Top 7 Home Search Resources For Home Buyers

Purchasing a home is an exciting experience, but how do you find the right one? There are plenty of factors that can make finding the perfect home seem so complicated, but with the proper resources, you’ll find your ideal property in no time.

In this article, we’ll cover seven resources that home buyers can use to make this long, overwhelming process that much simpler.

#1 Research The School District  

Location is everything when buying a new home, especially if you have or are thinking of having children. Websites like Niche.com and Greatschools.com publish ratings, report cards and honest reviews to help a new home buyer determine the quality of their local school district, which can sometimes be a deciding factor in homeownership. Families are willing to pay more for a home if it means that it comes with great educational opportunities for their children; however, even if you don’t have children, researching your local school district is still important. School districts have a significant impact on property values and taxes of residents.

#2 Note Taking App

Purchasing a home is a complicated process and it’s easy to get confused. When learning all this new information, it’s important to stay organized. Keep a notebook of all your mortgage-related needs. Here you can jot down any questions, ideas or plans you may have throughout the home buying process. Notebooks can be a handy resource to organize your thoughts and any information, yet there are also plenty of digital options for those who prefer to take their notes on the go. Apps like Google Docs, Microsoft OneNote, or even the traditional notes app on your smartphone allow users to insert charts, bulleted/numbered lists or graphics. They each also allow users to file their notes in different folders for optimal organization. While some prefer to take notes the old-fashioned way, digital notes are a more accessible alternative that can be easily shared at any time.

#3 Local Property Records Search

Taxes and property information are often a determining factor when buying a home. Property taxes can attract or deter buyers from certain towns or cities. Each state has their own government website where you can research local property taxes. On websites such as https://datastore.netronline.com/search, you can access property tax reports and pricing.

Property taxes are used to fund local police departments, schools and other citywide facilities. These taxes can fluctuate over time based on a property's taxable value and can vary from city to city.

#4 Download A Home Search App

Modern technology has simplified many aspects of our lives, including home buying. Apps like the Rocket Homes^SM mobile app, for instance, make buying a house simpler and more interactive.

By setting up an account with the Rocket Homes^SM mobile app, users can view and share thousands of listings and will receive notification when their saved listings change in price or have important status updates. The Rocket Homes mobile app has a feature that filters search results based on the number of bedrooms, location, price or even more specified filters like parking preferences and commute time.

Virtual and 3D tours are also available to help users get a better understanding of the layout of the home and decide which houses to view in person. Home search apps make home searching a simpler, fun process that’s accessible wherever you go.

#5 Google Maps

Google maps is a great tool not just for directions, but also for home buying. Google maps makes it easy to find your potential home's exact location relative to its neighbors and nearest main roads. The Bird’s Eye View makes it easy to locate your proximity to nearby airports, grocery stores, doctors' offices, work and other frequented locations in the area. Utilizing Google Map's Street View allows you to see your home and neighboring streets up close and personal. In street view, buildings and homes appear in their natural setting, showing you details that you won’t see with the traditional Bird’s Eye View.

#6 Mortgage Calculator

For potential homeowners, mortgage calculators can be a great resource to help plan your expenses. It can be difficult to understand exactly how much you should save, and how much you should prepare to spend monthly.

Mortgage calculators are used to help gauge exactly what you can afford, predict your monthly payment and estimate how much you should save for your down payment. The Rocket Homes mortgage calculator also estimates interest rates based on several different factors and determines what loans you’re eligible for. Mortgage calculators not only estimate monthly mortgage payments, but also help home buyers understand how variables like interest rates and the size of loans can impact their monthly payments.

#7 Connect With A Great Real Estate Agent

Buying a home can be the most important purchase in one’s life, and resources like skilled real estate agents provide support and expertise throughout this exciting yet overwhelming process. In a market that’s constantly evolving, real estate agents have access to resources like the multiple listing services (MLS) databases, created and maintained by cooperating real estate professionals to share information about properties on the market. Resources like these allow real estate agents to show their clients homes tailored to their exact needs. Real estate agents know the ins and outs of the local market, and often have better access to homes that may suit you.

Real estate agents bring a great deal of knowledge to any listing, and they have a keen eye for areas of a home that may need repairs and for the overall value of a home, making them great negotiators. Buying a home without the help of a real estate agent can sometimes mean spending more money than you should. From negotiating prices to offering unbiased guidance and advice, a real estate agent is one of the most helpful resources you can call upon when purchasing a home.

The Bottom Line

Purchasing a home can be difficult to navigate on your own, but with the use of the proper platforms and resources, these tools can lead you to your dream home. Whether you’re browsing listings on your phone or walking through neighborhoods, these resources can always be of use. Ready to get started on your home buying journey? Start your mortgage application online today and take one step closer to owning your dream home!