Like most shopping experiences these days, homebuying almost always begins online. With just a few clicks, you can have the home listings for any area right in front of you. Run a search for Old Saybrook real estate, for instance, and you will be presented with a variety of homes to consider.
As with most online shopping experiences, searching for a home online requires that you understand what to look for while searching. It is also a good idea to keep in mind the tricks home sellers use to improve the chances of selling their homes.
Research the area before looking for a home in it
Before you begin a search for a home, take the time to find out more about the areas you are considering relocating to. Before typing in houses for sale in Old Saybrook, CT, simply type in Old Saybrook to learn a bit about the area and the people who live there.
Most cities and towns have a website you can visit. This can be a great resource. It will not only give you information about the number of people and homes in the area, but you may also find information about income levels and demographics.
The town website should also provide information about the town’s weather, schools, and things to do. Check out the upcoming events page as well. This will give you some insight into the types of events and activities in the area.
For those of you who are social media savvy, check out the Facebook pages or Twitter accounts of the towns you are considering. You may find a great deal of recently updated information on them.
Most cities and towns have a website you can visit. This can be a great resource. It will not only give you information about the number of people and homes in the area, but you may also find information about income levels and demographics.
The town website should also provide information about the town’s weather, schools, and things to do. Check out the upcoming events page as well. This will give you some insight into the types of events and activities in the area.
For those of you who are social media savvy, check out the Facebook pages or Twitter accounts of the towns you are considering. You may find a great deal of recently updated information on them.
Consider taxes and other expenses
The vast majority of real estate listings will include the asking price, but that one number does not tell the whole story. Property taxes vary widely from community to community and can add significantly to your monthly payments. Take the time to find out the current tax bill for any home you are considering.
Property taxes are just one of the expenses to look at. Many communities also have an occupation tax. You will also likely have to pay for your water, sewage, and trash either as a single bill to the township or as separate bills.
Another potential expense is a homeowner’s association (HOA) fee. Not all communities have an HOA, but if the area you are considering does, you need to determine the monthly payments. They can be as high as thousands of dollars per month.
Property taxes are just one of the expenses to look at. Many communities also have an occupation tax. You will also likely have to pay for your water, sewage, and trash either as a single bill to the township or as separate bills.
Another potential expense is a homeowner’s association (HOA) fee. Not all communities have an HOA, but if the area you are considering does, you need to determine the monthly payments. They can be as high as thousands of dollars per month.
Pictures are great, but videos and floor plans are better
It is exciting to scroll through the posted pictures of a house you are interested in, but you must be cautious. The people taking the shots may know precisely how to manipulate the images to make a home seem farther from the road or the neighboring houses or make the rooms appear larger than they are. This can be especially deceiving if the rooms are empty when photographed.
While there is no substitute for actually viewing the house in person, you can get a better idea of the actual dimensions of the home and the surrounding property by using some of the tools of the trade. Google Maps will allow you to see a picture of the house and the surrounding area from several perspectives. Also, if the listing offers you a virtual tour, take the time to use it to get a better sense of the size and shape of the rooms in the house.
Floor plans can also be a great way to get a feel for the layout of a house. While you may not be able to envision a 12’ by 12’ living room, you can certainly look at a floor plan and compare the size of that room to any others.
While there is no substitute for actually viewing the house in person, you can get a better idea of the actual dimensions of the home and the surrounding property by using some of the tools of the trade. Google Maps will allow you to see a picture of the house and the surrounding area from several perspectives. Also, if the listing offers you a virtual tour, take the time to use it to get a better sense of the size and shape of the rooms in the house.
Floor plans can also be a great way to get a feel for the layout of a house. While you may not be able to envision a 12’ by 12’ living room, you can certainly look at a floor plan and compare the size of that room to any others.
Find the right realtor
No matter how internet savvy you are, buying a home is easier, safer, and more efficient with a trusted partner. Before you get too deep into your search for houses for sale in Old Saybrook, CT, or anywhere else, find a great realtor to help with your search.
Not only can a skilled and experienced realtor help you narrow your search parameters, but they can also provide you with tips and tricks to make online searching more effective.
Not only can a skilled and experienced realtor help you narrow your search parameters, but they can also provide you with tips and tricks to make online searching more effective.
- The realtor you choose should already be familiar with the area. If you ask about Old Saybrook real estate, they should be able to answer many of your questions about the home prices and cost of living in the area.
- An experienced realtor should be able to tell you about the lifestyle in the area you are considering.
- This realtor should also be able to tell you about the tax structure for the area and whether there are other hidden costs like HOA fees or occupation taxes.
- Chances are good that any experienced realtor has been involved with posting pictures of houses they are selling. They know the tricks that can be used to enhance a home or distract from any negatives.
- Most importantly, once you have waded through the listings online and whittled them down to a chosen few, your realtor can set up viewings and walk you through the home, pointing out any pros or cons.
- When you decide you have found the home of your dreams, your real estate agent can act as your advocate and help improve the chances that your bid will be accepted.
Ready to make a move?
If you are ready to begin searching for your dream home in Old Saybrook real estate or any of the surrounding areas, reach out to the Nancy Mesham Team. Whether you are buying or selling, the team has the experience, patience, and tenacity to ensure you get the most out of the transaction.
