How To Do an Effective Property Search.

Before you begin to a real estate search you should seek out and hire a real estate agent.

 Pick your own professionals and avoid recommendations from other Realtors. This advice comes from CAARE. This is a consumer advocacy group for Real Estate.  Choose an agent who comes recommended by a friend or acquaintance that has done business with the agent in the past.

• If this is your first home, or you are new to the area, hire a good real estate attorney before you begin your property search.  Ask them about any possible conflicts.  If they normally get referrals from Realtors, represent Realtors, or sell title insurance find another one. A good real estate attorney can be instrumental in protecting you throughout the process IF you cannot find a referral for a good buyer's agent.
• I recommend a variety of search engines for property searches. For example, the top home sale websites in the U.S. are Yahoo! Real Estate, Zillow.com and MSN Real Estate. I like these sites because they have access to For Sale by Owner Properties.  My site also has a very good search engine that can be trusted to show you all homes for sale. If you are a first time home buyer, I would avoid FSBO’s because they can be complicated and dangerous. Many agents will not show you FSBO’s anyway because the agents may not be oferred compensation, (I will, just because your satisfaction is my main concern). Again, for a complete property search, a combination of search engines will be keep you from missing a house that you may truly want to see. 
• Search engines that show Realtor listings are properties in which the seller owes...

When it comes to energy efficiency, look for smart features and expertise to help you save energy and money and add value to your home.

1. Begin with a Right-Sized Home.

If the home you buy is simply too large for you or your family’s needs or plans, you stand a good chance of wasting energy through excessive heating and cooling costs. If it’s too small, you’ll feel cramped and uncomfortable. It’s a big investment, so seek balance and buy it “right” from the outset. 

2. Purchase Energy Star Appliances Such as Your TV, Dishwasher, Washer and Dryer, and Microwave.

And especially the refrigerator, as it alone contributes about 10 percent of the energy use in a home. Also, unplug electronics not in use or turn off power strips to avoid phantom charges. 

3. Install Efficient Lighting Such as Compact Flourescent (CLF) or LED Bulbs in Every Fixture.

Lighting accounts for about 6 percent of an energy bill each year.

4. Get an Energy Audit and Have Tests Performed to Identify Ways of Improving Your Efficiency.

You can always upgrade your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system as well as your  thermal envelope, which includes insulation, windows, and doors  and the seals or weather stripping around them. Visit energy.gov/energytips for more tips.