if you're willing to consider one that is older in order to gain more square footage or amenities for the price.

Finding your home: Your realtor will utilize a number of different sources, including the Multi-Listing Service (MLS), an online, searchable database of all area properties listed for sale. However, real estate professionals network extensively, and are often aware of opportunities before they are available to the public.

He or she will also be able to offer relevant information that the MLS does not provide — nearby schools, parks, commute time, or resale values may prove to be important considerations.