Houses for Sale: How to Narrow Your Search for Your Perfect Home

With the increased popularity of websites like Zillow and Trulia, viewing postings for houses for sale is easier than ever. So how can you filter through those postings to narrow your search down to a manageable selection? We have a few ideas of things that can help you in your quest for the perfect home.

Begin the process by making three lists: “needs,” “wants,” and “deal breakers”, with deal breakers being things you want to avoid at all costs. Be careful in making these lists that you are being honest with yourself. If something is really a “want” and not a “need” make sure to put it on the appropriate list. Likewise, don’t include something on the “deal breakers” list that you actually would be okay with. You are going to use these lists to help you sort through the endless postings of houses for sale, so you don’t want to be second guessing your lists while you are trying to use them as a checklist. After your lists are made, the only houses that should remain for you as possible options should include all of your “needs,” hopefully some “wants,” and nothing from your “deal breakers” list.

Another great tool that you should use in helping to narrow your search is your realtor. Real estate agents are familiar with houses for sale and can easily help to schedule showings of houses that have what you are looking for. Be sure to be honest with your realtor, so they can show you houses you would truly be interested in.

One last tip to narrow your search is to know your budget and stick to it. Don’t be tempted to look at houses that are out of reach financially. Strike any house out of the running that does not fit your budget.