Once those preparations are out of the way, it is time to find the right property for you.

Get to know the neighborhoods, complexes, or subdivisions, which interest you. Drive around and get a feel for what it would be like to own a property in the area. Start getting a sense of the properties available in those areas and what the neighborhood is like. Are there ample Shopping, Entertainment, Parks, Walking Paths, Freeway Access or anything else important to you close to the desired neighborhood?

Now that you know which areas of town/neighborhoods that you like have your agent set up a search on the MLS for you. Give your agent the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, price range, area of town, and other criteria that you want in your home. We will set you up on a search that will automatically email you homes as they come on the market that match your criteria.

Select a few properties that interest you the most and have your real estate agent make appointments to visit them. Ask your real estate agent about the potential long term resale value of the properties you are considering. Ask your agent to provide you comps (value comparisons) of homes similar to the one you are considering to help determine if the home is priced correctly.

Once you have picked out the property you want to purchase, your real estate agent can help you make an offer that the seller will hopefully accept. A skilled agent can also help you draft your offer in a way that gives you the advantage over other offers.