The Home Search Process

Americans who are purchasing their homes must go through the home search process in order to find the place that is right for them. Typically, the couple or single adult interested in purchasing a home will meet with a realtor to discuss their list of important features and needs. The process may include looking at several examples of homes within their features scope and price range.

Finding a Realtor

Prospective buyers will find their first step should be finding a realtor. Ideally, people will find their realtors before they start looking for homes. If a person looks at a home with a realtor, they may owe that realtor commission if they end up purchasing the home, even if they use a different realtor to finalize the process. Some realtors will give a referral fee (25 percent of their commission) to the first realtor to ensure the other realtor stays happy and won’t sue. This can all be avoided, of course, if the interested individual looks for a realtor before looking for a home.

Making a List of Wants vs Needs

Before looking at any homes, individuals have to consider the features they want and need in a home. Prospective buyers should try to keep these options as wide open as possible, however, since listing top features will limit the houses available for viewing. The buyer might make a wish list, then, to express to the realtor some of the features he or she would really love to see in a home.

Permanent Features

It is important for the potential buyer to realize that there are certain features in a home that can’t be changed, but they are very few indeed. Location of the home, for example, cannot be changed, but everything else can (for a price). Most home owners are not going to tear down the home, so there are aspects about the floor plan that may not be easily changed. However, carpet, paint and curb appeal are often what home buyers judge the home on, and these are the easiest things to change.

Getting Unique Features

Many houses either feature a specific part of the home or have a place where a potential homebuyer could make a big change and raise the value. A kitchen design Concord, for example, may include custom cabinets and drawers with soft-close features or a specialized island for entertaining. Smart shelving and storage in closets or a basement is another feature that a practical home buyer might be drawn to. Some homes feature outdoor living spaces that add to the overall space of the home and the ability to entertain.