by Brandon Cornett

The Internet has made the house-hunting process quicker and easier by putting a wealth of information at your fingertips. Literally. But many home buyers don't realize the many ways that web technology can help them. So let's take a look at some of the ways you can use the Internet to simplify your home search process.

1. Hire a Modern, Web-Savvy Agent

As far as Internet technology goes, there are two types of real estate agents. The first type views the Internet as a "gadget" that's not worth their time to learn. They use the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), and only that service. They are not web-savvy, and therefore have a limited view of the real estate world around them.

The second type is part of the new generation of web-savvy real estate professionals. This agent knows the value of the Internet, and is "wired" into all of the major home-search websites, among other things. This agent can help you find and research properties more quickly by using the power of Internet technology. He or she is pretty handy with digital cameras, mobile devices, and other useful tools as well.

2. Use the Big Home-Search Websites

Over the years, real estate search engines have exploded both in quantity and complexity. These days, you can visit one of these websites and gain instant access to local property listings, recent sales data in your area, and more. This is an excellent way to screen houses before you visit them, which can save a lot of time.

For example, if you only saw a black-and-white photo of a home in the newspaper, you wouldn't know what the inside rooms looked like. You would have to visit the property to find out. These days, however, you can use virtual tours and photo galleries to preview nearly every corner of a house. If it doesn't match your needs, you don't waste your time with a visit. Now that's using technology to your advantage!

3. Use Your Local Newspaper's Website

Most city newspapers have an online version of their news as well. For example, here in Austin, Texas, I can visit the Austin-American Statesman website to get information about the local real estate market, homes for sale, new subdivisions being built and more. Sure, the Sunday paper has a lot of this information. But why wait until Sunday?

4. Read Local Real Estate Blogs

Many real estate agents and companies have begun to use blogs as a way of publishing information online. A blog is like a website, only the information is presented in chronological format like a daily journal. Many agents use their blogs to publish updates about the local market, new homes they have listed and more. An agent's blog is almost always more up-to-date than the main website. So they can be a good source for timely real estate info in your area. You can find them by doing a Google search for your city name plus "real estate blogs."

5. Use Your Email Network

Do you know a lot of people who live in the area where you want to buy? Friends, family and coworkers perhaps? If so, send them an email to let them know you're looking for a home in the area. If they see homes for sale in that area, they can email you about them. Essentially, you are creating your own house-hunting "army" to help you stay on top of things.

This can be especially useful in a hot market where homes sell fast. For example, imagine the following scenario:

Jane knows that her friend Sally is looking for a nice one-story home in the Shady Lane area. On her way to work one morning, Jane passes a "for sale" sign in front of a nice one-story home in that area. She pulls over to the curb, snaps a picture with her camera phone, and sends it to Sally. In turn, Sally emails it to her real estate agent who meets her there at lunchtime to view the property. This is a prime example of how technology can help you stay ahead of the curve when shopping for a home.

© 2009, Cornett Communications.

About the Author: Brandon Cornett is a consumer advocate and publisher of the Home Buying Institute. Please visit the author's website at www.CornettCommunications.com to learn more or to contact him.

If you're planning the purchase of your first home, you're probably experiencing two conflicting emotions - excitement and apprehension.  The positive energy from your excitement is an asset in your home search, but the negative energy from your fear of the unknown is a liability you can leave behind once you're armed with some basic information.

Paramount to buying your first home is understanding how much you can afford.  You can start with any number of online financial calculators, and once you've established a budgetary picture, take the all-important next step - loan pre-qualification.

Pre-qualification may sound intimidating, but it's a great way to find your "comfort zone" and build your purchasing confidence.  When a lender interviews you and reviews your financial documentation, you'll know right now how much home you can afford.

With that magic number, you can easily weed out homes above your budget, which will save you loads of time (and disappointment) during your home search.  Then once you've found a home you love, you can rest assured that your offer will be taken very seriously, because your financing has already been conditionally backed by your lender.

If you are planning to sell or buy a home soon and would like information on its current vale, give me a call at 303-886-5991 or visit my web site at www.theedgegroup.net

Paul Gruber    CRS, e-Pro, REALTOR

Broker/ SR Partner

Metro Brokers - The Edge Group, Inc.

paul@theedgegroup.net

www.theedgegroup.net

7400 W Jefferson Ave

Lakewood, CO 80235

303-886-5991

"Buyers market."  "Sellers market."  What does it all mean when you find yourself ready to buy or sell a home?

 The basic concept behind a "buyers market" is that there are more houses or residential properties for sale in your community than there are buyers qualified to make a purchase.  This creates increased competition among the sellers for those fewer buyers, and can put the buyers in the "driver's seat" when it comes to negotiation.

 It logically follows that a "sellers market" happens when there are more prospective buyers than there are homes for sale.  Now it is the buyers who must compete against each other for available properties, often to the benefit of those who are selling.

Regardless of market conditions, many people don't have much choice when it comes to when they want or need to buy or sell a home.  Life dictates these decisions for us.  Either way, consult a professional for advice in order to get the most benefit from your real estate experience.

Paul Gruber    CRS, e-Pro, REALTOR

Broker/ SR Partner

Metro Brokers - The Edge Group, Inc.

paul@theedgegroup.net

www.theedgegroup.net

7400 W Jefferson Ave

Lakewood, CO 80235

303-886-5991

2 Bed, 1 Bath,

NEWER SIDING, KITCHEN, , BATH AND PAINT. VERY NICE LARGE MANICURED BACK YARD-GREAT SMALL HOME AT A GREAT PRICE! EXCELLENT CONDITION! NO HOA'S!

Paul Gruber    CRS, e-Pro, REALTOR

Broker/ SR Partner

Metro Brokers - The Edge Group, Inc.

paul@theedgegroup.net

www.theedgegroup.net

7400 W Jefferson Ave

Lakewood, CO 80235

303-886-5991

When you start planning to put your home on the market, it's time to show off!  Try to imagine that your in-laws are coming for an extended visit, and then triple the effort you would put into preparing for their arrival.  Sellers are competing for offers, and it all starts at your front door - literally.

Impress potential buyers at first sight with a well-tended lawn and entryway.  When they walk through the door, make sure they do not sense any clutter.  You've got to pack it up sooner or later, so take the opportunity to do it now, before another agent or buyer steps into your home.  An abundance of personal items like photos and children's "refrigerator art" can interfere with a buyer's ability to picture the home as their own.

Next, if it should shine, make it so!  Polish doorknobs, handrails, and lighting fixtures, anything that can add a little sparkle and show your pride of ownership.  This includes windows (and screens), which should let in plenty of light for the show.

First impressions really do count when it comes to presenting your home.  Accentuate its features and eliminate distractions such as personal items or unpleasant odors.  An uncluttered, well kept home will attract buyers, and a little time and care can make the difference between a quick sale and a languishing listing.

Paul Gruber    CRS, e-Pro, REALTOR

Broker/ SR Partner

Metro Brokers - The Edge Group, Inc.

paul@theedgegroup.net

www.theedgegroup.net

7400 W Jefferson Ave

Lakewood, CO 80235

303-886-5991

If there were a health issue in your family, you would turn to your doctor with questions.  Likewise, you would consult an attorney if you were facing a legal problem.  Chances are, however, that you would first go online to any number of medical or legal websites to familiarize yourself with the issues and get enough information to begin an informed discussion with the professional.

Those websites won't illustrate how to perform surgery, or advise you how to conduct your case in court.  That's up to the professional.  The Internet plays a similar role in real estate.  It's a place to discover information, but it doesn't replace the trust and service provided by an accomplished representative.

Nearly three-quarters of buyers these days use the Internet to begin their home search, and most of them eventually seek the assistance of a living real estate agent to consummate their purchase.  They're not about to take a virtual tour of 264 Elmwood Drive, add it to their "shopping cart," and proceed to "secure checkout" to complete the sale.

Buying a home is not the same as buying airline tickets or DVDs.  Real estate agents provide essential services to both buyers and sellers, marketing properties as unique as their owners.  Don't short change yourself on the biggest transaction of your life.  Seek the representation of a knowledgeable and experienced professional.

How would you place a value on your home?  More critically, how would you put a price on your home?  Sounds like the same question, but it suggests the difference between price and value that's important to understand as you prepare to sell your home.

Two homes may have identical features and prices, but factors like location and condition can impact the homes' perceived value.  To arrive at an attractive asking price, you must compare your home's value against its competition, which is easily done through realty websites and advertisements.

Your goal is to set the right price right away.  Your best window for a full price offer will come within the first three weeks, so if you don't see any activity in that timeframe, take action.  In changing markets, pricing a home becomes an ongoing activity.  You need to consider real estate dynamics - new listings, recent transactions, expired listings, shifts in inventory, and so on.

Your best source of information and guidance is your neighborhood real estate agent, whose vocation it is to monitor all those conditions and bring buyers and sellers to the table for a satisfying transaction.  Meet with your representative to discuss your motivation and timetable, compare your home's value against the competition, and analyze current trends in this market.  The relationship between price and value will become crystal clear!

Paul Gruber    CRS, e-Pro, REALTOR

Broker/ SR Partner

Metro Brokers - The Edge Group, Inc.

paul@theedgegroup.net

www.theedgegroup.net

7400 W Jefferson Ave

Lakewood, CO 80235

303-886-5991

If you move out of your home while it's on the market, you'll expect your real estate agent to handle showings in your absence.  But how do you avoid the unwanted attention that a vacant home can attract from uninvited intruders?

There are many suggestions to offer to increase your security.  While your agent likely won't have the time available to constantly monitor your home, you do have the option of registering with the local police department, so that officers assigned to your neighborhood can keep an eye on your home and perform security checks as needed (generally at no charge).

If you have a security system already installed, be sure to notify your service that the house is empty, and provide an emergency contact number.  Also employ a caretaker for the grounds, to keep the yard clean and maintained for a more lived-in look.  Stop your newspaper deliveries and make sure your mail is being forwarded to your new address before your big moving day.

Don't leave anything valuable behind, and be sure to program all of the lights on timers, inside and out.  An overlooked issue, however, is to not leave the lights on all night, as that is actually an obvious clue that no one is home.

Some simple planning now can save you untold worry and stress later.  Enjoy your move!

Paul Gruber    CRS, e-Pro, REALTOR

Broker/ SR Partner

Metro Brokers - The Edge Group, Inc.

paul@theedgegroup.net

www.theedgegroup.net

7400 W Jefferson Ave

Lakewood, CO 80235

303-886-5991

Foreclosure.  The very term strikes fear into the heart of any homeowner.  Would you believe that two in every 100 homes in the U.S. were in the process of foreclosure at the end of 2008?  If you're facing such circumstances, first understand that you are not alone.  

Most people got into this position by taking advantage of ridiculously low introductory rates on adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs).  Now that those loans are resetting, consumers face dramatic increases in the interest rate, and consequently, the monthly payment.  Even a reasonable rate like 7% becomes a burden to those who have grown accustomed to the 1 or 2 percent introductory rates.

Ideally, a short sale coordinated by a real estate professional provides the opportunity to satisfy all the motivated parties - seller, buyer, and lender.  The seller wins by liquidating the property before foreclosure proceedings begin.  The buyer benefits by securing property at a good value.  Finally, the lender benefits by not having to initiate the foreclosure or take the property back.

A real estate agent may even have suggestions to help keep you in your home.  Granted, it isn't a sale, but agents appreciate the subtleties of building good relationships with loyal clients who will refer business to them in the future.  Trust a professional to guide you through this difficult time with experience, courtesy and respect.

Paul Gruber    CRS, e-Pro, REALTOR

Broker/ SR Partner

Metro Brokers - The Edge Group, Inc.

paul@theedgegroup.net

www.theedgegroup.net

7400 W Jefferson Ave

Lakewood, CO 80235

303-886-5991

At some point in your life you're likely to find yourself either buying or selling a home. When that time comes, you might want to ask yourself some questions.

Can I figure like an accountant? Can I measure like a surveyor?  Do I understand "legalese" like an attorney?  Can I spot defects like an inspector?  Can I speak like an auctioneer?  Do I understand zoning, building codes and taxes like a city or county employee?  Do I understand human motivation like a psychologist?

Chances are you'll be hard pressed to answer all those questions with a "Yes," unless you're a real estate professional.  Why, you ask, would an agent be different?  It has to do with "rubbing elbows."

The daily routine of an active, highly committed real estate broker or agent is an exhausting one.  During any 24 hour period, such a professional will likely have contact with loan officers, lawyers, tax collectors, land surveyors, insurance company representatives, mortgage lending officers, accountants, auctioneers, courthouse personnel, local businessmen and - most importantly - buyers and sellers.

Working at least six days a week, can you imagine how many individual contacts would be made in a year's time?  Such an active individual can mean the difference between winning or losing at real estate.  After all, it's who you know, and now you know the benefits of representation.

Paul Gruber    CRS, e-Pro, REALTOR

Broker/ SR Partner

Metro Brokers - The Edge Group, Inc.

paul@theedgegroup.net

www.theedgegroup.net

7400 W Jefferson Ave

Lakewood, CO 80235

303-886-5991