Monday, June 21, 2010

Take the Stress Out of Homebuying...


Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as comfortable, stress free and peaceful as possible.  We like to make it fun!  We like to make it as stress free as possible! 

1. You have completed the first task. Choosing the Schwark Team to represent you! Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality. It is a privilege to serve you!


2. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, just as there’s no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by "waiting it out"  You could risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn’t change fast enough to make a difference in market value, and the good homes don’t stay on the market long.
3. Don’t ask for too many opinions. 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.  Opinions or suggestions from family or friends can be tempting, but can become confusing and aren't those of someone who deals with real estate as their profession.  Focus on the wants and needs of the people who will be living in the home.
4. There will never be such a thing as the perfect house!  No matter how long, and how hard you try, no house is ever perfect.  If it’s in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the wall color is wrong (paint is an inexpensive & easy fix). It's important to make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go.


5. Don’t try to be a your own negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price or by refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home you love. Negotiation is give and take... not just take!  We are trained to be your negotiators! 


6.  Don’t just get caught up in the physical aspects of the house that you forget about important issues such as the neighborhood,  location to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life.  You aren't just buying a house... you are buying the neighborhood!


7. It's so important to have all your ducks in a  row. Plan ahead!!!  We can't stress that enough!  Get pre-approved for a mortgage, consider your moving "time-line"etc.  As your Real Estate Agents, we can help you with all the important steps before your go out and look at that first house!  It's important to not wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage! 


8. The cost of owning a home is not just your mortgage payment.  Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even a brand new home will come with home repair/maintenance costs! 



9. A little buyer’s remorse is common and will pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big financial commitment. But it also will reap big benefits. Don’t lose sight of why you wanted to buy a home and what made you fall in love with the property you purchased. 

10. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about the market value, appreciation, the neighborhood and surrounding area.  How long do you plan on living in your home?  How is the market in the area you are purchasing?  This is an up and down time in the real estate/economic market.  The advice of real estate professionals like us will prove invaluable!

Never hesitate to contact us with ANY and ALL Real Estate questions!   Whether you are interested in purchasing a home, or are just curious at this point!  We would love to hear from you! 

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