The First-Time Homebuyers Top Ten New Year's Resolutions for 2011

I've been thinking for the past two days about writing My Top Ten New Year's Resolutions but instead I thought it better to start my three part post with The First-time homebuyers Top Ten New Year's Resolutions; move on to Seller's Top Ten New Year's Resolutions; finishing up with My Top Ten New Year's Resolutions, learning from past mistakes and incorporating them into this year's business plan. 

So here's to 2011 and The First-Time Homebuyers Top Ten New Year's Resolutions for 2011:

1. I will find an agent that I connect with, trust and work with them exclusively and use my agent's name when I sign in at open houses;
2. After getting pre-approved through a reputable loan officer/bank, I will look only at houses that are priced at and/or below my pre-approval amount;
3. I will not call up the listing agent or listing broker of a house I'm driving past, see on the internet or in the local newspaper;
4. I will call MY agent and ask them about the house I just drove past, saw on the internet or in the newspaper (9 out of 10 times your agent will have a reason for not telling you about that house in the first place [example, price too high, not enough bedrooms, etc.];
5. Once I write up an offer with MY agent, I will NOT log on to Trulia and ask other agents questions (if you don't trust your agent's actions, consider not using them; if you don't understand the process or are questioning negotiations, an inspection issue, etc. ask your agent for a full explanation - it's their job and duty to explain it to you fully.  If they can't, find another agent who can and let your agent's broker know that they couldn't, didn't or wouldn't!);
6. I will hire a real estate attorney to represent me;
7. I will keep an open mind and look past the seller's tastes (you are not buying their furnishings or decor - they will take that with them when they leave; ignore the paint colors too!);
8. I will make two lists:  "minimum" requirements list and a "wish list." The minimum requirements will list things that a house must have for you to consider it (example, you have two kids - a boy and a girl, they need separate bedrooms = 3 bedrooms are a minimum requirement).  A "wish list" covers things that you'd like to have but aren't essential, things that you can live without and/or in due time, add or change yourself.     
9. I will make sure my lists are realistic and coincide with my budget and pre-approval amount (although you can have champagne taste on a beer budget, you certainly can't buy champagne on a beer budget);and
10. If I'm NOT ready to buy a house, I will search the internet, visit open houses, browse newspaper listings, maybe even call on a few real estate signs but I will NOT and I repeat, I will NOT waste the valuable time and energy of a real estate agent until I am READY, WILLING and ABLE to buy. 

So there you have it -- The First-Time Homebuyers Top Ten New Year's Resolutions for 2011!  Look out for my next post, Sellers Top Ten New Year's Resolutions for 2011, followed by My Top Ten New Year's Resolutions for 2011!

 As always, Essex County Real Estate at its BEST!

 
Gina Chirico, Sales Associate
Lattimer Realty
397 Route 46 West 
Walgreens Shopping Plaza
Fairfield, NJ 07004 
Cell: 973-715-1158
Office: 973-575-6353 ext 17
Fax: 973-882-8543
http://GinaChiricoRealEstate.com
Gina@GinaChiricoRealEstate.com

****With deep roots in Essex County, I service buyers and sellers throughout many Essex County towns and neighboring Morris, Passaic and Union Counties, specializing in the West Essex Communities of Fairfield, Caldwell, West Caldwell, North Caldwell, Roseland, Essex Fells, Verona and Cedar Grove and my hometown areas of Belleville, Bloomfield, Nutley and Little Falls.****

 

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