WEBVTT Kind: captions Language: en 00:00:01.150 --> 00:00:05.900 If you’ve ever planned a move you know exactly how tiring and time consuming searching for 00:00:05.900 --> 00:00:07.840 a new home can be. 00:00:07.840 --> 00:00:13.089 Fortunately though, whether you’re renting an apartment, looking for a roommate, selling 00:00:13.089 --> 00:00:18.160 a house, or buying a new one, there are a number of free resources that can make the 00:00:18.160 --> 00:00:21.150 search for your next home a little bit easier. 00:00:21.150 --> 00:00:26.240 Sites like Zillow, Trulia, Craigslist, or Homefinder, and others like them, allow you 00:00:26.240 --> 00:00:29.599 to search listings and look up property details. 00:00:29.599 --> 00:00:33.740 Most sites also have apps available for iOS and Android. 00:00:33.740 --> 00:00:37.690 But whether you’re searching from your computer or phone, in order for sites like these to 00:00:37.690 --> 00:00:41.590 be most effective, you’ll need to start by entering some information about what you’re 00:00:41.590 --> 00:00:42.590 looking for. 00:00:42.590 --> 00:00:46.300 First, think about where you’d like your new home to be located. 00:00:46.300 --> 00:00:52.330 You can search by city name, zip code, or you can get even more specific with map features. 00:00:52.330 --> 00:00:56.000 Next, think about your “must-haves”. 00:00:56.000 --> 00:00:59.510 Narrow down search results by entering how many bedrooms and bathrooms your new place 00:00:59.510 --> 00:01:03.850 will need, as well as how much money you’ll be able to spend. 00:01:03.850 --> 00:01:07.190 If you’re searching for a rental property, this is where you’ll usually be able to 00:01:07.190 --> 00:01:09.430 apply other filters as well. 00:01:09.430 --> 00:01:13.430 For example, whether you’ll need a washer and dryer in the unit, or if you need a place 00:01:13.430 --> 00:01:15.420 that is pet friendly. 00:01:15.420 --> 00:01:19.760 Most sites provide a pretty wide variety of filters to help you find your perfect home. 00:01:19.760 --> 00:01:23.810 Just know that if you narrow things down too much, you might not actually be able to find 00:01:23.810 --> 00:01:25.920 any listings in your area. 00:01:25.920 --> 00:01:30.950 So take the time to really consider your needs versus your wants. 00:01:30.950 --> 00:01:35.409 Once you submit your search criteria you’ll be able to begin browsing listings. 00:01:35.409 --> 00:01:39.470 When you select a property, you’ll be able to read more about it, like details about 00:01:39.470 --> 00:01:43.200 the neighborhood, or what schools or businesses are nearby. 00:01:43.200 --> 00:01:48.430 This is also where you’ll be able to see additional pictures of the interior and exterior. 00:01:48.430 --> 00:01:53.370 From here you’ll also find contact information for the agent or individual associated with 00:01:53.370 --> 00:01:54.640 the property. 00:01:54.640 --> 00:01:58.470 If you find a property you’re interested in, contacting the person associated with 00:01:58.470 --> 00:02:02.250 the listing and finding out if the property is actually still available should be the 00:02:02.250 --> 00:02:04.520 first thing you do. 00:02:04.520 --> 00:02:09.369 Most sites will also allow you to save searches so you can easily check for updates, and even 00:02:09.369 --> 00:02:13.629 set up notifications if any new properties that meet your specifications have been added 00:02:13.629 --> 00:02:16.230 to the listings. 00:02:16.230 --> 00:02:19.989 No matter which site you use, if you plan on renting, you’ll want to make sure you 00:02:19.989 --> 00:02:23.129 know how to spot and avoid rental scams. 00:02:23.129 --> 00:02:27.190 Make sure you’ve done your research so you know what red flags to looks for. 00:02:27.190 --> 00:02:31.420 Most sites will offer advice on how to safely search for rental properties. 00:02:31.420 --> 00:02:36.180 Overall, whether you’re buying or renting, utilizing any of the home-search websites 00:02:36.180 --> 00:02:40.489 available should help make the process of finding your next home easier, and less stressful.