Best Ways to Find a New Home

If you talk to a Grand Rapids real estate agent, they will probably tell you that the inventory of homes on the market is pretty low right now. That may seem like bad news when you’re interested in finding a new home, but really there are still some very nice homes available, and more coming on the market all the time. It may be worth thinking about some of the best ways to go about finding a new home.

1. Online search. Most people begin their home search online these days. That’s especially appealing once the weather turns cold! Online searching can be both efficient and convenient, and you can stay comfortable in your own home, office, or coffee shop. The key is to find an online search tool that works well for what you hope to accomplish. Some home searches are downright tricky to navigate, or don’t have a way to filter for the homes you are really interested in seeing. Other sites, like Zillow and Trulia, are notorious for inaccurate listings, because many homes are sold before they even make it to a Zillow or Trulia database, and then they may appear as available long after they have actually been sold. That’s why The Sprich Group offers an up-to-date picture of the current listings available in the Grand Rapids real estate market through the home search tool on our website , updated daily with the most accurate local information. If you try it, you’ll likely find yourself coming back to that search daily to visit your favorites or see what’s new on the market.
2. Grand Rapids real estate agent. If the agent has an active network, they can often turn up listings you might not have known about, or listings that you wouldn’t have realized fit your criteria (whether that be price range, features, or potential). Perhaps you’re looking for a 4-bedroom home, but the agent knows of a 3-bedroom home that would be easily renovated. Talk to your agent to find out how they will go about helping you find a home that fits your needs. A Grand Rapids real estate agent is an essential partner in finding the new home that fits your needs – as long as that agent has a long, successful track record, and maintains expert knowledge of the local market.
3. Social network. It doesn’t hurt to put feelers out among friends when you are getting ready to move, especially if you know someone in a neighborhood you are interested in. You may get some insider information, or you may even get the drop on a nice home that is soon to come on the market. As long as you’re comfortable, go ahead and tell anyone and everyone that you’re looking for a home, and see what happens. If you’re working with a Grand Rapids real estate agent, share any information you glean with your agent as quickly as you can.

When you’re ready to put a Grand Rapids real estate agent to work for you in your home search process, contact The Sprich Group at 616-485-0952. In the meantime, try our online home search tool , and happy house hunting.

Photo: Sam Saunders ( some rights reserved )