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10 Things to Take the Trauma Out of Homebuying

1. There is no such thing as a perfect property. Focus on what is important to you, major issues, individual needs and comfort with the property.
   
   
2. Selecting the right real estate agent is one of the most critical deicions you will make in your home buying process. Not all Realtors are created equal, I can't stress enough on how important it is for you to ensure the agent is working on your behalf. Select an agent you feel comfortable with and trust. Ask questions, many questions.
   
   
3. Don’t ask for too many opinions, everyone will have one and I'm sure they will give it to you anyway. It is natural to want reassurance for one of the biggest financial decisions you will make, but too many ideas will make it much harder to make one. What is important is how you feel and if the home fits your needs.
   
   
4. Many buyers watch the real estate market very closely, always good idea before any major buy. There is no right time to buy or sell, timing should only be judged by your individual needs. If you find a home you like, don’t try to second guess the interest rates or the housing market by waiting. You risk loosing the home for you. Changes in the market will not occur fast enough to make that much difference. A good home will not stay on the market long.
   
   
5. Getting the home of the price you want is very important, but penny pinching may lose you the property. Negotiation can be one of the most crucial part of the real estate process. Don't try to be a hardliner, the strong arm tactic almost never works.
   
   
6. There are many features to a property, location, room sizes, kitchen, structure of property, condition of utilities, etc. Don't get fixated on one or two issues, look at the property as a whole. If you like the property, feel comfortable and if fits your needs, remember paragraph 1 above.
   
   
7. Pre-approval is one of the first thing you should get before you start looking at homes. You don't want to find a home that you fall in love with, just to find out you can't purchase it. A good strong pre approval (assists and income verified, not verbal or over the phone) will make your offer considerably more attractive.
   
   
8. You will have some cost, out side of closing cost, for the purchase of your new home. Factor in home inspection (include pest, mold and/or lead paint), home owner insurance (normally you will pay the 1st year upfront), you might also have to pay the appraiser upfront (your mortgage agent should inform you). Plus, post purchase maintenance, repair costs, upgrades, painting, etc. Now I'm not saying you will need tens of thousand of dollars, but do your homework and keep it in mind.
   
   
9. Having cold feet is normally (especially if your a first time buyer), we call it buyer's remorse. It will pass. Once the financing is complete, you will feel much better.
   
   
10. There are many different reasons why buyers pick one home over another. It is your job to figure out what you need and what you want. It is my job to find the home that best fits those criterias. Ask questions and communicate with your agent, this is a team effort. Your happiness is the most important outcome.