Millennials are not your typical house-buying group. Unlike previous generations, they see owning a home as a temporary measure, at best. Additionally, they are more likely to view their smartphones as a substitute for a computer and rely on Google more often than Microsoft Word.
These factors, coupled with the internet’s ability to connect homes with buyers and allow for virtual house-shopping, have combined to create what could be described as the perfect scenario for a home sale.
Here, we will teach you the ins and outs of performing a home search online and how to make $10,000 or more in the process.
Step one: Choose your realty website
You will not be able to perform a successful home search without first choosing your realty website. The internet’s largest realty websites, such as Zillow and Trulia, act as information hubs, offering home buyers a place to find every detail about a home, from square footage to neighborhood amenities. Additionally, you can access photos, listing data, and mapping tools to help you figure out where you’ll fit in around the neighborhood.
On the other hand, smaller realty websites have cropped up to specialize in serving certain niches. For example, RealtyMogul.com focuses on serving the needs of millennials, providing them with an easy-to-navigate experience where they can find the home of their dreams at a price they can afford. Whether you are searching for a place to live or you are just shopping for a summer vacation, this realty website knows exactly what you’re looking for and can craft a successful online shopping experience around it.
Step two: Set your search criteria
Now, it’s time to fine-tune your search and set the criteria for what you’re looking for. Be as specific as possible and make a list of everything you want and don’t want in your new home. This will help you narrow your search results and focus on homes that match your needs. Some realty websites allow you to save your search criteria as a set, so you can quickly find it again later.
For example, let’s say you’re looking for a place to live in Seattle and have set your search criteria to include:
- An apartment or house that’s walking distance to the airport
- A coffee machine
- A dishwasher
- A fireplace
- Garage parking
- A pool or community spa
Now, you can enter this search criteria into any major realty website and quickly find a suitable listing. Just remember, the more specific you are, the fewer homes you’ll see. This is because the webmaster behind the site has to sift through a ton of data to find matching listings. So, if you have a clear picture in mind of exactly what you’re looking for, you’re more likely to find it faster than if you hadn’t been so specific. Additionally, be sure to cross-reference the location you’ve chosen with other locations you’re interested in–your old neighborhood, school district, or whatever–to make sure you’re not overlooking any vital details.
Step three: Perform a location search
Once you’ve chosen your realty website, it’s time to perform a location search. Simply enter your chosen location and hit enter. You’ll immediately see a map with pins displaying all the homes for sale in your area. Choose one of these and continue your research. Be sure to check out the homes that are local to you as well as those that are farther away, so you can get a sense of how easy or difficult it will be to get to your chosen location. You can click on any home’s photo to see more information or visit the website directly to learn more about it.
This step is critical as it will help you narrow down the choices to a manageable number. Additionally, you can use this step to get a general understanding of how your chosen location stacks up against your search criteria. For example, if you’re looking for a quiet place far from city noise but have chosen a place with an airport close by, you might want to reconsider your options. The same goes for distance from work or school. Think through all the important factors that make up your ideal living situation and use this map to help you find the perfect match.
Step four: Decide which home to visit
Now that you have a good sense of what you’re looking for, it’s time to visit a few of the homes that match your criteria. As stated above, a realty website’s aim is to provide you with an easy-to-navigate experience, so you’ll most likely end up on a home’s landing page. If you decide that a particular home looks good, click on the listing’s photo to be taken to its details page. Here, you can get a sense of how the pros describe the home. Additionally, be sure to look at the home’s stats, which you can find by clicking on the small information icon at the top of the page.
On the other hand, if you click on a listing’s photo and it takes you to a page that’s not particularly helpful or interesting, it’s time to move on to the next one. Remember: not everything online will be perfect and you’ll have to weed through a lot of trash to find a gem. The more you look, the more you’ll find, but it’s up to you to keep sifting through until you find what you’re looking for. Keep in mind: sometimes the best way to find out what you want is by comparing what you find to what you’re looking for. So, don’t be afraid to switch gears and start comparing homes, instead of just focusing on what you initially found. This could help you discover hidden gems that you would have never found without this step-by-step process of elimination. In other words, go with your gut and follow your instincts. If you listen to them, you’re more than likely to land on a perfect home that meets your needs. If that sounds like a good idea to you, then go for it!
Step five: Finalize your decision
When you find a home that seems perfect, it’s time to pull the trigger and make the purchase. Be sure to look at all the pros and cons of the item and choose the one that seems the best overall. Some realty websites will ask you to fill out a survey if you make a purchase without going through an agent first. In this survey, you will be asked questions about your experience with the company and how satisfied you were with the service. Be sure to check out these survey sites before making a purchase, as they can serve as a great resource for information about the company you’re dealing with and whether or not they are a trusted source. Additionally, do your best to negotiate the price before making a deal–especially if it’s a bit of a bargain. You can always ask the broker or seller directly for a price adjustment, if you feel like you’re getting a good deal. They might not be able to give you the best price but they can usually adjust it a bit, to make it more attractive. This step is very crucial and could save you thousands of dollars in unnecessary expenses if you do it right–especially if you’re buying a home that needs some renovations.
How to Make $10,000 Online
Now that you know the basics of how to make $10,000 or more online, its time to put it into practice. Below, we’ll walk you through each step of the way to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. We’ll also teach you some valuable tips along the way, which will help you become a better shopper. So, let’s get started.
Step one: Find a realty website that suits your needs
The first step is to find a realty website that suits your needs. Nowadays, there are hundreds of realty websites that serve multiple purposes, so you have a lot to choose from. However, not all of these websites will suit your needs–at least not perfectly. If you have a clear picture in mind of what you’re looking for, you’ll have a much easier time finding the perfect fit. Additionally, make sure to research the site’s reputation before making a purchase. In other words, do your best to find out everything you can about the company before committing to purchase from them. This will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises once you’ve made the deal. It’s also a good idea to read online reviews of the website, to get an idea of how others feel about their service and whether or not they are a trusted source. Remember: not everybody will have your best interests at heart. The more you know, the less you’re likely to be fooled. So, do your research and be sure to choose a realty website that has reviews that speak to you.