- If you have to resell soon, don’t
buy an unusual house.
- Even if the quality of the school district doesn’t matter
to you now, remember it might someday to another buyer.
- Brand new homes may be lower in maintenance costs, but can be
higher in out of pocket expenses.
- There are no perfect homes. Be ready to make compromises and concessions.
Know what’s most important to you and ‘give’ on those
things that aren’t.
- Location, location, location – some things don’t change.
- Supply and demand is a critical issue. Be ready to move quickly
when you find what you want.
- Pay attention to floor plans. Changing layouts of rooms can be
costly.
- Get preapproved for your mortgage prior to making an offer.
- Be an educated buyer. Learn as much as you can about the market
before you buy.
- Compare mortgages – an artificially low interest rate could
have enormous hidden costs.
- When interest rates are low – go for a fixed rate mortgage.
- Redoing kitchens and baths can be very expensive – check
these out carefully.
- Imagine the home vacant. Do not be swayed by decorating –
the furnishings will leave with the seller.
- Vacant homes appear larger than they are. It may be a good idea
to measure to make sure your furnishings are going to fit.
- Buy the best home you can afford in the best neighborhood you
can afford. You are almost always better off with the least expensive
home in the area rather than the most expensive.
- Pay attention to the original listing date of the properties you
look at; sellers tend to be more flexible the longer the home is on the
market.
- Be honest and open with your Realtor. He or she works for you
and can best help you if they have a good understanding of your needs.
- You’ll know the right home for you when you see it and it will have
very little to do with logic. Your Realtors job is to be an objective
medium in the process to ensure your needs and interests are met and protected.
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