Prepareing For Your Search

           Be prepared for sticker shock when looking for a property; the value will appear to be very low if you are moving to California from other parts of the United States.  It might take a little while to establish a feel for the value of California's market. Be prepared to look at a number of properties during the search process.  You should also consider that this purchase may be an interim one, and you will look for that ideal property in a few years.

Before you start looking, sit down and write out a list of your needs.  Establish what is absolutely a must and what would be desirable.  Basic needs should consider a minimum number of bedrooms, baths, maximum price, cities or neighborhoods, minimum house size, lot size, traffic, schools, shopping, and condition of property, etc.

Searching The NET Real Estate Way

          Finding a property the NET Real Estate way is very simple. You define your needs, and we will provide for you a descriptive list of all properties on the MLS that match your needs. We will also give you  maps showing their locations. (Our mapping is unique to NET Real Estate, and makes your search much easier).   Once you receive the lists and the maps the process goes as follows:

• You drive around and view the properties
• You select the properties that interest you
• NET Real Estate provides you with the details on the individual properties
• NET Real Estate sets up an inside tour of all the significant properties

This process continues until you select a property on which to put an offer.  The next step is to get a offer price.  This is addressed in another section.

Finding A Fixer-Upper

        The best way to find a "Fixer-Upper" is to refer to the information on our lists under the "Dollars per Square Foot" column. Listings that are obviously below the average rate for the area are probably in need of some "TLC".  Be aware that a lot of people are searching for these properties, so you must be ready to move fast when a good one comes on the market.  It would be a good idea to get a loan "Pre-Approval" before starting this kind of search.

REO'S and Foreclosures

        Many of our clients ask us to help them find properties that are in foreclosure.  Most foreclosures are listed on the MLS like any other property. The banks have working relationships with individual agents who sell these properties. The individual agents set a price and put them on the market.  Be aware that many foreclosures may have significant problems. The banks do not have to provide a "disclosure" statement to the buyer, and they are not required to disclose any problems to the buyer. There are good buys out there and potential problems.  Just remember that the banks are trying to recover their costs and if they can,  make money on these types of properties.