How to Find a Property Without Using an Estate Agent

Find the home of your dreams.

In the days before the Internet, it was almost impossible to find a property without using a real estate agent. However, now that tools are available online, it is relatively simple for even a novice buyer to find property without professional help.

Things You'll Need

• Computer access
• Internet connection
• Local classified ads

Instructions

1. Use local classified services. The Sunday newspaper in most areas lists homes and properties for sale. Online services such as Craigslist and Zillow also offer a listing of available properties and homes in your area. Searching Craigslist and Zillow is free, and your Sunday paper is usually inexpensive (or available at your local library).

2. Search the MLS Online. The MLS--or multiple listing service--used to be only available to retailers. Now, many real estate brokers will allow you to search the MLS for free on their website. Real estate agents offer this service to get you to sign up with them, but although you may need to register, you are under no obligation to work with a firm just because you use their online search tool. MLS Online (mlsonline.com) also allows you to search the MLS for free.

3. Visit properties. While looking at pictures on the Internet is helpful, you'll need to actually visit the properties you find to see if they are right for you. You don't need an agent to do this either; you can simply call the phone number listed on the Internet site to find out when open houses are and/or set up a time for a private viewing of the home.