By Elizabeth Putnam, Real Estate Broker | Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty | Asheville & Western North Carolina
Now for the fun part: let’s see what is out there! Once we have a comfortable price range, it is time to start looking at homes. A useful property search combines current listing information with a clear understanding of what matters most to you.
My recommendation is to start broad and narrow the search as we learn.
Begin with an MLS Search
I will set up a search through our local Multiple Listing Service, or MLS, based on your budget, location preferences, and property needs.
Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin can be helpful additional resources. An MLS search gives us a shared source of listing information and updates, making it easier to discuss the same properties. Listing information still needs verification when a detail is important to your decision.
If you find something elsewhere, send it to me. I can check its status and investigate questions about the property.
Separate Needs from Preferences
Think about which features are essential and where you have flexibility.
- Do you need main-level living?
- Is a particular location or commute essential?
- How much outdoor maintenance are you comfortable with?
- Are cosmetic updates an option?
- Does the property need to support a specific use?
For mountain properties, access, internet service, road maintenance, and the practicality of the site may matter as much as the view. If rental use is important, we need to investigate the applicable rules rather than assume it is permitted.
Leave Room for Discovery
A search that is too restrictive can eliminate a home that might work beautifully. A room labeled as a bonus space might meet your office needs, or a nearby community might offer the setting you want.
There is rarely a perfect property—even the dream house may have a closet that makes you say, “Really?” The goal is to understand which compromises fit your life and which do not.
Your priorities may change after a few showings. That is useful information, and we can adjust the search together.
Want help building your search? Reach me at (828) 301-6374.
Related reading: Step 4: Exploring Homes and Neighborhoods · Homebuying Overview
- Homebuying Guide
