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Find
a Realtor as soon as you can! 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.
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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.
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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.
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Accept
that no house is ever perfect. Focus in on the things
that are most important to you and let the minor
ones go.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. |
