Searching for a home on the spin cycle

Searching for a home can be like shopping on Black Friday or wandering through the desert. After GPS systems that got me lost, websites that made my head spin, and homes that sold before I even walked in I’ve learned a few things. These are some of my tips for the search.

1. Google Earth is your friend. Photos aren’t always current, but even so, entire neighborhoods typically don’t change overnight. You’ll get a good sense of how it all fits together and how close parks and retail actually are compared to “minutes away.”
2. Read the local newspaper online. Where are the new retail developments? What’s being revitalized? Is the city council in the news? Why? Which neighborhoods does the media focus on for crime stories?
3. Spend a weekday and a Sunday driving around.  Weekdays let you get lost, turn around and stare at your dream home without having neighbors dial 9-1-1. Sundays are when most people are home so you can see who your neighbors would actually be.
4. See what’s in the driveways. Changing cars is easier than changing homes. If you want to know where people are at and what they aspire to, watch what they drive.
5. Talk to a barber or coffee shop owner. Barbers are confidants. They’ll know what people really think about their city, what they’re concerned about, what they’re interested in, and what they’d change.
6. Watch a show like House Hunters. I’ve learned more than I expected on how—and how not—to evaluate a home.
7. Use web sites judiciously! Use real estate web sites to get the lay of the land and to narrow down your search. If you can’t remember whether you looked at a house or not, it’s time to stop! (I know from experience!) Happy house-hunting!