The rise of digital marketing and online purchases has made its way to the real estate market. If you’re in the market for a new home, chances are that you’ve done some research online before heading to a real estate agent’s office.
However, it may interest you to know that there is such a thing as shopping for homes online. Here is a quick guide to how to shop for a house online successfully.
Create an Online Shopping List
Don’t start looking online without a list of what kinds of houses you like and what you want in your future home.
Aside from knowing what you want, it is also important to be realistic about your price range and location preferences. Use this list as a guide when looking for properties online.
Check Out the Area (Online)
Once you know what you are looking for, it’s time to start shopping online! While you could take advantage of sites such as Zillow and Redfin to find homes, you may want to consider checking out other statistics and information.
Hospitals
Check out US News and World Report to find the top hospitals in the area of your potential home.
Crime
You can see if your future home is in a crime-ridden area with sites such as CityProject and Spot Crime to see what is happening in a particular area.
Schools
Check out the schools in the area with the National Center for Education Statistics’ public and private school sites.
Find the Right Agent
Now that you know what to shop for in a house, it’s time to find an agent. Once you’ve found a property that you are interested in, bring all of your information to your agent for online house shopping. This includes your wish list as well as a list of properties you may want to see in person.
Start Shopping Online
Now you’re ready to shop for a home! With sites such as Zillow, Trulia, and Redfin, you are sure to find the perfect home online.
Make sure to take online listings with a grain of salt, as many are photographed in their best light, and their actual condition may vary.
Take a Virtual Tour
It’s one thing to see a picture of a house on the Internet, but it’s another to fully appreciate its aesthetics. If you find yourself falling in love with a particular property online, try taking a virtual tour before buying.
With these tips, you can find the right house for you without leaving your home!