5 Tips to Find a Home Faster

It’s tough finding a place to buy or rent. Housing markets are very competitive all around the country. You may want to move or start your own household, but it feels like it would be easier to just remain in the home that you currently live in.

What makes it more difficult is the fact that many people rely primarily on online search tools to find homes. Therefore, if you see a property online, so do hundreds or thousands of other people who are also competing to find a place to buy or rent.

It’s tough. But here are some tips that can help you find a home faster, while creating other lasting benefits for yourself at the same time:

Tip #1. Don't just look for homes; look for connections

Online search tools are great, but at the end of the day the landlords and sellers are people. Therefore, you should make sure that you’re connecting with people who are connected to potential landlords and sellers. You can connect with real estate agents, attorneys, PTA members, local store owners/managers, or even neighbors. For every 5 properties that you find online, try making at least 1 real-life connection. Build an authentic connection, let that person know what type of home you are searching for, and stay in touch.

Tip #2: Don't just build your credit; build community.

The home-buying or renting process can be very finance-focused, but there is an unspoken force that is not reflected in your credit score or your bank account. That force is “community”. As you become more involved in the local community where you want to own or rent a home, even if you don’t live there yet, you will end up receiving more information than you would if you were not “plugged in” to that community. Inside information is often the difference between finding an available home faster versus learning about it online when everyone else has already started competing for it.

Tip #3: Don't just save; sow and serve.

You absolutely MUST save in order to have a downpayment or deposit for your next home. When you find a community where you truly want to plant yourself, you may feel inspired to sow a seed into that community by making a donation to a local organization. Even if it is a small seed, it can become the roots of your belonging in that community as the owner and/or occupant of a wonderful home there. Likewise, by volunteering some of your time with an organization or an event in that community may also grow your roots there.

Tip #4: Don't just make offers; make friends.

Finding your next home is not just a transaction; it’s a new chapter of your life. It’s an opportunity for new experiences with your existing friends and an opportunity to make new friends. Enjoy those opportunities even while you’re searching for a home. Try attending events, classes, meetings or worship services in the community where you’re looking for a property. Bring a friend with you or find new friends while you’re there. If you are able to feel welcomed in that area, it will boost your confidence as you go to make offers for homes in that area.

Tip #5: Don't journey alone; go with others.

You might be the head of your household or the only person contributing financially. Whether you’re solo or part of a partnership, it’s beneficial to discuss your home search process with someone else. Even if they are unfamiliar with the process themselves, there’s something very powerful about verbalizing your thoughts to someone else. It helps you to become even more clear in your own mind about your strategy, your preferences and your opportunities. Use conversations to accelerate your home search. Use Ownerscope to accelerate your conversations.

Connect more and own sooner. Ask someone today, "What's Your Ownerscope?"