10 Things to Take the Trauma Out of Homebuying
- Find a
real estate professional who's simpatico. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Accept
that no house is ever perfect. Focus in on the things that are most
important to you and let the minor ones go.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Factor
in maintenance and repair costs in your post-homebuying budget. Even if
you buy a new home, there will be some costs. Don't leave yourself short
and let your home deteriorate.
- 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.
- 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 from 1998 to
2002, a home's most important role is as a comfortable, safe place to
live.
