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When you decide to buy a house, you’ll probably be so excited that you can barely wait to get started. However, there are a few points you should know before pulling out your laptop and beginning a blind search. To avoid getting overwhelmed, use these three tips to your advantage.

How to Use Online Shopping When You Want to Buy a House 

1. Choosing a Site

First, make sure you’re using a site that’s reliable. While there is lag time between when realtors put homes on the market and when sites start showing them, many websites update every 15 minutes, and they use the industry-standard database, Multiple Listing Service (MLS), for their information. Instead of waiting to see listings when you have an appointment, you can use a reliable site to show you options 24/7.

2. Setting the Parameters

buy a houseBefore you start an online search, prepare your filters and parameters just as you would when talking to a realtor. What’s your desired budget, bedroom quantity, backyard space, and HVAC setup? Get pre-approved for a loan before tempting yourself with houses that are out of reach. When you open up the website, put in these specific parameters to limit the number of homes that appear.

3. Using the Other Features

Of course, these advanced listing sites show much more than pricing and square footage. Dive into the details of each listing to envision your future life there. Is the area friendly for pedestrians? What is the crime rate? How are the local schools rated? In addition to researching active listings, use these sites to look up prior sales—how much did homes in your favorite neighborhood end up selling for? You can even use 3D virtual tours to get a glimpse of what your viewing will be, as well as if you want to schedule one at all.

 

You should also balance your online hunt with a real-life search—only a professional realtor will know the nuances of a neighborhood, cater your search to your unique personality, and help you access exclusive listings that sites don’t show. If you’re looking to buy a house in the O’Fallon, MO, area, turn to Christine Williams of Coldwell Banker® Gundaker. She caters to buyers and sellers alike and has over 20 years of experience in the industry. To discuss your dream property in person, call (314) 882-7050. You can also visit the website if you’re looking to buy a house in the St. Charles, St. Louis, Warren, or Lincoln counties.

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