boneyjean
Posted : 8/21/2006 9:40:36 PM
Oh Jean, I am so excited for you! What a big step! I know the feeling, I am making it myself right now. I like to do my research online, then drive around and narrow down some more. I am not sure if you are like that, but if you are there are a few websites that I found really helpful.
[link
http://www.realtor.com]www.realtor.com[/link] is suppossedly the one all the realtors suggest. I thought it was a good starting point for sure. I found the absolute best one by going to [link
http://www.mls.com]www.mls.com[/link] and then following the links to my specific area. I don't know if all the ones in the specific areas are any good but I know the one for the DFW metroplex was awesome. It gave me the dates the property was listed (with that realtor), when the price was reduced and by how much etc etc. This is all really good info if you are familiar with the areas you are looking in and want to maybe find something for a lower price that needs a little or sometimes a lot of work. It can give you a feel for how desperate someone might be to sell and how much they might come down on the price. Also, you can often look up the property taxes on your county tax assessor collector. I don't know, it may be different where you live. If you go to the realtor websites that are common in your area you can often find them there too.
Anyway, I wish you the best of luck in your search! I also think you should find your own place and leave the crazy LL out of this one! And please please please, spend the money and get a full inspection when you do find that house that you think is the one. It can save you tons of money down the road.