Top 10 Tips for Buying a Home

Planning on buying a home in 2015?   Maybe you’re thinking about buying your first home, trading up or downsizing?  Take advantage of the low interest rates. The housing inventory is starting to pick up and will be in full swing by spring.  Below are my top 10 tips for buying a home. (In no particular order)

1.  Hire a knowledgeable Real Estate Sales Representative. Your Real Estate Sales Representative is a valuable wealth of knowledge. They can help you negotiate the purchase price and guide you through the process of buying a home. 

2. Don't just rely on open houses to find your dream home.  Not all sellers want to host open houses.  Also, some properties are exclusive listings and only Real Estate Sales Representatives have access to them.

3. Get pre-approved.  Find out how much you can afford before you start looking.  If you don't have a Mortgage Agent, ask your Real Estate Sales Representative to refer you to one. Avoid the disappointment of falling in love with a home you can’t afford.  Save yourself the heartache.

4. When viewing a home it is important to look past the current owners decorating style. Paint, new flooring and light fixtures etc. can all be changed. You are buying the house not their design taste or furniture.  Instead focus on the layout of the house and its functionality for your current lifestyle; those are factors that cannot be easily changed.

5. Be clear about what you are looking for before you begin the process.  When you have a clear vision of what type of home you are looking for you are likely to recognize it when you see it.  This step can save valuable time and allow you to enjoy your new home quicker with less stress.

6.  Act decisively.  When you see the home that fits your lifestyle and budget, don't hesitate to put an offer together.  In a hot market it isn't uncommon to have multiple offers on a property. With all of the right information you can confidently move quickly.

7.  Be flexible.  It’s important to decide on the features that you absolutely must have and those features that you can live without. Ask yourself: Can this be changed? Is it relatively inexpensive to change? You can't pick up a house and move it 4 blocks (Well technically you can, but why not just buy a house in that area instead!) However, window coverings and the removal of wallpaper are a couple examples of quick and inexpensive fixes that can make a dramatic change to a living space.

8.  Be resilient. If you are in a multiple offer situation and you end up losing out to another buyer. I know it’s easier said than done, but it probably wasn't the house for you.  Something better is waiting for you.  Pick yourself up and keep looking.  You will eventually find the home that is perfect for you.  Saddle back up and keep on going. Just don't give up.

9. Choose quality over quantity. Narrow your focus and concentrate on the properties that are best suited for you.  This starts with #5, be very clear about what you are looking for.  Your Real Estate Sales Representative will work with you to find out what your needs are and help you find a home that is well suited for you.

10.  Have fun. You are buying a home that you will create lasting memories in, this is an exciting time.  With the right professionals beside you, you can rest assured that you are making sound decisions that will have a positive impact on your financial future.  Enjoy the experience.