I just did what you are asking less than a year ago. I lived in Cali and had to move to Indiana. I looked online for several real estate companies in the area both local and nationally known. I started looking at listings and had about 5 different agents emailing what they had. I gave them the information on the type of house I was looking for so they wouldn’t send me extras. By emailing back and forth you can get a sense of how the agent will work with you. If the agent takes the time to do this over a period of time,then they are worth looking into. I found my house in the dead of winter so that when I closed and summer came, I was very happy and surprised to find that I had a 19′x24′ patio outside my back door. The agent didn’t even know……

Without a buyer’s agent, you will see some, but probably not *all* of the possibly available properties on any given market. Some owners have recently left the market, but would sell if the right buyer came along. It’s becoming increasingly common lately. They want to relist in the spring, but would sell now if someone made an offer.

As an agent in southeastern Pennsylvania, I have access to a wide variety of properties on the local market. I also have access to the properties that have recently been withdrawn from the market as well.

Click on my avatar to send me an email. Start with your search criterea and the area in which you are looking and I’ll try to get you some solid information to go on.

If I can’t help you, I’ll find you someone who can.

Buyer’s agent. There are virtual tours available AND if you can get really specific, an agent, esp. now with SLOW market, probably would go shoot some stuff for you. Then you’d need to isolate the most reasonable ones–maybe 3 in a small area–fly out and look them over.
Consider rentals as well–sure you’re going to take the job AND live there? If not, be smart to rent and not buy.
IF you’re convinced you’d live there and will sell (not rent out your house while you decide), then also you NEED a homeowner’s inspection before you buy. Some of the cheapest insurance you’ll ever get AND possibly can be used to negotiate price down if warranted.