The first time is always the scariest, but it gets easier, and keeping these items in mind will help make your buying experience the best it can be. Real estate ownership takes work, but it remains the number one investment option open to most people.
Choose the Right REALTOR®
Find a Realtor® you feel comfortable with and will be able to trust. Ask friends and family members for referrals. For guidelines on how to choose a Realtor® from the National Assocation of Realtors®
Trust Your REALTOR®
Don’t hold back any information from your agent. Share your needs and concerns openly to ensure the Realtor® has an accurate understanding of your situation. If you don’t do this, the process may take longer and you may suffer disappointment along the way.
Listen to Your REALTOR®
You work with a Realtor® for a reason—to gain access to years of experience and expertise. So take the time to really listen to what your Realtor® is recommending.
Ask Questions
Buying a home is a learning process, and you should use this opportunity to learn all you can from your Realtor®. Ask as many questions as you want, about whatever is on your mind.
Prequalify With A Lender
Getting prequalified with a lender will save you time later in the transaction, and give you an accurate understanding of how much house you can afford.
Know Your Priorities
Carefully analyze your ‘needs’ or ‘have to haves’ vs. your ‘wants’ or ‘nice to haves’. You need to know for yourself what is most important for you and where you are willing to compromise.
Know Your Motivation
Understand whether you are buying for the short-term or the long-term—whether your focus is on investment return or lifestyle.
Keep An Open Mind
Never let yourself believe that there is only one house that will work for you—doing so will only breed frustration.
Manage Your Expectations
Know that no home will be perfect (in your eyes or the inspectors’) so go for the best possible, but be realistic.