The Search-Finding Your Dream Home

Everyone has a different story in how they found their home, whether it was your first ever home purchase or your forever home. One thing that some buyers often forget is the valuable resources that realtors have. Market/area knowledge, negotiation skills, vendors relationships, etc. The list can go on for all of the benefits that come with working with a trusted realtor. However, one valuable tool that buyers overlook is an auto-search. 

Some of you may have auto-searches set up through other websites like Zillow.com or Realtor.com. Although these can provide value, an auto-search set up by a realtor can be more personalized, quicker, and ultimately take the stress off of you. Instead of setting up the search manually or checking the new properties everyday throughout the work day or when you get home from work, the auto-search set up on the MLS is created by your real estate agent. What is an MLS? It is a Multiple Listing Service or private database that is only utilized by licensed real estate professionals. Not everyone has access to the MLS and it lists all the properties for sale in a certain area. What things should I include in my MLS auto-search? Here are a few ideas:

• Location (Think about things like proximity to work, school district, close to family/friends, entertainment/restaurants, etc.)
• Price Range 
• # of Rooms (Bedrooms, bathrooms, basement, etc.)
• Square Footage & Acreage
• Amenities (Garage, fenced in yard, pool, front/back deck, 
• Layout/style of home (Ranch style with 1 level, 2 levels, loft, etc.)
• HOA or No association

In this current seller's market, the inventory is low and competition is high so you may have to sacrifice a few of your needs and wants. However, the auto-search is able to personalize the home search based on what you are looking for and the criteria can always be edited. Instead of spending countless hours throughout the week checking third party websites or trying to find addtional information yourself, you can let your realtor know what you are looking for and those homes will come directly to your email.

Another advantage to the auto-search? You can have the homes sent to you on a daily basis, weekly, monthly, or even as soon as they hit the market. Speed is crucial in this competitive market and could help you win the offer on your dream home. Your realtor also has access to more information about the home compared to other websites. They can see when the home last sold, run comparables to get a better idea on the similar homes in the area, check the tax information, and more! 

Are you starting the home search process but don't know where to start? Reach out today and not only can I get you set up on an auto-search, I can guide you along the process and help you get the keys to your dream home!