The website is a powerful tool in the home search. It allows you to focus on properties with the closest match to your criteria and helps you prioritize properties. It also minimizes time wasted on properties that are not real contenders.

The first step in harnessing the power of the site is to set your criteria for the home search. The best way to find out what's available in an area is to start with a broad search and then narrow in. You may be looking for a home in a specific area in a certain price range. You should resist getting too specific in this first phase of setting your criteria, so you don't prematurely eliminate any properties.

If the basic search (area and price) returns an excess number of properties, then it is time to limit the search. You can do this by changing either the price or limiting the area. This then should return a more manageable number of homes to consider. If the search returns too few properties, then broaden the area, price range, or change your optional criteria.

By starting broad and then narrowing, you minimize the risk of missing a home that might be perfect. The properties on the site are downloaded directly from the local Multiple Listing Service(s) (MLS). Many different sales professionals input data into the MLS(s). Thus there can be a lot of interpretation about how to input amenities. For example, one sales professional might consider a home to have four bedrooms while another might consider it to have three bedrooms plus a study. Perhaps for your family either interpretation could work. By starting broad you would not risk ruling out one over another

Your Property Search - Fine Tuning Your Search

There are multiple ways to set up your area search. Many of them overlap. For example a subdivision may lie in a ZIP code that includes other subdivisions. Or a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) area will contain several ZIP codes. If your search criteria do not return the right property, then try choosing an alternate area search. Sometimes you will notice properties when driving in communities which are not returned using your search criteria. Try choosing an alternate area search to more accurately match what you are looking for.

The initial home buying phase is spent learning what properties are available. Over time you will come to better understand the concessions that you are willing to make. When the search process begins you may find that you are very open to several different kinds of property. As the search continues, you will prioritize wants and needs and fine tune your idea of the 'right home.' This is a natural and normal home buying process.

The advanced search criteria help you hone in on the amenities that are critical. Many users will use their advanced search criteria for on-going searches after the initial basic search. For example you have narrowed in on the subdivision. Your lender has qualified you for a certain price range. You have seen enough homes now to know that you really want a lot on a golf course. This is the time to set the advanced search criteria. If the urgency of your search changes and you find that you are no longer willing to wait until the ideal golf course property comes along, you can remove this requirement from your advanced search criteria at any time.