| |
| |
Consumer
Reports for Home Buyers -
Buyers
Services |
 |
10 Things to take the
trauma out of Home Buying
- Find a real estate
agent that’s simpatico. Home buying 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Accept that no
house is ever perfect. Focus in on the things that
are most important to you and 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 may lose you the home you
love.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
 Back to Consumer
Reports for Home Buyers |
|
