Cast a wide net, then narrow it down – Start with a broad pool, open yourself up to some neighborhoods that don’t fit your requirements perfectly, and look at properties a little above your budget. As you do your research, you’ll find that certain neighborhoods that might not have seemed to fit your credentials actually do, and that you can negotiate down prices depending on the market. Don’t completely disregard places that have potential until you start to narrow your search down.
Take advantage of search tools – Save searches and sign up for property alerts and market reports—timing is everything when it comes to finding your perfect property match, and you want to stay on top of what’s happening in the market as it happens. Most search tools offer the option of saving searches or bookmarking properties. Then you’ll automatically receive emails about new properties that meet your requirements, a favorite property’s status, recent sales, and more.
Know the photo tricks – Property photos often employ tricks to make rooms look bigger, hallways look longer, and spaces look brighter or more new. Fisheye lenses make rooms look a lot bigger. Wide-angle lenses, while not as obvious or deceptive as fisheye, also have the same effect by capturing more in a single shot and giving the illusion of a big space.
A listing agent will also avoid posting photos of defects or less desirable aspects of the property, so read the description carefully. A fixer-upper with only photos of the exterior is probably in serious disrepair inside.
Look at the school district – Even if you aren’t planning to have kids soon, property values are higher in neighborhoods with good schools. If you’re looking for the most desirable neighborhoods or want to invest in a home that you want to appreciate, schools are one of the biggest indicators of a neighborhood’s value.
Hit the pavement – A picture might say a thousand words, but you won’t really know what you’re dealing with until you see for yourself. Make a list of the places you want to see and tell your agent to schedule tours. Your agent should be there with you to help you ask the right questions and look out for any red flags, but don’t be afraid to drop into open houses and go see places by yourself and schedule another tour with your agent later. The more you see, the more you learn about what you should look out for.
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