Hey Ry, all are outstanding answers below. I do suggest working with a Realtor as well. One item to pay attention to is you agency relationship with your Realtor. Do you know if they are working as YOUR AGENT or your transaction broker. A buyers agent works in your best interest and is your advocate while a transaction broker "facilitates the transaction".
There are two different types of relationships and I find that much of the public is not aware of this.
Having a Realtor that you feel is placing your interests first can be very important particlularly when searching for a home that is going to also be a smart financial decision. Pulling out statistical data to support a purchase price that you are happy with, researching neighborhood trends, searching for more "motivated" sellers are things that a dedicated BUYERS AGENT should do for you. Just dont settle for a list of homes and making an offer on a home without market research to justify the offering price.
If you like you are more than welcome to contact me at http://www.RelocateToGrandJunction.com
Kurt Thomas

Hello Ry,
One way I think buyers can get the best deal, is to make sure they get a good feel for what's on the market for the type of home they are looking for. I encourage all my buyers to look at as many homes as possible that fall into their criteria, the reason being is that you then start to see what is a good deal and what is not. There are home searches out there that can help you do just that. You don't have to physically go to all the homes. I have a free home buyer search that is great for that.
As mentioned before working with a Realtor will benefit you the most. I'm happy to help in any way.

Hi Ry, I am so glad to hear that you may be relocating your family to the Grand Junction area. Grand Junction is a great place to fulfill all of you and your families dreams. There are some great deals on homes right now, we have a lot of motivated sellers. Also there are a lot of homes on the market for you to choose from.I do believe if you choose to move your family to the Grand Junction area you will get the most for your money by choosing a Realtor. While choosing a Realtor my suggestion is to interview several and see who has the knowledge of the market, the time and compassion for your families needs. Please contact me if I can be of further assistance. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you!!

Hello Ry! Grand Junction will certainly welcome you should you decide to move your family here. While we are experiencing a buyer's market in Grand Junction, we have not seen the price drops that most of the nation has seen in the past year. There are certainly some "deals" to be had, and those homes usually become deals because of seller motivation. The key to finding the deals is by having a professional Realtor on your team that can educate you on the market, show you properties for sale and help you to decide where you might be getting the most for your money. That great news for you is that there are a lot of homes to choose from right now! Buying a home is a process, and is one in which having the assistance of a professional Realtor would be in any buyer's best interest. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if I can further assist you. Thanks and we look forward to having you here!

The best deal for you and your family is relative to both money and quality of life. First we will address money. We have a great market here right now for securing a great property at a value price. Value in regards to getting the most for your money. There are many sellers offering never before heard of incentives to buyers to bring qualified offers on property. A good realtor can show you historic prices in any area for your review. This information will ensure you are getting more for your money today than any time in the last three years in my opinion. Prices here are not plunging . However there are some properties owned by builders that are being offered for what that builder has in them. The quality of life part of " the deal" The western slope has been known for the healthy economy as it relates to the rest of the country. Just announced on the 25th best places list. We have wonderful schools, low crime, friendly people, great arts and civic programs. All this leads to a proud and hard working community that supports good core values without selling out time honored ideals and family. I have lived here 24 years. My family and I would never consider any where else to live. When you put this together there is no better "deal" out there for a family. We look forward to you joining us a great" deal." I look forward to assisting you if you choose. There is no better way to make sure you are getting the most for your money in any market than using a " REALTOR"