Okay call me crazy but I just bought my home online.  The first real house I've purchased in ten years,  I've never viewed it in person, I sent an agent to check it out, I don't know the first thing about the neighborhood OTHER than what I've researched online and the price was a steal. The area is one I love and the agent is one I trusted.  You can buy a house online now, and not have to spend... more.