Searching through real estate listings can feel overwhelming due to the sheer number of options out there. If you are looking for a new home, here are four ways to narrow your search parameters to help you get more relevant results.
Home Price Parameters
Setting your budget parameter should be the first step when searching for a new home. Looking at homes above your price range can cause you to purchase something that stretches your wallet too far. Consider getting preapproved through a mortgage lender so you know what you can afford. Then you can set your minimum and maximum house price numbers in a real estate listing search to weed out the properties that don't fit this qualification.
Square Footage
It's a good idea to know what you expect the size of your new home to be. Homes are measured in square feet, and knowing the square footage you will need is a great way to search for a home that is the right size. You can get a good idea of this by walking through model homes or finding your realistic ideal home and finding out what it's actual square footage is listed as. When you know this number, you can filter listings that don't meet this size requirement. You will spend less time filtering through home listings that don't check this box.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Do you know how many bedrooms and bathrooms you desire in a new home? The number of children you have or your desire for a home office or guest room can be big factors in this number. A starter home and a home for a growing family may have very different answers. Think about where you want to be in five years. This may influence the number of rooms you want in a home because your need for space may fluctuate in the future.
School Districts
If you have children, finding the right home in the right school district may be at the top of your list. You can set the neighborhood parameters on most real estate listings. You just need to know the major streets that make up the boundaries. Buying a home in a good school district can also protect your property value and make your home highly sought after if you were to sell it in the future.
Searching for the perfect home is a lot of work, but these tips can help you sift through listings faster. Find a local real estate professional to help you tour these homes and get to know the neighborhoods!
