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It’s a familiar scenario: Craigslist’s housing and apartments page up on your computer, this week’s classified ads on your kitchen table, and the looming thought of filling cardboard boxes with all your worldly possessions to cart them to new digs across town.  The transition brings questions and concerns, but strategy in searching for a new home is the key to your new front door. 

Here are a few ideas to consider before arranging for a U-Haul and visiting Ikea in pursuit of new furniture:

1. Get Pre-Approved:  It sounds like a no-brainer, but getting pre-approved for a home loan should be the first step in your process.  You have to do it sooner or later. Why not start out with a greater understanding of your budget and be able to narrow down (or expand) the range of properties to consider?
2. Find a Realtor:  A common misconception is that using a real estate agent in the home buying process is expensive, thus it’s best to go it alone.  It’s a myth: agents are free of charge to the buyer since they are paid for by the seller.  Take advantage of their expertise and knowledge of the local housing market.   
3. Use Technology:  Have a few neighborhoods narrowed down but need to tighten up your search? Look no further than your smartphone!  Featured on the iPhone’s App Store this week is a quick link to applications designed to showcase available homes based on your location.  Here are a few notable programs, all of which are free: Trulia Real Estate Search, HUD Homes, and Zillow Real Estate – Homes & Apartments, For Sale or Rent.
4. Know Needs v. Wants:  You make a list before you go to the grocery store, so why not make a list of needs and wants before home shopping?  Just as we may need bread and want freshly baked cookies, there is a benefit in detailing these same qualities while looking for a house.  Also, consider the things you are able and unable to change.  For example, you need three bedrooms and want a fenced in yard.  It would be much more difficult (and costly) to add on an extra bedroom compared to installing a fence.
5. Take Notes:  Carefully record visits to potential homes: take digital pictures and jot down notes.  What was the basement’s condition? What type of roof does it have? What are the dimensions of the kitchen? These facts may come in handy when comparing one home to another, and can easily be documented on a worksheet.

Still struggling with your search or other areas of the process?  Try reaching out to your social networks on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn to discover if any of your comrades have a suggestion on neighborhoods, agents, or any of your house hunting quandaries.  Best of luck!

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