HOME
BUYERS!
10 Things to Take the Trauma Out of Homebuying
1. Find a real estate agent that's simpatico. Homebuying is not
only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It's
critical that the agent you chose is both skilled and a good fit
with your personality.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Accept that no house is ever perfect. Focus in 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 real estate process, but trying to "win" by
getting an extra-low price may lose you the home you love.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying
budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be some costs. Don't
leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.
9. 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.
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 over from 1998 to 2002, a home's most important
role is as a comfortable, safe place to live.
Ken
Asher
Broker Associate
Heritage Realty
5265 N. Academy Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO. 80918
Dir:
(719) 930-7817 Toll-Free (866) 930-7817
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