Finding a good agent - one who knows and understands the local market - is the first step in your home search.

Selecting an Agent

A good real estate agent is a partner in your home search, someone with whom you'll be working closely. Spend the time to develop a strong relationship.

Advantages of Using an Agent

Your agent can give you valuable insight into the market and provide access to a large number of available homes through the Multiple Listing Service. Working every day in the local housing market, your agent is an invaluable source of advice on pricing, features, and trends.

A Good Agent Does More Than Just Show Homes

An agent can put you in touch with lenders, home inspectors, contractors, and any other professionals you need to complete your purchase. Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations - chances are your realtor knows qualified professionals in all of these areas.

Choosing an Agent

A good agent is experienced, with a strong knowledge of the local market and a willingness to put in the time required to help you find the right home. If an agent doesn't have the time, interest, or commitment to develop a thorough understanding of your needs, look for one who does.

Working with Your Agent

Once your search begins, make sure to take advantage of your agent's knowledge and experience. Don't hesitate to ask questions or request market data to help in the search.

It's a good idea to do some fact-finding before you start looking at homes - before you get caught up in the excitement and stress of the shopping process. Hopefully you've gotten to know the communities you're considering during the organizational phase. Now it's time to narrow the search and find your new home.

Research Markets

Review your notes and decide where you want to conduct your home search. Your agent can help you review recent sales activity in the area to get some idea of what you can expect to find in your price range.

Gauge Market Conditions

Real estate markets are highly cyclical. The current status of the market can have a significant effect on your homebuying strategy. Try to develop an understanding of the state of the market, so you'll have some idea of the conditions to anticipate when shopping - and a feel for how hard you can bargain when negotiating.

What's Best - Hot or Cold Market?

Unless you're a first-time buyer, you've probably got a house to sell while you're shopping for a new home, so it's not easy to determine if a strong market is helpful or harmful. As a general rule, if you are moving up - looking for a new home significantly more costly than your old one - you may want to act during a weak market, when the savings on an expensive, new property will more than outweigh the losses on the older one. Conversely, empty nesters looking to switch to a smaller home may want to plan their move during a hot market, when they can maximize gains on the sale of a larger home.

When is the Best Time of Year to Sell?

In most markets there are two primary selling seasons - spring and fall. Spring is the strongest, since many buyers want to move in before the next school year begins. Summer and winter are generally poor selling periods. Avoid marketing your home at these times if you can. Of course, some areas have their own specific seasonality. If you are selling a home in a seaside vacation spot, for example, summer is an excellent time to be on the market.

Understand Recent Area Sales

Don't listen to anecdotes about bidding wars and homes getting snapped up in one day. There is no substitute for accurate information. Check out the actual sales prices of area homes, and try to get a feel for what is really happening in the marketplace.

The actual search for a home can be the most daunting part of your buying experience. You've done the preparation and research - now it's time to put it to use.