10 Tips to Take the Trauma out of Home Buying

The home buying experience can be very stressful but not necessarily. Realtor Magazine Online offers the following to help make the process more satisfying and enjoyable.

 1. Home buying 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.

Courtesy: National Association of Realtors