10 Tips to Take the Trauma Out of Buying a Home©

1. 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 your Realtor® is both skilled and experienced.
2. 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. Find a Realtor® that knows the current market, and can keep their finger on the pulse for you.
3. 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. Your Realtor® will be able to answer your questions, and address your concerns.
4. Accept that no house is perfect. Focus in on the things that are most important to you and let the minor ones go.
5. 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 too many seller concessions may alienate the seller.
6. 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 impact the livability of your new home.
7. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home to get approved for a mortgage, or investigate insurance availability. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.
8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be some costs. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate. Your Realtor® can help determine deferred maintenance costs.
9. 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.
10. 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.