Plan ahead ~
Don’t wait until you’ve found a home to Get Pre-Approved for a mortgage, investigate insurance, or consider a moving schedule. Being prepared will make your bid more attractive to sellers and may help you beat out the competition.
Know there is no “right” time to buy~
If you find the ‘perfect’ home now, Don’t Risk Losing It because you’re trying to guess where the housing market and interest rates are going. In a low inventory market as we have been and continue to be in, the perfect home you see today, may be sold tomorrow. The cost of something similar and the wait for it, could be greater than the savings you may or may not have realized debating the current market and rates.
Don’t ask for too many opinions from others~
It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the Wants and Needs Who will actually be Living In The Home.
Accept that no house is ever perfect~
It may be in the right location, but the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a List of your Top Priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. 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 or refusing to budge may cost you the home you love.
Remember the home won’t exist in a vacuum~
Don’t get so caught up in the physical parts of the house itself that you forget about other issues such as noise level, access to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life living in that home.
Choose a home because you love it, then think about appreciation ~
A home is still considered a great investment, but its most important role is as a comfortable, safe place to live.