10 Tips to Help Take the Stress Out of Home Buying
2009 Is almost gone! If you havent made up your mind to buy a home, read this, it might help.
Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these 10 Tips for making the process as peaceful and stress free as possible.
- Find a Real Estate Agent who you can connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It's critical that the Realtor you choose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality.
- Remember, there's no "right" time to buy, just as there's no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don't try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer- you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn't change fast enough to make 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 from too many people will make it much harder when it's time to make a decision. Focus on the wants and needs of your immediate family- the people who will be living in the home.
- Accept that no house is ever perfect. If it's in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the bathroom is dated. Make a list of your top priorities and focus in on the things that are most important to you. 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 or by refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home you love. Negotiation is give and take.
- 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, etc, -that you forget about important issues such as noise level, location to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your life.
- Plan ahead. Don't wait until you've found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate home insurance, 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 home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be 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 financial commitment and it also yields big benefits. Don't lose sight of why you wanted to buy a home and what made you fall in love with the property you purchased.
- Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. While U.S. homes have appreciated a historically stable average of 5.4 percent annually (National Association of Realtors), a home's most important role is to serve as a comfortable, safe place to live.
An important thing to remember is that you don't have to go through the home buying process alone. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to have the right Realtor by your side. For a smooth, easy and stress-free as possible home buying experience in the Fox Cities Valley and Appleton, WI; call Bob Edwards from Coldwell Banker- The Real Estate Group today! 920-202-2431 is my cell phone or email me at bedwards@coldwellhomes.com to schedule a no cost, no obligation consultation.
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