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Real Estate Tips

How to Find Your Dream Home on Real Estate Websites

Posted on Friday, October 14, 2016

Searching for a home may become very stressful as soon as you realize how many real estate websites are out there. Online searching seems like a convenient solution, but it can be difficult. With the right strategy, you can find your dream home on the web. Here are a few tips to make searching online much easier.

Limit Yourself to One or Two Reputable Websites

Don't get bogged down with too many searches.

Using too many websites for your real estate search may quickly become overwhelming. Most of the websites will have similar, if not the same listings. It's best to stick with just one or two websites that have a good reputation.

Create a List of Needs and Wants

Searching for your dream home isn't just about how to use the top real estate websites. It's also about narrowing down the type of home and features you need and want.

Start by imagining your dream home without settling. Imagine you have an endless budget and picture the home of your dreams. Then, start creating a general list of the features of that home.

After you have a general list created, look over each item and categorize it as a "need" or a "want." By creating a list of needs and wants, you will be able to better search for your dream home. Not only will this shed some light on what you really need in a home, it will also make it easier to make a few concessions if you're getting most of what you need and want.

Figure Out What You can Really Afford

One of the biggest keys to searching for your dream home online is your price range. Figuring out your minimum and maximum price range starts with looking at what you can realistically afford.

Many online tools will help you figure out what the monthly payment will be for a specific home based on the down payment and the terms of the loan. Use these tools only after you've looked at your monthly budget and you know how much you can afford for your mortgage. Remember, it's best to keep your housing expenses at about 25% to 30% of your monthly expenses. Any higher and you may run the risk of not being able to afford your dream home.

Use the Right Keywords to Search for Your Dream Home

Your dream home is waiting!

Searching real estate websites for your dream home requires the right keywords. If you want to find a craftsman home with a swimming pool, search for, "craftsman with swimming pool."

The keywords you choose should describe at least some of the main features of the home you're after. The top websites for real estate will also include an advanced search option. This option will allow you to choose the size of the home, the price range and many other features.

Finding your dream home should be fun. It shouldn't feel like a chore. With these tips and your list of needs and wants, you should be able to easily find the home of your dreams by searching on real estate websites.

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