Buying a property can be exciting and comes with so many rewards. However, knowing how to start, what to do, when to do it, and who to trust can feel overwhelming. My recommendation is to first talk to friends and family about their experiences. Most will tell you that understanding the financial side early on eliminates a lot of frustration. Start by getting an idea of whether it makes more sense to rent or buy, how much you can comfortably afford, and the tax benefits of owning a home. Don’t apply for a loan just yet, but by now you should have a good picture of the numbers. Next, think through what’s most important to you in a property—use my buyer guides to help clarify your needs and priorities. Once you know your budget and your must-haves, check out market reports to get a feel for neighborhoods. Research schools, demographics, recent sales, and current listings in the areas you’re considering.
By now you should feel pretty good about everything right? Ok, the next thing is to research real estate agents. Check the areas you are considering and browse properties. You can call the agent that is listing the property and let them represent you and the seller but that depends on your comfort level. If not then research some. Who is coming up that has listings or has sold in those areas? Check their reviews and their contributions on website forums. Ask friends and family and neighbors as to who they used and recommend.
Once you have a few in mind interview them. Do they have a good internet presence? Those that do get contacted by potential sellers and other agents in the area and that creates a list of properties about to hit the market.