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Take the
stress out of home buying by following these tips:
Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream
home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as
possible.
1.
Find a real estate agent who you connect with. Home
buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional
one. It is critical that the REALTORŪ you choose is both highly skilled
and a good fit with your personality.
2.
Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, just as there is no perfect
time to sell. Even if you find the place of your dreams,
it is tempting to “wait it out” to see how the market or interest rates
will change. Keep in mind that a good home generally will not stay on
the market, and any changes in the market will generally not be drastic
enough to make a huge difference in price.
3.
Do not ask for too many opinions. It is natural to want
reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many
people will make the process much harder. Focus on the wants and needs
of the people who will be living in the home.
4.
Accept that no house is ever perfect. It is inevitable
that you will have to make concessions. Realizing this up front will
make your search much easier. You may find a home in your dream location
only to find that the yard is smaller than you had originally wanted.
The kitchen may be brand new, but the roof may need repair. Remember to
keep in mind the things that are most important to you, and stick
to those.
5.
Do not 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 or by refusing to budge on your offer may
cost you the home you love. Negotiation is give and take.
6.
Remember your home does not exist in a vacuum. Do not
get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself — room
size, kitchen, etc. — that you forget about important issues as noise
level and location to amenities. These things affect not only your
quality of life, but your resale value as well.
7.
Plan ahead. Make sure to get approved for a mortgage,
investigate home insurance, and consider a schedule for moving before
making an offer. 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 costs. Do not leave yourself
short on cash 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 financial commitment. It also yields big benefits. Do not lose sight
of why you wanted to buy a home and what made you fall in love with the
property you purchased.
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 to serve as a
comfortable place to live.
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