Searching for a home can be frustrating. To reduce the frustration and the amount of time shopping it's important to know what you want.
Write a list of what you would like your home to have.
Here are some examples
A pool
an updated kitchen
a two car garage
a shed
a fenced yard
a tub in the Master bath
all tile floors
carpeting in the bedroom
1300-1800 sq ft
new roof
new ac
block construction
Divide the list into two categories. Must haves and those that are Like to have or maybe things you can add later if the price and location of the home is right.
Speaking of location. Go to google maps and search areas you prefer to live in. Maybe you want to be within 5 miles or 15 miles of where you work. Send your realtor the perfect location. Example: in between Siesta Key and N Venice or more specific you can use streets and directions. East of 41 between Fruitville and Bee Ridge. Maybe you know the name of the subdivision- Southridge, Gulf Gate, Courtyard villas, the meadows, South Venice, etc.
By sharing with your realtor what your looking for price, size, location, etc. I can conduct a search and schedule showings or send listings that are more in tune to what your looking for. Sometimes its a learn as we go process. If you schedule showings with your realtor take notes as you see each home. Write a list of likes and dislikes for each one.
Doing this may save you countless hours of driving around and seeing homes you have no interest in.