Buying a new home can be an exciting time. It can also be frustrating and exhausting. To help prepare, here are five important things to know about the market.

1. Is it a buyer’s market or seller’s market — and what’s the difference?

•  In a buyer’s market, there are more homes for sale than there are people who want to buy them. 
• In a seller’s market, there are more people who want to buy homes than there are homes for sale.
• Look at days on market, list-to-sales price, and other data points to see where your market is right now.

2. What are the local pricing trends?

• Do some online searches in communities where you’d like to live. 
• Check neighboring areas and towns and compare prices there, too.
•  Areas with higher home prices usually are in higher demand.
• As you become familiar with trends, you’ll be able to spot good deals and overpriced homes.

3. Where are the up-and-coming areas?

• A key indicator of a soon-to-be-hot town is new infrastructure and development.
•   Look for new businesses, shopping centers, roads, and schools.

4. How are the schools?

• Schools are ranked by how well kids perform on math and English tests.
•  Compare school scores for neighboring areas and try to prioritize good school districts; it’s good for resale.

5. What are the neighborhood demographics?

• How many homes are occupied by owners?
• How many are rented?
• What’s the average age of occupant?