Top Tips For House Hunting Online

November 22, 2020

Real Estate

Top Tips For House Hunting Online

TOP TIPS FOR HOUSE HUNTING ONLINE

Hunting for a new home online is a great place to start your search, but it should not be your end all be all. Good listing agents are excellent at highlighting the best features of the home, but keep in mind there may be more than meets the eye. To make the most of your time and efforts and gather a well-rounded picture of home listings online, keep the following three things in mind.

  1. Stay up to date. When you start your search, make sure you find a site that pulls up-to-date listings directly from the multiple listing service (MLS) where real estate agents actively post their most current homes for sale. Many online resources update less often or fail to remove listings that are off the market, making it more difficult to sort through the clutter.
  2. Pictures can be deceiving. Real estate photographers are experts at showing a home in the best possible light. Many use tools and strategies to boost appeal, such as a fisheye lens to make areas look larger and creative editing to make colors and textures really pop. But, often listings will not contain photos of unappealing parts of the home, like small closets or outdated bathrooms.
  3. See it to believe it. Once you find what appears to be your dream home online, call up your real estate agent, and schedule a showing. You want to take the opportunity to vet the home in person and explore every part of it before beginning the offer process. Your real estate agent will help you cover all your bases and will ask questions you may not have thought of.

Click for Property Search

Explore Our Other Blogs

Stay Updated On Our Most Recent Blog Posts

Buyer's Real Estate Tips

The Hidden Q4 Advantage: Why Fall and Winter Could Be the Smartest Time to Buy or Sell in San Jose, Evergreen & Silver Creek Country Club

Brian Ng  |  November 3, 2026

The Hidden Q4 Advantage: Why Fall and Winter Could Be the Smartest Time to Buy or Sell in San Jose, Evergreen & Silver Creek Country Club

Buyer's Real Estate Tips

San Jose Turnkey Luxury Homes in 2027: Why Move-In Ready May Be Worth More

Brian Ng  |  October 30, 2026

San Jose Turnkey Luxury Homes in 2027: Why Move-In Ready May Be Worth More
Aerial neighborhood view of homes and autumn-colored trees in warm evening light.

Seller's Real Estate Tips

San Jose’s Two-Speed Housing Market: Why Your ZIP Code Matters More Than the Citywide Average

Brian Ng  |  October 4, 2026

San Jose’s Two-Speed Housing Market: Why Your ZIP Code Matters More Than the Citywide Average
Aerial view of a leafy suburban neighborhood with detached homes and winding streets.

Seller's Real Estate Tips

Mortgage Rates Hit 7%: What San Jose Buyers & Sellers Must Prove

Brian Ng  |  September 28, 2026

Mortgage Rates Hit 7%: What San Jose Buyers & Sellers Must Prove
Modern two-story home with stone accents and landscaped yard at dusk.

Buyer's Real Estate Tips

More Listings, Harder Choices: San Jose’s 2026 Selection Strategy

Thao Dang Pham  |  September 4, 2026

More Listings, Harder Choices: San Jose’s 2026 Selection Strategy
Backyard patio with a covered deck, hot tub, and putting green at dusk.

Buyer's Real Estate Tips

San Jose’s New Payment Test: Why Buyers Need Proof—and Sellers Must Show It

Brian Ng  |  August 29, 2026

San Jose’s New Payment Test: Why Buyers Need Proof—and Sellers Must Show It

Let's Talk

You’ve got questions and we can’t wait to answer them.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM