Some prospective buyers enjoy the thrill of the unassisted house hunt.  It is their sport of choice for a Sunday afternoon.  They plan and plot their route with the closest attention to details.  They check the Internet sites for advertised open houses, pour over newspaper ads, route their chosen path and wait for the appointed hour the doors will open.  Armed with a full tank of gas and a GPS the adventure begins.

There is something primal about the hunt for shelter.  The drive is strong and hopes are high.  I know, I've been on a few of those hunts myself. In my pre-real estate days I was an open house junkie.  A full-on addict.  I looked at open houses when I was not remotely in the market to buy; I even bought a house when I was not in the market to buy.

Pssst.  Here's an insider tip.  There is an easier way to narrow the search, eliminate the misfits and find your perfect match. If this sounds a lot like online matchmaking, it should, because it is.  All you need to do to receive your first set of potential matches is answer a few question regarding your wants and needs, likes and dislikes, deal-breakers and deal-makers and the hunt will be restricted to the location, price, view and condition you desire.  This is your hunt and you are in charge.

Today is a perfect example of how this works to the buyer's advantage.  I'm showing a client a property she received via email from the personalized search my office set up for her.  She is viewing the house when it is convenient for her schedule.  She received the information on her computer and reviewed it in the comfort of her home.  Her agent arranged the appointment and sent comparable sales for her to peruse prior to making the decision to see the property.  She knows it is in her price range, she knows she likes the neighborhood. She knows the price is close to market value. She is a busy executive and does not have time to waste.

The chase can be thrilling, but it also takes time and energy, and often ends in disappointment.  House hunting is an expensive sport and mistakes can be costly.  Equipping yourself with a good agent is a smart time management move and is one of the most efficient ways to succeed during your house hunting season.   

More Buyer's Tips from Norma!

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach.

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