Do a drive by in the neighborhood you may be considering if you're not familiar with the area after school hours. I had an agent once taking me around at specific times to miss the neighborhood commotion. Both neighborhoods would have had me as a minority. Also look through the local MLS and see if you see something you like and have them show you. For sale by owner without an agent was by far the easiest transaction I ever made. You still get the home inspected and stuff, just less costs for everyone.