10 Things To take The Trauma Out of Homebuying
1. Find a real estate agent that’s simpatico. Homebuying 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.
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