The internet is one of the most valuable assets to homebuyers, and with instant access to newly listed homes on the market, it can be downright addictive.
There is much more to utilizing the internet as a homebuyer than simply searching for homes. Knowing what information is available can help relieve some of the stress of buying a home. Here are some practical ways that homebuyers can leverage the internet to help them during the purchasing process.
Local Neighborhood Info
One of the most important aspects of buying a home is understanding the neighborhoods and areas in which you are interested. Using the internet to learn more about the areas you’re considering can help narrow down the neighborhoods that work best for your needs.
Many neighborhoods with homeowners associations now post their bylaws, covenants and restrictions online. You can find all kinds of valuable info in these documents, and even the fiscal health of the association. Simply do a quick Google search of the neighborhoods in which you are interested to find out more about them.
YouTube videos are one of the fastest growing types of content in the real estate industry. You can find great insider information from local brokerages and agents who post about neighborhoods on a regular basis. This is especially helpful if you are an out-of-town buyer wondering what certain neighborhoods look like. Local community videos can reveal all sorts of interesting details about the area.
[See: The Best Apps for House Hunting.]
Step-By-Step Guides
For many first-time homebuyers, the process of buying a home can seem daunting. Fortunately for us, the internet has an endless supply of information on each step of the buying process. Real estate professionals and brokerages are constantly posting new articles, videos, and infographics to help online consumers understand the steps involved.
How-tos on getting a mortgage, finding a real estate agent and making an offer are all right at a homebuyer’s fingertips online. Even if you have previously bought and sold a few homes, it’s still nice to know that this information is online, in case you need a quick refresher course.
But note that the process of buying a home can vary slightly based on different regions of the country. Be sure to find resources that are specific to the area in which you are looking for a home.
Finding Professional Services
Most homebuyers will need the services of real estate professionals to get the job done. Realtors, mortgage lenders, title companies, home inspectors and appraisers are all a part of the process. The internet is a great resource to research and find the right professional that fits your needs.
There are many websites that offer paid ad placement for real estate professionals. Be wary of using these sites to find professionals as any real estate professional can pay to show up there. Just because a real estate professional has a presence on the internet does not necessarily mean that they are a good fit for you.
A simple internet search of “homes for sale in X city” can reveal some of the top local brokerage websites in your area of interest. You can look through these websites for client reviews and to see what kind of information they share. If they seem knowledgeable and openly share information that helps you, they may be worth checking out.
[See: 10 Ways to Save Energy and Reduce Utility Bills at Home.]
Property Tax Records
Tax records can show when a property was last sold, how much it sold for, how much the buyer financed and details about the previous owners. This information can be valuable for many different reasons.
Property tax record websites differ by area — many times they are maintained by the county. If your county has a property tax website, this can be a great resource to find data about certain homes online.
In some cities, the property tax records may only be accessible through the real estate agents’ multiple listing service portal. You may need to do some research to find the best way to access this information, but it’s usually available online somewhere.
Be wary of third-party websites that offer automated valuations on properties based on the property tax info, as these can be wildly inaccurate. It’s always best to work with a local real estate professional to gather real-time information from the local MLS to determine accurate property values.
Permit History
Most counties have some sort of regulation on building and construction permits. It’s likely that this information is available online and available to the public. If so, you can learn a lot about a property based on this information. Homebuyers can check to see when the water heater and roof were last replaced, or whether a deck addition was fully permitted or just a project that the homeowner did themselves without a permit.
Home inspectors will often look up these permit history records when they are doing an inspection for a homebuyer. However, you shouldn’t assume that they will — it’s best to check out the information yourself to determine the accuracy of what you receive from others. A quick scan of the permit records up front can save you time by revealing important issues that may not show up until much later in the process.
[See: Weird Home Features That May Confuse Homebuyers.]
Use More Than One Source.
The internet is unregulated and can serve up information that varies wildly. Be sure to consult multiple resources to cross-check facts to make sure that you are receiving correct information. Consult with your local real estate professional as well. They can help guide you to the most reputable resources while you research online.
Knowing how to best leverage the internet when buying a home can relieve stress and help homebuyers feel empowered. The internet is an amazing resource that has brought change to the entire real estate industry over the last decade. Utilize it to its fullest and you can save time, money, and undue stress.
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5 Simple Ways to Utilize the Internet When Buying a Home originally appeared on usnews.com
