what is the best way to find a home to buy?

December 282009

i;m trying to buy my first home. whats the best way to find a flat for sale without
1) walking miles finding the perfect location and finding out its where the sultan of brunei lives so will be way too pricey
2) going through loads of estate agent listings

Also how do I
1) find places before they go on the market
2) buy without going through agents? i.e. privately

Thanks!

It is nice to look around at lots of different areas so that you have an idea of where you want to live. In my area there are several websites that allow you to see information about the houses listed for sale with every agent not just the one that sponsors the website-and you can look by price or school or zip code! That way you can narrow it down to what you like.

If I don’t have my house on the market, that means I am not advertising and don’t tell anyone about it being for sale. So by definition you won’t find out about it.

It would be foolish to not use an agent. You asked "what is the best way to find a home to buy?" The answer is with a good agent.

5 Responses

  1. Dee Says:

    Why not use an agent. That is the best way to get what you described. You can get a buyers agent which works for you but is paid by the seller. So I am not sure why you are against using a realtor to do all the leg work for you. I have connections so if you let me know where you live I can refer you (anywhere worldwide) to a quality agent rather than going with someone you are not sure of. donnaedwards.realtor@yahoo.com
    References :
    realtor

  2. Brian G Says:

    The easiest, and probably best way for someone inexperienced and unfamiliar with the area is to use an agent. They know the areas and will weed out any listings that are not in your price range. They know what needs to be done and when it needs to be done by. A good agent will be by your side the whole way. They only get paid if you buy.

    To find places that are not on the market, you have to knock on doors and ask if they are interested in selling. This is how agents get many of their listings. If you know any agents, you might be able to make a deal with them to let them know of places that have contracted to sell but haven’t been put in the system yet.

    The process for buying without using an agent is the same as with one, you just have to make sure all the legal paperwork gets done. There is no one but you to check on it and keep the process moving. If you don’t know what you are doing, it is easy for one unsigned paper to stop the whole process.
    References :

  3. exitbrian.com Says:

    I’m a realtor in Florida. Since we are paid by individuals wanting to sell their homes, ALL OF OUR BUYER SERVICES ARE FREE TO THE BUYER!!!!!!!!!!! Why would you want to do all the work of a realtor when you can get the use of their knowledge, experience and expertise AT NO COST?
    References :
    http://www.exitbrian.com REALTOR

  4. glenn Says:

    It is nice to look around at lots of different areas so that you have an idea of where you want to live. In my area there are several websites that allow you to see information about the houses listed for sale with every agent not just the one that sponsors the website-and you can look by price or school or zip code! That way you can narrow it down to what you like.

    If I don’t have my house on the market, that means I am not advertising and don’t tell anyone about it being for sale. So by definition you won’t find out about it.

    It would be foolish to not use an agent. You asked "what is the best way to find a home to buy?" The answer is with a good agent.
    References :

  5. Terry S Says:

    Use a real estate agent.

    The full time agents are out there everyday and may come across something you would never find on your own.

    Terry Smith
    http://www.Welcome2Arizona.com
    References :

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