Before you begin looking seriously for a new home, it is a good idea to determine when you'd like to make your move. This decision may be contingent on the status of your current place of residence. If you own your own home, you are going to have to decide whether to keep it or to sell it; if you are currently renting, you should inform your landlord of your intention to move. By selling or renting out your current property, or by terminating your tenancy, you will place yourself in a better position to search agressively for the ideal home. And when you find it, you will be more free to negotiate a purchase. Moreover, taking these initial steps will help you set concrete goals: you will know exactly how much time you have to do your shopping, and you will also know roughly when you'd like to take posession of your new home.

Getting Started:

One of the and most important steps that you should take is to choose an agent and establish exclusive representation. With purchaser agency representation, you will have a professional shopper working for you when you are too busy to go looking; your agent will shop for you while you are at work or while you are with your family. When you do have time to spend, your agent will connect you with resources and information that can help.

Knowing what you want:

It is almost impossible to find your ideal home if you are not sure what you are looking for. Spend some time thinking about the ideal location, style, and amenities that you would like your new home to have. Develop a list of priorities and alternatives, and put them down on paper. Finally, discuss this list with your agent. Once everyone is searching for the same thing, the job of finding your new home becomes a whole lot easier!

Looking Around:

With purchaser agency representation, you are free to look at any property that is on the market. Keep an open mind, consider all of your possibilities, and take advantage of real estate agent's expertise to help you find the right home. Tell your agent about any properties that have caught your interest. Your agent will then collect additional information about the property, and arrange for a tour.