Brigita's Blog: 10 Things to Take the Head Aches Out of Home Buying

Here is a list of 10 things for homebuyers to take the trauma out of home buying.

1. Find a real estate professional who’s simpatico and knowledgable.  Homebuying 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 really is 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.  If you wait too long, there's a good chance you'll miss out on your dream home.

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.  Go by how you feel in the home.  If you feel comfortable in it, chances are it is the home for you.

4. Realize 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.  Your real estate agent can help you by doing comprables on the home.

6. Remember your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum.  Don’t get 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. Get approved for a mortgage before looking for a home.  A mortgage pre-approval letter assures the seller that you are most likely qualified to purchase the home.  Investigate insurance availability, and consider a schedule for moving ahead of time.  Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your offer much less attractive to sellers.

8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your homebuying 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 over the years and are considered as great investments, a home’s most important role is as a comfortable, safe place to live.