Buying a new home from the comfort of your old home has never been easier, thanks to modern innovations like online searches, virtual tours, and video showings. But finding your dream home can still be a little tricky if you’re currently not in town. Don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to ensure that your search for a home online is fruitful.
Search for a Home Online—And Find the Right One
Finding the right home online can be a little tricky if you’re not sure how to go about it. Here are some tips and tricks for ensuring you find the right home at the right price.
Sort your finances out first
Before you start searching, take some time to review your finances to determine how you’ll be buying and how much you’ll be spending. Will you be using a loan? If so, you’ll want to start talking to lenders as soon as possible to get pre-approved before you start your search.
Regardless of whether you’re paying cash or using a loan, you’ll want to know how much you can afford, how much you’re willing to put down, and how much you want to spend per month.
Know what you want in a home
Next, take some time to sort out your priorities. What are the most important aspects of your home? How do you plan to use the home and the property? What amenities or areas do you need to be close to? Are there any specific features you would like the property or the home to have? Do you plan to build your own home?
In the Sheridan area, we have a lot of ranch, horse, and large acreage properties, many of which have additional features, such as barns, stables, storage areas, and more. So for us, buying a home is often more about buying a lifestyle than a structure or even a piece of property.
Use an online search with your criteria
Once you know the most important criteria of your new home, use an online home search to start browsing homes that meet your specifications. Start with only a few of your most important criteria, then slowly begin to narrow down your search.
Do a little digging
If you see a home you like, try to do a little research to see what you can find out about the home. How long has the property been on the market? Has it changed price during that time? What do the property taxes look like? How recently did the property last sell? How old are the structures (if any) on the property?
Investigate the area
When doing background research on a home, it’s a good idea to take a look at the area around it, too. Use Google Maps to see how far the property is from amenities like stores and restaurants, as well as attractions, parks, or other areas you might be interested in visiting.
Google Maps may also offer a Street View of the property, and Satellite View is also a good way to see what the land around the home looks like.
Find an expert local agent
The best (and easiest) way to ensure you’re getting the right home even if you’re searching online is to call in an expert. Working with an agent isn’t just a good idea; it’s almost essential if you’re buying a home online, especially if you aren’t in the area and even more so if you’re considering a specialty property like a ranch or farm.
A good agent will do quite a lot for you. They can help you determine which home features are most important to you. They can find potential homes for you. If you’re out of the area, they can tour homes for you—or even walk you through virtually via video chat.
A good local agent will also know if your property might require special surveys or inspections, which attractions or amenities are nearby, and what recreational or agricultural uses a particular property might have.
Buying Long-Distance in Sheridan?
Thinking of buying a home in the Sheridan area but hoping to do most of your search online? We can help! Contact Century 21 BHJ Realty today to learn more about how we can help you track down the ideal property—whether or not you’re in town.