Home buyers, there’s still time to lock in a home purchase before the federal tax credit’s April 30 deadline. True, you won’t have several more months to look around, but you will have a pretty big incentive sweetening the deal if you don’t wait.

Here’s how to find and buy the home of your dreams fast.

1. GET PREQUALIFIED FOR A MORTGAGE.
No sense visiting homes if you can’t afford them. Getting prequalified for a mortgage lets you know exactly what you can or can’t afford to spend. Then you’re ready to search. Plus, this will make sellers more comfortable with accepting an offer from you, and it will make the process faster once your offer is accepted.

2. SEARCH ONLINE.
Hands down, the fastest way to find your next home is by researching listings online. Rather than spending days at a time touring different properties, you can point and click your way through hundreds of homes in one evening. Go to BuyOwner.com now to search for for-sale-by-owner residences in your price range!

3. NARROW DOWN RESULTS & GO VISIT.
After you’ve done your online research, looking at what’s available and comparing prices, narrow down the list of possibilities. Call Buy Owner sellers directly (eliminate the middle man by buying FSBO!) and schedule showings. When you visit, know what questions to ask, and know what you’re prepared to offer.

4. MAKE AN OFFER.
Because you’ve already been preapproved for a loan and because you’ve researched other for-sale properties, you are well-prepared to make an offer on a home. For more information on this step, see Buy Owner Blog article, “Making an Offer.”

And voila! Assuming the paperwork all goes through on time, you’re set to qualify for the tax credit, move into your new home and begin enjoying life in it!