Step 1 - Are You Ready

Step 2 - Get a Realtor

Step 3 - Loan Approval

Step 4 - Look at Homes      

Step 5 - Choose a Home

Step 6 - Make an Offer

Step 7 - Get Funding

Step 8 - Get Insurance

Step 9 - Closing

Step 10 - What Next?

10 Steps to Home Ownership - Step 4 Look at Homes

Some 6 million new and existing homes are sold each year. There's no shortage of housing options, but with so many choices the challenge becomes finding the property which best meets your needs.

The housing market is complicated because the stock of homes for sale is always in flux. If it were possible to have a complete list of every home for sale at this very moment in a given community, such a list would become obsolete within seconds as new homes become available and properties now for sale are put under contract.

In effect, buyers are looking at a moving target in a marketplace that is never static. Because of this, it is important to know as much as possible about the choices in preferred markets, and the way to do that is by working closely with a local REALTOR® who has a good "lay of the land."

What are you looking for?
A home is more than just a collection of bedrooms and bathrooms. Several properties -- each with four bedrooms, three baths, and the same price -- may well represent radically different designs, commuting distances, lot sizes, tax costs, interior dimensions, and exterior finishes.

Each of us is different and so it's important to list the features and benefits you want in a home. Consider such things as pricing, location, size, amenities (extras such as a pool or extra-large kitchen) and design (one floor or two, colonial or modern, etc.).

Next, it's important to consider your priorities. If you can't get a home at your price with all the features you want, then what features are most important? For instance, would you trade fewer bedrooms for a larger kitchen? A longer commute for a bigger lot and lower cost?

Lastly, consider your needs in several years. If you'll need a larger home, maybe now is the time to buy a bigger house rather than moving or expanding in the future.

Where should you look?
All neighborhoods and communities have a special nature that gives them identity and value. One community may be well known for historic homes while another offers both suburban living as well as easy access to downtown office areas and highways for commuting.

How do you find a house?
You can register to receive daily listings of homes in Medina at www.MedinaCountyMLS.com.  Medina County MLS is a free service to help buyers find their dream home.  Every day you will be emailed a list of homes for sale and price changes that match your search criteria.  The data base is updated every 24 hours for accuracy and up-to-date information on homes as they hit the market.  This MLS service also allows you to keep track of all homes of interest by making notes, filing in favorites, deleting, etc. 

                        You may also visit:

                        www.CuyahogaCountyMLS.info             www.SummitCountyMLS.info

                        www.LakeCountyMLS.info                      www.LorainCountyMLS.info

Some buyers like to search REALTOR.com® by looking at listings on the basis of location or price; others prefer to have local REALTORS® suggest properties; and many buyers prefer all approaches.

Regardless of your choice, it's important to target your search. By using basic measures such as general location and affordability, you can refine your search and focus on homes that offer the most desirable features.