Success Without Stress: A Buyer's Guide

Almost all of us at some point or another will buy a home. Whether it is your first, 10th, or last time the transactions never truly go the same. In the current market conditions I feel like you buyers are running from house to house, agent to agent, and simply put: are getting overwhelmed. It's okay, you're going to get your dream home but maybe we should cover a couple of things to take your stress from almost homeless to homeowner.

1. You Cannot Time the Real Estate Market

There I said it. Buyers market, Sellers market, cold market, hot market - they are all the same! Real estate goes up and then it comes down, WAY up, then CRASHES down. Trying to wait for certain market conditions could make you lose out on your perfect home and we sure don't want that. Instead of waiting for the best time, just wait for the best home.

2. Stalk Your Future Neighborhood

Don't try to tell me you don't have stalking skills - I know you have an ex or two you practiced those skills on (I promise not to tell). You may think you found the perfect home only to find out after purchase that neighborhood is mostly made of rentals, your neighbors are hoarders, or you now hate your work commute. Go by the home multiple times of day. Time your commute. Find the closest stores. No kids? Still check the school ratings. All of these factors can affect a homes value up to 20%. Remember, the house is only half on the purchase. You don't want a perfect house in a place you end up hating.

3. Take Your Emotions OUT of It!

I have had so many people tell me, I'm just buying a house, how hard can it be? HA. House hunting is like speed dating where you get rejected by person after person who looks perfect but ends up not working out. Your house search is going to be one of the most emotional things you ever go through but remember you're buying this home, not dating it. Instead of going with your heart, go with your gut. You'll know when it is a good home that has a good value. Don't make a poor financial decision all because you loved a certain back yard, or paint color. Our eyes can play tricks on us sometimes. That older home you know is a good deal can become just as beautiful and inviting as the new construction you can't afford with a few changes. Look for good bones, not good embellishments.

4. Buyers Have Power Too!

House buying is all about the negotiation. You're the one spending the money to make this purchase! Use the power you have as a buyer to bargain! Don't go crazy and offend the seller by low balling them to start a negotiation. It's a rookie move that most of the time can cost you the house you wanted. Do your research instead. What are similar houses in the neighborhood going for? What kind of market are you buying in? What do you feel the home is truly worth? A great common spot for negotiation is going off price per square foot on comparable properties. Do your research, trust your thoughts, and bargain with that seller! Before you know it you'll have the keys to your new home and both you and the seller will feel they completed a fair transaction.

Finally, for all the buyers, take a deep breath. That amazing home you're looking for is out there. Hold those pre-approval letters high and don't give up!

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Happy House Hunting!