Buy A Home The Easy Way
Buying a home can be a hair raising experience. You will experience a roller coaster of emotions while finding the right property, securing the loan and finally moving in. For most of us, the first time home purchase is the largest investment we've ever considered. The emotions of purchasing something so expensive and personal can often cloud our business judgment.
Most home purchasers do little or no research before they invest their nest egg to buy a home. Doesn't it make sense to become as completely informed as possible before you buy your first home? This special report is designed to help you avoid 10 common and crucial mistakes. The right real estate professional can help you make good sound business decisions based on your personal situation.
The 10 Most Common, Painful, Frustrating Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make:
- Inspect, Inspect and Inspect - Have your Realtor® go over the inspection report with a fine tooth comb with you. Make sure the report is done in a professional manner that deals with your specific property. For condo purchases go over the CCR's, By-Laws, and Association Fees. Don't take anything for granted...inspect everything!
- Imagine the Property Vacant - Your furnishings and decorations will be the ones filling this new residence. Don't be swayed by beautifully staged furniture; it leaves with the sale.
- Income + Lifestyle = Mortgage Payment - Again, sit down with your professional Realtor® and honestly discuss your income level and living expenses. Take into account future considerations, children, add-ons, amenities, and fix-ups. Your dream home is certainly worth the sacrifice.
- View Several Homes - Don't move too slow but don't move on the first property you see. Your Realtor® will be able to help you view enough properties to get a good overall perspective of the home market. When you find the right property all the leg work will be worth it.
- Utilize Your Team - By aligning yourself with the right Realtor® you will have an entire team at your disposal. If you don't, you are with the wrong agency. Utilize your lender, title rep and agent. Each of them will work hand in hand for your benefit. Explore all options before you sign.
- Be Columbo - Check out all costs and expenses before you sign. Utilities, taxes, insurance, maintenance and home owner dues vary from state to state, city to city and town to town. Be sure your agent specializes in the property and area you are looking in. Make sure all utilities (gas, electricity, and water) are on during your walk-through, so you can inspect everything in working order. Ask lots of questions and be very detail conscious.
- Do a Final Walk-Through - Visit the property after all furnishings have been moved out to be sure there are no surprises. Be absolutely positive the property was left exactly as you had agreed upon in the contract. Things that could have been spotted in a final walk-through are often unintentionally overlooked.
- Plan For Flexibility - Closing dates are not written in stone. Allow for contingencies and have a back-up plan. If you or the sellers need a little more time to conclude the final arrangements, don't let these delays upset or frustrate you. These types of circumstances are not uncommon in a real estate transaction.
- If It's Not In Writing, It Doesn't Exist - All promises and discussions should be in writing. Don't make any assumptions or believe any assurances. Even the best intentions can be misinterpreted. Have your agent keep an ongoing log in writing of all discussions and get the seller's written approval on all agreements.
- Loyalty Breeds Loyalty - Be open, honest and up front with your team. Hard feelings and disloyalty will cause head aches, delays or may even keep you from getting into the home you worked so hard to locate. Take the time to select the right team in the beginning and your dream to buy a home will be a pleasing and memorable experience.