Let the Power of Positivity Lead You Through the Home-Buying Process
Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or you have made several moves, the home-buying process can be a long, arduous task. And, why not? Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases many people will make in their lifetime, so it goes without saying that the decision-making process should be carefully considered. But when the home-buying gets tough, how do the tough buyers keep going? Here are a few tips to keep positive energy flowing even when your home-buying process seems to be stalled: Adjust Your Attitude You’ve probably heard that the person who is most influential in your life is you and that certainly is true when it comes to buying a home. Although your home-buying process may be taking longer than you expected, consider this: you are able to afford a home in an economy where many people struggle to make it from pay check to pay check. What are a few more weeks or months when you know the outcome is your new home? Ward Off Negativity If your family and friends are not supportive of your decision to buy in the current market or at this particular time in your life, hear their reasons why. But, don’t think that anyone’s personal home-buying horror story applies to your situation. The fact of the matter is that every home purchase is different. Just because your process is taking longer than you might like, does not mean it will end up negatively. Invite Positivity It is much easier to stay positive during the home-buying process when you are working with people you like and trust. By all means, do your homework and find a real estate agent who you enjoy working with. On the same token, make sure you are comfortable with your mortgage broker, home inspector, contractors and any other professionals you need along the way. When you work with people you like, you are more likely to remain positive. Know What You Want (and Need) If you go into the home-buying process with a strong grasp on what you are looking for (and what you must have) in a new home, it will be much easier to rule out homes that don’t fit your needs and wants. Touring countless homes that don’t add up can be frustrating and is certainly not going to make your home-buying process more efficient. Sharing your list of needs and wants with your agent should make it easier to find homes that are right for you. Be Fiscally Responsible Putting your best financial foot forward at the beginning of your home-buying search is a great way to infuse positive power into the entire process. By creating a realistic budget and accounting for not only the cost of your potential mortgage, but also for any HOA fees, utility bills, maintenance fees or other closing costs, you will be able to get a good grasp on the range of homes you should be looking at. As you are preparing to buy, work on your financial picture by trying to boost your credit score, save some money and pay off a few bills. By all means, get preapproval on a home loan early in the process, too! Understand the Ever-Changing Market Sometimes the real estate market favors buyers; sometimes it favors sellers; sometimes it is balanced. Get familiar with the way the real estate market is working in your area. Then, you will face less surprises during the home-buying process and you may find that now is (or is not) the ideal time for your transaction. Expect the Unexpected Has anyone ever told you that buying a new home was easy? If your quick answer was a resounding “no,” then why be surprised by a few delays that come along with the process? Yes, you likely will fill out mounds of paperwork. Yes, you will submit mounds of information that you may not have expected. Yes, you may have a few other bumps during the process. But, isn’t your next home well worth the effort? Trust Your Instincts Of course, buying a home should not be a solely emotional decision. But if you’ve found a home that meets all of your needs and most of your wants, plus it “feels right,” it probably is. On the other hand, if you’ve found a home that meets all of your needs and wants, but something just doesn’t feel right about it, don’t feel forced to make an offer that you may regret. Don’t Start the Party Too Early Even if everything during the home-buying process has seemed to go smoothly for you, don’t start sending out your housewarming party invitations until your deal has been completed. Verbal agreements sound great, but wait until all of the fine print has been signed, sealed and delivered – then, the home is yours! If you’re ready to take the plunge into the home-buying process and are looking for a real estate agent who is perfect for you, contact Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty today.
