I have found the best way to 'start looking' is to drive around and look at neighborhoods in whcih I'd like to live. Then I can narrow my choices down to houses available in those neighborhoods. There are so many to choose from (neighborhoods that is) that you should get a handle on that first. Some helpful ideas to think about: close to shopping? restaurants? mass transit? highways? commute time? schools if children are (or will be) involved? entertainment (e.g. movies, theater, etc.)? suburbs vs city? work? church/synagogue/mosque? crime statistics? Once you've settled on the neighborhood(s) then you can start narrowing down house choices. Most neighborhoods have from high end to low end housing prices. You will definitely need to get pre-approved to make your shopping easier. Remember that there is Federal money available if you are a first time home buyer and there can be county or state money available too. Even some grants are out there so talk to a reputable broker/bank and see what they have to offer. Your Realtor should be able to give you some help on that too. When you do decide to go view houses, make sure you have your own Realtor and do not rely on the listing agent (they represent the seller, not the buyer). Sellers generally pay the commission so it shouldn't cost you anything to have your own Realtor. Talk to a couple Realtors before you settle on one. You want someone who is knowledgeable, knows the market where you want to purchase and with whom you get along really well. You'll be spending lots of time with them so you need to mesh. (Anyone on this page has the wherewithall to represent you!) Good luck!

1) Good to be "in the market" when the buying traffic is slowed slightly for summer. Sellers will be eager to please.
2) It will probably take you at least 30 days to feel you've seen enough of whats out there and to find THE ONE - assuming you work during the week and don't have a lot of extra time on your hands. >Mid -late Aug. to offer.
3) negotiations always favor the one NOT in a hurry. Add a week or so to get ratified ( especialyl if ANYONE is on vacation!) Of course, I don't plan to go anywhere - but that's just me. End of Aug Under Contract?
4) A comfortable settlement schedule from ratified contract is usually 30-60 days. You should offer to close as quickly as you can bc that appeals to sellers BUT in fact the reality, especially with FHA loans processing time and title work is more like 45 days or so. It can be done quicker for sure, but it's hard to push it faster. So there you are at early to mid Oct.
5) The ultimate luxury is to settle and then make the move somewhat gradually, maybe allowing a week or two to prep the place or do whatever you like to it. It also means you can keep the cost of the move down.
So add it all up and you are at mid to late Oct.
So get yourselves pre-approved and happy hunting. Happy to help if you need any. 410-258-8935

It is the PERFECT time to start looking! It can take some time to find the house of your choice.
CONGRATS on taking the correct first step -- getting pre-approved!
The best bet is to speak with a REALTOR (R) and interview to ensure that person is the right one for you. Ensure they do a buyer counseling session, so they can find out your wants and needs in detail before ever looking at homes.
Good luck with your search, and please let me know if I can be of further service.
Thank you, and have a great day!
Sincerely,
Marney Kirk

Some sellers may need a rent back as it gives them flexibility and may look upon your flexibility favorably. The more time you have in your hands the stronger your negotiating position and options.

It would be good to have a meeting with a Realtor to discuss the homes that are available to you in your price range. A Realtor can provide you with a list of homes in different areas that match your needs. Once you have a list of these homes, you can drive by the different houses and it would give you a good idea of the areas that you do and do not like and types of homes that you do and do not like. This would prepare you for when you are ready to look for homes in October.

Hello Sbbalto, No. Reason being is you want to give yourself time to transfer from your job, get all your affairs in order. Also the processing of a loan will take about 45 days. If you should have any further questions please feel free to contact me.
Warmest Regards

No, it is not too early. Especially if you find a short sale that you are interested in. They usually take no less than 90 days. Feel free to contact me if you are not currently working wih an agent. I would be happy to help you in your search.

Kim

It is absolutely NOT too early to start looking. Because of market conditions (especially short sales), it can take months to buy a home. The first thing you should do is call a Realtor (like ME!!). Then you should get pre-approved by a lending institution. Then look for a home.

Alan
(443) 789-6712