Whether being a local resident or a single expat living somewhere in overseas, suitable living space is basic need of everyone. And house-hunting is the first step towards finding suitable lodging. Renting and buying are the most common options you can opt for after considering your needs.
Technological progress has not only revolutionized business sector and routine life but also transformed the traditional process of accommodation search. It is no more remain limited to classified ads in newspaper. Now you can smartly start your home via online property listings available on online search portals.
Before advent of digital technology and digital devices, the process of house hunting used to be the most time consuming and complicated step. Newspaper classified ads were the only source on which home seekers rely to find the home of their choice. Furthermore they had to spend their money and time to visit and view the units in order to choose the suitable one among them to proceed further.
Later this process simplified soon after the implementation of digital technology in real estate sector. It is suggested to do market research to find out reliable property search portals and real estate firms to avoid scams. Having considered the convenience and efficiency of online property search, people prefer searching properties online before contacting with real estate agents. You will be happy to know that most of the real estate agents have setup their website to make their listings visible online.
This will also facilitate everyone looking to rent or buy suitable residential space for their lodging. Visiting an agent office has not remained an obligation to start your house hunt. Social networks and online forums piled up market reports and property listings to educate home seekers.
Establish good relationship
Although online listings have subsided the importance of classified ads published in newspaper. You can’t ignore the importance of traditional key players of real estate market i.e. lender, real estate agent and legal adviser. Even if you have found the most suitable accommodation unit, you cannot proceed to buy without communicating with these individuals.
In order to make best property deal, you must establish good relationship with them. And good communication is the right path to develop good understanding. Keep on communicating with them to get positive results at the time of negotiation. Your agent can provide you useful information about are like number of properties sold and expected market value in next few years, whereas lender will lend you required amount.
Enjoy benefits of digital technology
Whether being buyer or tenant, everyone is enjoying the benefits of digital technology while hunting a dream home. Your computer screen can provide everything while you are browsing through internet. Online property search portals and real estate websites of property management firms collected huge data of listings available for sale and rent.
This will save your time by providing useful information like price, rent, floor plan and pictures about listed units. This will not only help you to decide whether the unit is capable to fulfill your accommodation needs or not, but also enable you to decide whether you can afford to buy or not. In case the chosen unit is executing most of the requirements, consider visiting the residential unit to make final decision. Personal visit will better guide you and enable you to make right decision.
Obtain home inspection report
Being a buyer, if you are attending an auction or an open house event, it will be better to ask about property valuation report from home owner or real estate agent. This report will enable you to find the actual worth of the property unit you are thinking to buy. After knowing the actual worth you can offer better bid for the unit. If the chosen home has failed to inspire you practically and aesthetically, you can step out from the deal. This will also allow you to negotiate for the prices if the asking price is unnecessarily high.
Mortgage pre-approvals
Buyers should try to get their mortgages approved before start hunting homes. This will enable you to estimate the total amount you have in your hands. Buyers who already know their budget can better search suitable accommodation space. Furthermore, getting your mortgages approved prior to hunting will also build your impression as credible buyer in front of real estate agent and seller. Last but not the least; pre-approved mortgages also empower you to take action as soon as you find a suitable home.
End note
Having considered these simple things, home-seekers can smartly search the right home for their accommodation. Irrespective to continent of the earth you are living, you can efficiently find a suitable living space for you and your family.
About the author:
Angela Davis is a freelance blogger and writer involved in blogging and guest blogging for an year. She loves to write and share useful information with her readers to improve their lifestyle