How to find your Dream Property

Finding your dream property is still possible if you do your homework. It takes a concerted effort but the reward can often last a lifetime.

When searching for that special piece of property it takes due diligence, perseverance and sometimes even a little bit of luck. With a combination of these items you too can find your dream property. With today's host of online resources, finding your dream property is now easier than ever. Be sure to use local Realtors as a valuable resource. Realtors can also provide valuable insight to the best neighborhoods and issues affecting the community. They can set up a custom MLS search with the exact criteria you specify. Their MLS computer will automatically email you any new listings that come active on the market that matches your criteria. The system can also notify you if any listings have a price adjustment, both up or down.

Google Maps Real Estate is a wonderful way to look at property using their map feature. Click on options and choose Real Estate. Enter the city and Zip and it will show each property listed in an area on a map with a little red dot representing each property for sale. Click on the dots for more info and pictures along with links to the listing or website.

Craigslist is a great resource for checking local listings in any area of the country. You will pretty much find everything listed on craigslist at some time or another.

Trulia is another great place to register and have new listings emailed to you automatically. They do a great job of keeping you updated as new properties and homes come on the market based on the search criteria you specify.

Zillow is a good place to check "Make Me Sell" listings of people thinking about selling their homes. Note: Their "Zestimate" prices are not always very accurate in some areas.

Realtor.com is another great Great MLS search site that allows you to use their search box and type in the City Location and or Zip Code. This will map out almost every property for sale in an area or neighborhood.Be sure to use the advanced search feature to refine your search to narrow down the results to what you are looking for.

When purchasing your dream property it really helps if you can pay cash. Nothing talks to a seller like money in hand. Many sellers will be more willing to negotiate with you for a cash deal. The next best thing, is to get pre qualified with a bank for a pre approved amount. This can help put you ahead of other people that may want to compete for the same property. Use an online loan calculator, to see what house payments you can afford. One thing to remember, banks do not typically like to lend on vacant land.

Another option to consider if your dream property is paid off, look for a reputable contractor who will agree to finance a new home being built. Once the home is built and you have your final inspection, you can than go to a bank and refinance your new home usually at a much lower interest rate. Banks love deals like this because they are financing a brand new home with the property already paid for. For them it is a win win situation as it is for you.

Bankrate.com Home Loan Calculator

How do you know when you found your dream property? When you both feel this is it and there is no need to convince your significant other. You may be excited and even giddy, but this is the time to put on your poker face and don't let your emotions run wild. Do your homework and check out everything you can about the property before you sign on the dotted line.

Todays Real Estate market favors the buyer. Buyers will probably never have it this good again, with extremely low interest rates and housing at historically low prices. While it can be time consuming, don't give up the search. Use as many resources as you can and keep searching for your dream property. Somewhere is a seller that would like to sell as much as you want to buy.