10 Things
to Take the Trauma Out of Homebuying
| 1. |
Find a real estate agent
that's simpatico. Buying a home is not only a big
financial commitment, but also an emotional one.
It's critical that the agent you chose is both skilled
and a good fit with your personality. |
| 2. |
Remember, there's no "right"
time to buy, any more than there's a right time to sell.
If you find a home now, don't try to second-guess the
interest rates or the housing market by waiting.
Changes don't usually occur fast enough to make that much
difference in price, and a good home won't stay on the
market long. |
| 3. |
Don't ask for too many opinions.
It's natural to want reassurance for such a big decision,
but too many ideas will make it much harder to make a
decision. |
| 4. |
Accept that no house is
ever perfect. Focus in on the things that are most
important to you and let the minor ones go. |
| 5. |
Don't try to be a killer
negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of
the real estate process, but trying to "win"
by getting an extra-low price may lose you the home you
love. |
| 6. |
Remember your home doesn't
exist in a vacuum. Don't get so caught up in the
physical aspects of the house itself—room size, kitchen—that
you forget such issues as amenities, noise level, etc.,
that have a big impact on what it's like to live in your
new home. |
| 7. |
Don't wait until you've
found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage,
investigate insurance availability, and consider a schedule
for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a
lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less
attractive to sellers. |
| 8. |
Factor in maintenance and
repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even
if you buy a new home, there will be some costs.
Don't leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate. |
| 9. |
Accept that a little buyer's
remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying
a home, especially for the first time, is a big commitment,
but it also yields big benefits. |
| 10. |
Choose a home first because
you love it; then think about appreciation. While
U.S. homes have appreciated an average of 5.4 percent
annually over from 1998 to 2002, a home's most important
role is as a comfortable, safe place to live. |
Return
to Buying Tips Page
Dennis Martin Realty
info@dennismartinrealty.com
|
