Tips For A Successful Home Search

Not all home searches are the same, they don't even come close. My partner site, TheIllinoisHomeSearch.com, has the most complete home database in Northern Illinois. Registration is not required, however, Rules require registration to view the complete homes database. The good news is, without registration you can still view thousands of available homes. But my registration is safe, secure and I respect your privacy. Also, registration gives you access to even more features. For example, two nice features are a map based search so you can actually see on the map just where the listings are located. Also, you will have the ability to receive email updates as new homes hit the market. Why is this important?

For starters, if you are the first to see a home and are interested in making an offer, there is a very good chance that without anyone else seeing the home, the sellers may be more inclined to consider your offer. Setting up automatic email alerts will send you an email when a home meeting your criteria enters the market. If you're serious about buying a home, I'm sure you can see this as a major advantage.

Secondly, my search permits you to "exclude contingent properties" from your search results. This greatly reduces the chances of you being emailed about properties where the seller has already accepted another buyer's offer.

Lastly, if you've also got a home to sell, my database can show you the asking price of properties similar to yours. I can also provide you with detailed reports of actual "sold prices" for homes similar to yours. And since the purchase of your new home and the sale of your existing home are two independent transactions, there is no conflict of interest. I can work to get you the new home at the lowest possible price while still working to get you the highest possible price for your existing home.

And just as important

You will need to start the pre-approval process with your lender. If you do not have a lender picked out I can make some recommendations to you. If you are financing your home purchase, you need this pre-approval letter before you can go out on showings. It's quick and painless and in some cases it can be done over the phone. It helps me by weeding out the "curiosity seekers" which in turn allows me to spend more time with serious home buyers. You're not under any obligation due to obtaining this pre-approval letter. And more importantly you won't be able to make an offer without having the lender pre-approval letter.