One of the most important parts of the homebuying process is finding the right home for you and your family. After all, you will probably be living there for years to come, so it should be a place where you will be happy.

 

The first step is figuring out what is most important to you in a home, and then trying to find the one that comes closest to what you've envisioned. Here are some basic points to keep in mind during your search:

• Location. Where your home is located can be just as important as what it looks like or how big it is. Do you need to be in a particular school district, or close to a job, bus line, or day-care facility? Remember, even the perfect home will not seem so perfect later on if you are not happy with the surrounding neighborhood.
• Size and special features. Before you start your search, sit down with your family and make a “wish list” of all the features and amenities you want in your new home. How many bedrooms and baths do you need? Do you need central heating or air conditioning? Make sure you distinguish your “wants” from your “needs.” Rank each item according to its importance, and look for a home with the most important features first.
• Types of homes. A single-family home is not the only housing style you have to choose from. Condominiums, town homes, and co-ops all offer different lifestyle and ownership options.

Even if you have to do without some of the items on your wish list, your home should be a place where you can be comfortable — you should not have to settle for a place that isn't right for you. Educate yourself, think about your options, and take the time you need to make the right choice.

Relying on newspapers ads and driving around hoping to spot "For Sale" signs in neighborhoods you like is a time-consuming way to find your home. Working with a real estate professional can help you to maximize both your purchasing power and your time.

Not every real estate agent is a REALTOR^®. What’s the difference? REALTORS^® are licensed professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS^® , who subscribe to a strict ethical code, and serve clients with a unique blend of training and knowledge of industry trends.

Once you’ve secured your financing, working with an agent who is a REALTOR^® can bring some distinct advantages to your home search:

• The assurance of ethical behavior. As a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, every REALTOR^® adheres to a strict code of ethics that embodies honesty, integrity and commitment. This long-standing symbol of pride and distinction ensures that REALTORS^® live this promise to protect buyers and sellers.
• Professional advice and representation. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, a REALTOR^® helps you navigate the transaction properly and safely. Count on this trained professional to guide you through what seems like a complicated process, especially in a heated real-estate market.
• The benefits of marketplace expertise. It’s comforting to know that REALTORS^® have a handle on the market — house-by-house, street-by-street — with access to up-to-date information that the Internet cannot match.
• Buyer’s advantage. A REALTOR^® who understands your property and location needs can help you the most. REALTORS^® reach out to their network to gather first-hand information on upcoming homes for sale. Clearly, working with a REALTOR^® gives you an advantage — as the buyer positioned to make the first and best offer on a home.
• Seller’s advantage. It’s wise to seek the guidance and experience of a REALTOR^® to sell your home. Going it alone is a huge undertaking, especially when it comes to accurately pricing your home and bringing in qualified buyers. It’s a fact that REALTORS^® are experienced at pricing your home so that it can sell for up to 16%¹ more than selling it yourself.

Deciding what you want in your home and getting professional assistance from a REALTOR^® are important steps in finding the home that’s right for you. Once you locate the home that meets your needs, you’re ready to begin the purchase process.