House Hunting 101: A No-Nonsense Guide
Step-by-Step: How to Search for a Home
When you catch the home-buying bug, it hits fast. Next thing you know, you’re downloading apps and driving through random neighborhoods trying to see what’s out there. But before you get too deep, here are a few things to keep in mind—and answers to some common questions you’ll probably run into.
What’s the difference between a real estate agent and a Realtor?
Every real estate agent is licensed through their state. A Realtor is just an agent who’s also a member of the National Association of Realtors. It’s basically a higher standard of ethics, and they agree to follow a specific code of conduct. But either way, all agents—Realtors or not—are held to their state’s real estate laws.
What is the MLS?
The MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is a shared database that pulls together listings from different agents and brokerages. It’s not just one system, but a bunch of local ones that work together. Back in the day, you had to go through a Realtor to see this info—but now you can get access to most of it online through apps and websites.
What about open houses?
Only about 9% of buyers actually find the home they buy at an open house. Most folks start online, checking out photos and virtual tours. Still, walking through a few open houses can help you get a feel for neighborhoods and maybe spark some ideas about what you’re really looking for.
Find a lender and get preapproved
This one’s big. Don’t skip it. Knowing what you can actually afford makes your search way smoother—and puts you in a stronger position if you find “the one.”
What are some home search tips?
Here are some quick pointers, whether you’re hitting open houses or doing private showings with your agent:
Don’t look at houses outside your budget. It’s just setting yourself up for disappointment.
Bring someone with a good eye, but don’t turn it into a group outing. One extra opinion is enough.
Ask why the seller’s moving. If it’s a job transfer, divorce, or something urgent, they might be more motivated to deal.
Walk through the house twice. You’ll catch stuff you missed the first time.
Open every door—even if you think it’s just a closet. Storage matters.
Take notes on what you like, what you don’t, and how each house stacks up against your must-have list.
Snap some photos (but ask first).
Bring a tape measure to see if your furniture actually fits.
Listen for outside noise. Hang around long enough to get a sense of what it’s like during different times of day.
Use Google Maps to check what’s nearby. You might catch something you didn’t see from the street (like a train track or industrial site).
In older homes, check how many outlets there are and how much storage is available. It’s easy to overlook.
Be honest about DIY projects. If something looks like a pain to fix, it probably will be.
And if your agent isn’t listening—showing you stuff way outside your price range or in areas you don’t want—don’t be afraid to switch. Your time matters.
The home stretch
Once you’ve narrowed it down to your top few homes, test them out. Try your morning commute. Drive through at night and on the weekend. Walk the neighborhood. You’ll feel it when one just makes sense.
Final Thought
Buying a home is a big deal, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed if you jump in without a plan. But if you take your time, do your homework, and work with someone who actually listens, the process gets a whole lot smoother. If you ever need help or have questions—whether you're just getting started or already deep in the search—I'm just a call or text away.
