Technology plays a huge role in the home buying process. Now more than ever, it is easier to shop for a home online. In fact, the National Association of Realtors reports that around 95% of buyers start their search for a new home on the internet.
Looking at homes for sale online? Keep these five tips in mind for a successful search.
- Determine your home buying wants and needs
Save time and effort in your house hunting venture by taking note of what you want and what you need in a house. Make a list of your requirements in terms of location, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, home size, and price. Figure out your preferred home style as well, whether it’s a single-family home, a condo, or a townhome.
Ranking your priorities helps in narrowing down your choices. What are the must-have features? According to the NAR, among the top buyer priorities are extra indoor and outdoor space, a quiet neighborhood, and an updated kitchen.
- Evaluate the listing
It’s easy to get swept away by the stunning photos and videos included in a listing. While these can give you a good feel of the property, it’s best to read the listing description well to make sure that the home’s features match your preferences.
In addition, checkto see if the listing is still active and up-to-date. Reliable real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, and Redfin usually pull listings directly from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and keep them updated.
- Take advantage of virtual tours
Virtual tours provide a great solution to viewing a home remotely. With the interactive 3D features of a virtual tour, you can learn more about a potential property from the comfort of your own home.
It’s not uncommon for buyers to make an offer without setting foot inside the property. Virtual tours make it possible to see different parts of the home at varying angles. Through a virtual tour, you get a better feel of the home’s layout without needing to travel to the location.
- Utilize Google Maps
Google Maps isn’t just for finding routes and calculating the distance between places. This powerful tool can also be used to explore a potential neighborhood. Through Google Maps, you can see if there restaurants, shops, parks, schools, and medical centers nearby.
Google Street View, which is a Google Maps and Google Earth feature, allows you to take a closer look at the house itself and the neighborhood through interactive panoramas.
- Get in touch with a Realtor
Finally, work with a local real estate agent. With a real estate agent by your side, you’ll get comprehensive information and insights on a propertyand the neighborhood. An agent can provide you with inside information about the listing and the local real estate market through their MLS access, their local expertise, and their network.
Start the online house hunting process with me, Anthony Romeo, one of the leading agents in the Las Vegas real estate market. Together with the Romeo Luxury team, we utilize the best of what technology has to offer to make your home buying experience a successful one.
Get in touch with us today! Call 702.353.6759 or send an email to Anthony(at)RomeoLuxury(dotted)com.