Did you know that, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), only 32% of homes and real estate for sale in the U.S. are posted online? That means that 68%, which is the vast majority of real estate for sale, can only be found by pursuing offline outlets.
So, apart from real estate listings in the paper and on the Internet, what are the other ways that people can find homes for sale? Here are a few handy tips to help expedite your process!
1. Word of Mouth.
Don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth. Networking through friends, family, acquaintances, coworkers and more is a great way to find what you’re looking for, especially if it’s real estate for sale. After all, you never know who knows who, and who might have a great lead. Sometimes a person can even put you in touch with another party interested in selling before their property even hits the market.
2. Get a Real Estate Agent.
Real estate agents have an education and a plethora of experience in finding and closing great deals. These are individuals who know their specific area, and its market. They can help broker a deal for you that will result in the best possible financial outcome for you. More specifically, they can help you find the home and the real estate for sale that you’re looking for.
3. Think Long Term.
One problem that a lot of people have when they look for homes is that they feel inundated with all of the different options. Sure, you can specify that you want a two bedroom home in a certain area, but then your options become too limited. While you do want to refine your search so that you can actually manage it, it doesn’t help to be a perfectionist. Instead, think about your long term goals with the home. Is it just a starter home, or are you hoping to begin your family there? Think about what your future with the house is, and let that guide your process.
Finding real estate for sale can be a tricky process, but with a clear head and a savvy plan, anyone can do it. If you have any questions about finding real estate for sale, feel free to ask in the comments. See more.