First by cutting down their expenses during the search and, second, by being in a strong position to negotiate the best possible price to secure the property once it has been found."If long distances are involved when looking for a property in an area well away from your current home, the costs can add up. It can negotiate a favourable price, being more detached than a purchaser who is likely to be ruled by his heart rather than his head. It can oversee the purchase of the property and, if you have a family of school age, it will source and report on local schools. A relocation agent can work out where it is best to live logistically if you have to commute, check out where the best golf course or tennis club is, help with removals and find out anything else you might need to know about a new area.If you live the other end of the country, or are coming back to England from abroad, finding out this sort of information is time-consuming and expensive. And remember, providing you are polite, there is no need to rush - take the time you need.Robert Liebman. PAYING A search or a relocation agent to find you a new home might seem an expense you can do without, but in many cases it actually pays to pay someone else to do the legwork.

A relocation company's expertise goes far further than just finding a home. Don't feel uncomfortable turning on the taps to test the water pressure or flushing the lavatory, or opening the windows. The human nose is a valuable tool for sniffing out the heavy mushroomy odour of the dry-rot fungus. Binoculars provide close- up views of roof tiles, chimneys, downpipes and other features on the property's exterior.To place the property in relation to the sun, a glance skywards may suffice, but a compass will provide precise readings, and maps are also helpful.Richard's house-hunting expeditions took him to a distant part of town."I didn't mind it at first, but after a few trips my petrol costs were adding up, and it really bothered me if I made a trip to a house that had no hope when I should have known it in advance. One house backed on to railroad tracks, and that's when I realised I should have been using my A-Z more intelligently."Town plans and, for suburban and rural areas, ordinance maps reveal the locations of schools, busy roads, railroad lines, sewage treatment plants and other landmarks.Use tape measures to verify that a sofa, piano, wardrobe or bed will fit into the nook or cranny of the new property.Never feel too embarrassed to look in the attic or cellar or cupboards again.

A camera might be a tool too far for most househunters, but it is an excellent aide-memoire.A torch and binoculars are essential. The torch enables you to penetrate the darkness of cupboards, cellars and other concealed areas where woodworm and dry rot lurk. She promised herself to have a more aggressive attitude, and the right tools, for future viewings.Few people need reminding to bring paper and pen. After viewing only three or four properties it can be hard to recall which was which, and the problem intensifies with each additional property Detailed notes are essential.