10
Things to Take the Trauma Out of Home Buying
1. Find
a real estate professional who's simpatico. Home
buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an
emotional one. It's critical that the practitioner you
choose is both skilled and a good fit with your personality.
2.
Remember, there's no "right" time to buy, any more
than ther'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% annually from 1998 to 2002, a home's most important role
is as a comfortable, safe place to live.
Reprinted
from REALTOR®
Magazine
Online by permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Copyright
2005. All rights reserved. www.REALTOR.org/realtormag
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