Dos and Don'ts for the First Time Buyer

The typical homebuyer moves just 10 miles or less. Twenty percent of ALL homebuyers move at least 50 miles, with half of those moves prompted by corporate relocations. If you are moving to a different neighborhood--even if it's familiar to you--here are some dos and don'ts to consider.

DO

• Spend a day there.
• Attend open houses.
• Go online and visit Web sites about the town/city/neighborhood.
• Investigate other homes for sale in that neighborhood.
• Investigate what homes have sold for in that neighborhood.
• Anonymously investigate a selection of pre-screened REALTORS®.

DON'T

• Assume that your dream neighborhood is the same at night as it is during the day.
• Think that sellers or residents will tell you every hidden secret about a neighborhood.
• Assume all houses are comparables--during drive-throughs make sure you can find out which ones you should be looking at for price advice.
• Forget to ask your REALTOR® about it--they are often experts.

When you're ready to buy, why not take as much time picking a REALTOR® as your neighborhood? Click here to find and compare REALTORS®.