If you're thinking ahead to your next dream home, the road you need to take to get there may seem confusing.

Do you search for listings online? Drop by Open Houses on the weekends? Call the number on For Sale signs?

Let's me break it down! Here are the specific steps you need to take to ensure you find a home that fits your wants, needs and budget.

1. Find out how much your current property will likely sell for on today’s market.

2. Arrange for financing, so you know what you can afford.

3. Select neighbourhoods you'd love to live in. (That may involve some fun exploring!)

4. Decide on the type of home you want to buy. (For example: detached, three-bedroom, close to schools, transit etc.)

5. Prioritize the property features you want most, so you can be flexible if a feature is missing from a home listed on the market that is otherwise ideal.  Your must haves vs your wants...

6. View properties on the market that closely fit your criteria, particularly new listings that may not yet be posted online. (Tip: Arrange to be immediately notified of new listings that are a good fit for you.)

7. When you find a home you want, work with a realtor to make a competitive offer designed to get the property — without overpaying.

8. Negotiate until you secure the deal. You should expect that this may involve counter-offers.

9. If the negotiation is skillfully done and all goes well, the home will be yours.

As you can see, there isn't a lot of mystery in finding your next dream home. You just need to take the steps and get the professional help you need along the way.

Looking for a real estate agent that can get you to the finish line? Call me - Leanne Drolet, Royal LePage Sterling Realty!  I'd love the opportunity to help you!

Moving around the corner or even across town is relatively simple because you are likely familiar with the various neighbourhoods and you can access them anytime. If there's a listed home you want to view, you can simply contact your realtor to book a showing and go see it.

However, relocating to a different town or city, is more challenging. It may not be possible for you to make multiple visits to see homes for sale. You may also be unfamiliar with the various neighbourhoods.

So what do you do if you want to move out-of-town or need to relocate due to work?

Your first step is to get the information you need. You'll want up-to-date data on the neighbourhoods so you can pinpoint the ones that are the best fit for your needs and lifestyle. You'll also want to get a sense of the types of homes for sale in those neighbourhoods — style, size, features, listing price, etc. Your next step is to vist the town and schedule a day to view homes. This visit must be carefully planned so you only see those properties that are likely to be of interest. You don’t want to travel all that way only to end up seeing properties you wouldn't likely buy. What a waste of time!

So, if you’re relocating, you’ll need help. Give me a call. I have many Realtor contacts in other cities and can help make the relocation go smoothly for you.  Let me look out for you!