The Home Buying Process
Step 5: Search Properties
Now that you have specified your priorities and have selected a real estate agent from Prudential Utah Real Estate; you are ready to explore the homes that are available. For a productive search, here are a few guidelines to follow.
- Find out as much information about the neighborhoods that interest you as you can. Does that information meet your expectations and priorites?
- Have your agent search your selected neighborhoods for homes.
- Applying your priorities to the homes they find, rule out properties that will clearly not work for you.
- Ask your agent to set up a Buyer’s Tour of the homes that you are interested in seeing. Don’t waste time on homes that didn’t meet your criteria.
- Take notes when visiting homes so you can remember what you saw.
Second Visits
Once you find a house you like, take a closer look at the details. Even though you’ll hire someone to make a formal inspection should you decide to make an offer, there are several high-level areas you can examine now to get an idea of a house’s current condition.
Functionality and Flow
- Does the floor plan flow and make efficient uses of space?
- Does the house get good natural light?
- Do the outlets sit where you want them?
- Is the carpet, hardwood, or tile in good shape?
- Are the furnaces and appliances acceptable?
Visible Problems
- Condition of the walls and paint/wallpaper?
- Roof? Does it look newer?
- Condition of the yard, trees, etc.?
- Is the basement dry or does it smell moldy?
- Are the windows in working condition?
