10 Things to Take the Stress Out of Homebuying

FIND A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL WHO’S SIMPATICO.
Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the practitioner you choose 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 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-HOMEBUYING 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 from 1998 to 2002, a home’s most important role is as a comfortable, safe place to live.