10 tips to take the trauma out of homebuying

The homebuying experience can be very stressful but not necessarily. REALTOR® Magazine Online offers the following to help make the process more satisfying and enjoyable.

1. Homebuying is a big financial commitment and an emotional one. It's critical that the real estate agent you choose is both skilled and a good fit with your personality.
2. 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.
3. Don't ask 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.
4. Accept that no house is ever perfect. Focus 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 process, but trying to "win" by getting an extra-low price may lose the home you love.
6. 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 the home.
7. Don't wait until you've 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.
8. 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.
9. 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 an average of 5.4 percent annually in recent years, a home's most important role is as a comfortable, safe place to live.

Buying property is a complicated proposition. You need a professional - someone to answer your questions and guide you through the process. Someone who adheres to a strict code of ethics. So, make sure you're working with a REALTOR®.