The Real Estate notebook writes,
Take your time. Sure, once you decide to buy a home, you’ll be anxious to move in and start a new phase of your life. However, you want to be careful not to rush the process so you choose the home that’s right for you. Make use of online listings, which offer you a constantly updated look at all the homes that fit your specifications. In addition, remember that buying a home entails more than just the house. You’ll want to take the time to research the neighborhood and nearby amenities like schools, shopping areas and parks — all which will also affect your house’s eventual resale value.
Select an agent. Just as you are a unique home buyer with your own specific needs, no two real estate agents are alike. Take the time to talk to several Realtors about your home-buying needs so you can choose one who will provide you with the most options. Start by talking to friends and family about agents they’ve used in the past and work on a referral basis. And look for agents who make use of today’s most advanced real estate tools, such as virtual tours, online listings that appear in real-time and e-mail updates.