Home Buying Do's and Don'ts

Starting a home search can be overwhelming. There are many considerations to take into account once you've made the decision to move. Factors such as the size of home, the location of the home and the condition of the home are just some to consider before making any decisions.  Here are some tips to help make the process go more smoothly: 

• Do Pick a perfect location. The three most important factors to consider when buying real estate are location, location and location. Finding the perfect location for you and your family might require that you take both current and future plans into account. For instance, are you thinking of retirement?  Maybe you need to be close to a highway now for an easy commute, however, that highway access won't be a critical factor in the coming years. What may be a perfect location for you now may not be the perfect location in the future. Try to think about your long-term plans and find a location that will meet your needs now and into the future.

• Do Invest in a professional home inspection. Are there things in your home that you'd like to get fixed but that you don't see as a major issue?  Perhaps water in the basement doesn't bother the sellers of the home you would like to buy because they have lived with it for years. What may be a big issue to you, may not be for the sellers. This is why you need a home inspection. You want to know what issues are existing within the home and what issues may crop up over time, especially if buying an older home. Paying for a professional to look at the home from an independent point of view will save you money, time and a headache in the long run.

• Don't get hung up on the decor. Many home buyers get stuck on the paint color of a certain room or the furnishings the sellers chose. Paint is easy to change and the furniture will be moved before you take ownership.  Instead, focus on how the home flows. If you entertain a lot, you should be thinking about if there enough room to have all of your family and friends.  Are outdoor living spaces important to you?  If so, forget about the rusty patio furniture and instead envision how you will make the area warm and inviting for that summer barbeque.

• Do Consider the potential of a home.  Maybe you cannot, right now, afford the five bedroom home you desire for your growing family.  If that is the case, you must ask-- is the home you can afford able to be expanded?  Don't buy a home on a tenth of an acre if you know you want a sprawling addition on the main floor, instead opt for a larger lot. You might not be able to get everything you want when you move, but finding a home that is able to be made into your dream home should be an important consideration.

• Use a licensed Realtor. Having a real estate agent representing you is an important part of the home buying process. A good agent will guide you when making an offer as they are keenly aware of home values. In addition, they have access to market data that will allow you to make the most educated decisions. Many are immersed in the town and are privy to information that can both protect and guide you when making such an important purchase.

Buying a home doesn't have to be a chore, in fact, it should be an exciting experience! With a little guidance from the tips above, you will be on your way to making your dream a reality!