Finding the right house to buy is going to take a bit of time unless the place you have always dreamed of owning just went up for sale. You need to consider price, the house itself, and the location. When you first decide it is time to start looking, take advantage of all the options for finding homes for sale.

Real Estate Agent

The most obvious way to find the property that meets all your criteria is by enlisting the aid of a real estate agent. This person has access to almost all the properties that are currently for sale in the country. You can tell the agent what it is you are looking for, and he or she will give you a list of homes to visit and consider. Of course, this means you will have to visit homes at a time the agent is available, and he or she will get a percentage of the sale, which could make the cost increase.  In addition, ask if the agency has a property manager and make an appointment to meet with him or her. People who are renting out a home may be willing to sell it if the price is right.

Public Auction Listings

Homes that have been foreclosed often go up for auction by the county. You can receive lists of these auctions by talking to the county assessor or local sheriff's office. You will need to be preapproved for a loan to be able to bid on the homes or have the cash available to pay right away. In some cases, the house may have fallen into a bad state and need a lot of work. However, you can often get these homes at a fraction of what another home would cost you, even when you add in any repairs or improvements you have to make.

Drive-by

If you know the general area where you want to live, take some time and drive each street. Look for homes that are obviously vacant. Write down any addresses and then head to the county assessor's office of look up the ownership details online. Sometimes the current owner is not actively trying to sell the home but is willing to consider talking with someone who wants to buy it. You can also look for homes that have a "for rent" sign out front. Talk with the owner to see if he or she may consider selling the place instead of renting it.

It is a good idea to start looking for a home to buy long before you have to move out of the place you are living in now. If you own your home, this is not a big issue, but if you are renting, you may have to extend your lease until you can find your new home.