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SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL WHO'S WHO IN REAL ESTATE THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016 13 (StatePoint) Are you on a serious hunt for a new home? Whether it's your first time as a real estate buyer or you've done this many times before, you may experience a learning curve. After all, the market is forever in-flux, and experts advise that, these days, there are some distinctive challenges involved in becoming a homeowner. "If you want to snag your dream home in a sell- er's market, then you'd better be on your game," says Grant Simmons, who drives the consumer marketing strategy for Homes.com, a leading on- line real estate resources site, with close to three million real estate listings for sale or for rent. Simmons is offering expert tips to give buyers a leg up in today's competitive marketplace. • Know what you want: Make a list of the features you desire in your next home, and then separate them into wants and needs. Having your priorities in order will help you better determine whether a house truly suits your needs and where you're will- ing to compromise. • Use your imagination: Buying a live-in ready home offers convenience, but you can potentially save thousands of dollars on the front end on an ugly or tired home with great bones or personal- ity. Choose a real estate agent with vision who can help you find the diamond in the rough in your de- sired location. Remember, there can be large return on small, affordable updates. • Know the deal-breakers: In a seller's market, you may feel pressured to sign on the dotted line as soon as you find that home you really like. Before committing to a mortgage, do your due diligence. A shoddy roof, bad plumbing, foundation issues, out- dated wiring and water damage are costly head- aches you may not want to take on in a new home. • Do smart research: The Internet is your friend. So rather than cast a wide net, conduct smart searches. Sites like Homes.com make real estate searches easier by connecting buyers with timely and accurate listing information, as well as the list- ing agent. The site also features comprehensive, valuable data on the quality of life in local neighbor- hoods, including market reports, commute calcula- tors, school scores and cost-of-living analyses. For more information, as well as such free resources as downloadable house-hunting checklists, tips and mortgage calculators, visit www.Homes.com. • Get serious: Busy real estate agents with a tight schedule prioritize serious prospective buyers. Be first on their list. Before you discover your dream home, get your financial ducks in a row, because when competition is fierce, you can't afford to wait for mortgage approval. It may be a seller's market, but with smart re- search, foresight and planning, you can make a wise purchase. Home-Hunting Tips in a Seller's Market (c) Goodluz - Fotolia.com