When it comes to looking for the right home you have a range of options, including the Internet, newspapers, real estate publications, real estate agents, open homes, or simply checking out the local area.
Home viewing checklist
When you are ready to check out some homes that might best meet your wish list (see What do I want in a home checklist) print a few copies of the Home viewing checklist (PDF) to take with you. This might be useful when you are trying to decide which home to buy.
The Internet
The Internet is a useful home-hunting tool because most property websites have extensive photos of the properties listed. You can also usually save time by searching for properties that meet your specific criteria. Here are some useful links:
‘Composite’ real estate sites (featuring listings from a range of areas and agencies):
Most real estate agencies will also have a website you can use to get information about potential properties. To find them:
- Go to Yellowpages and search for ‘real estate agents licensed’ in your area
- Using your preferred search engine, enter in the name of a particular real estate company.
Newspapers
Your local newspaper is another major form of real estate advertising, mainly on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Real estate publications
Regional real estate publications such as Property Press, The Real Estate Guide or Property Extra have listings from a whole range of real estate companies. They’re free and readily available – you’ll find them at real estate agents, on stands, on the street and at places like bus and train stations. Many real estate agencies also have their own publications.
Real estate agents
As well as looking on their windows, you can register your interest with as many real estate agents as you like. Some homes are listed exclusively with one agency, so the more agents you contact the wider you’ll spread your net. Agents may also let you know of properties that are not officially on the market yet. Be as specific as possible about what you’re looking for to avoid wasting your time with properties that are clearly unsuitable.
Open Homes
Many properties have open homes where you can simply turn up at the advertised time (usually in the weekend) and take a look inside the property. The real estate agent will be there to talk to (and they may ask for some contact information so they can follow up with you later). Open home times are usually listed in the advertisements for that property, and some real estate offices can provide lists of all the open homes they are holding on a particular weekend.
For sale signs
If you are keen on a particular area, simply drive around it and check out the ‘For Sale’ signs in the front of properties. These will list the real estate agents’ name and contact details; take a note of these and follow up on any properties that look promising.
Ask around
Ask friends, family or colleagues if they know of any suitable homes on the market - or even not on the market. Some homes never come onto the open market. There’s nothing to stop you, for example, dropping a note into the letterboxes of homes in an area you’re interested in, saying that you’re looking to buy in the area and listing your contact details – or even knocking on the door of a property you like the look of to find out if the owner is interested in selling it.
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