{"id":3671,"date":"2014-11-05T16:03:41","date_gmt":"2014-11-05T21:03:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bhgre.com\/bhgrelife\/?p=3671"},"modified":"2015-01-05T16:14:09","modified_gmt":"2015-01-05T21:14:09","slug":"how-to-search-homes-for-sale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bhgre.com\/bhgrelife\/how-to-search-homes-for-sale\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Search Homes for Sale"},"content":{"rendered":"

Searching for a new home can be an exciting endeavor and a great place to start is online. The online real estate search engine, provided by Better Homes and Gardens\u00ae Real Estate come with special features that are designed to help you select properties with the specifications you require and homes for sale that fall within your budget.\u00a0 As you go through listings, imagine yourself settling into any one of the homes for sale listed in the site\u2019s comprehensive database and find the home that is a perfect fit for you.
\n 
\nPreparing to Search Homes for Sale Online<\/strong>
\nWrite a checklist of your requirements before you search for homes through an online website. Decide on the minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms acceptable for your needs. Although prices are negotiable, you should still have an idea of the price range for your property search. A list of must-haves may also be helpful. Examples could include a pool, large backyard, finished basement or two-car garage.<\/p>\n

Knowing the Terminology for Your Real Estate Search<\/strong>
\nIf you\u2019ve never conducted a search for properties online before, you\u2019ll need to familiarize yourself with the terms and abbreviations used often in real estate ads.\u00a0 For instance, here are some common abbreviations that you may come across: bedroom (BR), bathroom (BA), kitchen (KIT), dining room (DR) and living room (LR). Financing terms like \u201cshort sale\u201d may also be found in real estate listings online, so it would be good to know that a \u201cshort sale\u201d occurs in lieu of foreclosure and means the sale price will fall short of the liens owed against the property.<\/p>\n

Narrowing Down Your Real Estate Search Results<\/strong>
\nOn the landing page of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate\u2019s website, you’ll see a toolbar used to search available homes nationwide. You can first search for apartments and houses by putting in the zip code, neighborhood or town name in the search field of the online real estate listing site. If your initial search for homes is in an area where a Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate office is located, you will be taken directly to that local website.\u00a0 That website will not only contain listings that you searched for but also relevant local information to your home finding needs.\u00a0 You can do this by specifying the number of beds and bathrooms you require; additionally, enter a price range, the property type and the desired amount of square footage for your new home.<\/p>\n

You are also able to search for homes using the MLS listing number. Real estate agents assign each property with a unique identifying number in order to easily advertise homes for sale on various media platforms. The ID number not only helps you quickly locate a particular property, but will also help you find out the name of the agent who is listing the home for sale.<\/p>\n

When you search homes for sale through Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, you\u2019ll be able to view more than simply the basic details about the property. Enhanced features include information about neighborhood housing trends, school district data and price comparisons of nearby properties. Photographs and maps are also attached to each entry to help you determine your level of interest in the property. Once you have selected houses you\u2019re interested in, you may work with your Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate agent to set up a walk-through or attend an open house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"