x
Learn & Thrive

License Renewal

Easily renew your real estate license with the FREE 45 hour online license renewal package from C.A.R.


Designations / Certifications

Distinguish yourself by learning how to build a business that specializes in niche markets to nearly double your earning potential in various real estate sectors


Course Calendar

Browse our class schedule to find when and where to take real estate courses.

Classes by Topic Online Bundles Harassment Prevention Courses
How to Become a Real Estate Agent in California

Prepare to earn your real estate license with our online courses. Get your California real estate license with OnlineEd. Price match guarantee. Mobile friendly. DRE-approved. Instructor Support. Start immediately!


NMLS Approved Education for California Mortgage Licensees

Complete your eight-hour NMLS license renewal requirement through our NMLS-approved provider, OnlineEd


C.A.R. Board of Directors and Committees

The main Business Meetings page includes important links for Directors and Committee Members. The next regularly scheduled C.A.R. Business Meeting takes place February 4-7, 2025 in Indian Wells.


NAR Meetings

Check out NAR's upcoming meetings and conference schedule.


Outreaches

Learn how to schedule a C.A.R. outreach speaker for your next event and access presentations from previous outreaches.


Virtual Events

View C.A.R's upcoming and past virtual events.


For Your Clients

A one-stop shop for tools and and resources to educate consumers about the intricacies of buying and selling a home and how a REALTOR® can help.

Down Payment Resource Directory Infographics One Cool Thing Tax Reform One Sheets Fire Insurance
Digital Tools

Marketing tools from C.A.R.'s consumer advertising campaign


For Brokers/Managers

This information is designed for Real Estate Brokers and Office Managers to assist you in supporting your real estate business. 


Center for California Real Estate

CCRE's mission is to advance industry knowledge and innovation with an emphasis on convening key experts and influence-makers.


Tax Reform FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act


Multimedia Library

From webinars to videos and podcasts to blogs, C.A.R. keeps you in the know.

Videos Webinars Podcasts
Publications

C.A.R. publishes four magazine issues and various newsletters throughout the year.

Newsletters California Real Estate Magazine
CLOSE

Beginning Your Home Search

What is This?
Add a quick link to this page from the Homepage when you are signed in
Share Article

Once you've determined that you're ready to buy, it's time to begin thinking about where you want to look. You'll find there are many questions you must answer about the type of house you want to purchase. For example, are you interested in an older home or a new one? How big of a home do you need? Would you like to move closer to certain major roads or freeways? Your REALTOR® can answer many questions about the homes and communities you're considering, and in the meantime, there are myriad resources available for you to begin your research.

Location Is Everything

Do you want to live in a particular city or neighborhood? If you're a parent, you're probably considering school districts and other child-friendly options like the proximity to parks. If you're relocating to an unfamiliar area, you can contact the city or county government for information about the community. It's a good idea to investigate crime statistics per neighborhood when you're narrowing down the areas of your home search.

Or perhaps location is the reason why you're buying in the first place -- to move closer to your work, your spouse's work or your extended family, or to live within a particular school district's zone. As you're probably aware, the location of your home can have a dramatic effect on its price.

Size Matters

You may have experienced growing pains in your current home, which prompted you to pursue buying a new abode. Or you're entering a self-employed profession and need a home office. Consider all your space requirements before you start searching for a new home. There's no reason to waste time looking at two-bedroom condos when you really need a four-bedroom house.

Locating Listings

Once you've narrowed down the specifics of your ideal home, where do you find listings? Your REALTOR® has access to thousands of listings in your area through the Multiple Listings Service (MLS). He or she will help you find available homes that meet your criteria. Or, you can start your home search online through the California Living Network.


SUPPORT
Top Searches
;