Quote:
Originally Posted by Jayems
So, what are the best methods to find good deals? Through builders? MLS? Finding open houses?
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For the most part you'll be sticking to mls for the best deals as that's where the best ones seem to be right now. Get a realtor to set you up on a specific mlx search where they enter in specific criteria such as areas, size, type of house (ie two storey/bungalow, remember size greatly changes between different styles), certain number of bedrooms/bathrooms, garage, or whatever else you'd like in a home. That way you'll get new listings that match you search criteria right away emailed to you. Whereas as for it usually takes a few days before a listing goes from the realtors mls to the public site, I've seen many cases where homes sells before they have a chance to go on mls.
That said still keep your eyes out everywhere to find a home, mls, welist.com, websites, facebook, craigslist, wherever. Open houses can be advertised in the paper, but all those homes are usually on mls therefore I wouldn't be worried about missing something by not checking out open houses. But if you're out in a certain area you like and see an open house you may as well pop in and check it out. I would recommend interviewing a couple realtors for sure, even something as easy as over the phone. Ask them what they'll do for you to find a home? I would recommend trying to find someone not so pushy, especially in this market, where they'res no rush and lots of choices out there.
I'd probably say do some research on builders yourself. I'd mention it to your realtor and for the most part they should call around and do some research, but there's no mls system for new build therefore it's up to you or your realtor to call every sales center regarding prices, which can be a difficult task. As well some builders don't offer commissions to realtors therefore your realtor may decide to hide that awesome deal he found for fear he wouldn't get paid, which is really unethical, and against many obligation a realtor owes his client, but I guarantee it happens.
Mike_Oxlong is right, I'd say go with a mortgage broker as opposed to the bank specialist as they only have one bank to choose from where a broker has numerous options which usually means a better rate.
Feel free to PM or ask away in this thread any questions as I am a realtor.