I’m writing this blog strictly based on personal experience.  Too some, the idea of making a move to a new home is an exciting thought but for others, it does nothing but raise their blood pressure. 

Don’t get me wrong, buying a home is probably the largest financial purchase you will make in your lifetime, so ya, there are going to be some emotions that come along with the whole thing.  But, remember, sometimes emotions have a funny way of clouding our reasoning and decision making skills.

So here are my 5 tips to help make the process a little smoother and a lot less stressful…

1.   Don’t fall in love too quick. This will be your first mistake.  This will usually happen after you have had a showing or even seen a few pictures online. Before saying to yourself, “OH MY GOSH. I LOVE THIS. THIS IS THE ONE…” make sure to do all your research.  Call your trusted realtor, get their perspective. While you are drooling over the walk-in closet, you may not have caught the fact that it isn’t in the school district that you need to be in or that it needs a new septic system.

2.   Try not to be too picky.  This can be hard, I know. Remember that it is very rare that the home you buy will have nothing wrong with it. You will always find something that could be better.  That is the beauty of renovation! DON’T miss out on something that is almost the right fit, but just not perfect enough.  Be flexible!

3.   Trust your Realtor.  If you have done a good job at choosing a Realtor, you should know that you can rely on them and trust them to give you the honest guidance that you need.  They are, and should be, the experts.  So let them do their job and work to find you a home that best fits your needs.  If you can rely on them, it takes soooo much more stress off of you.  Remember, they WANT to help you find a home! And even more, they WANT you to be happy. So most times, they will do everything they can to help find you something that meets your criteria.

4.   Patience, patience, patience. I know, now I just sound like your mother. BUT, this couldn’t be more important.  Depending on your price range you may see homes fly in and off the market in just a couple days OR you may be in a price range in which the inventory of homes moves slower.  I have found that when I am patient, the luckier I am.

5.   Keep your options open.  This kind of goes along with #2, being picky.  When you are starting your search, have your “must haves” list but be open to ideas that you may have turned away too quick.

If you can do these 5 things, your life will just be easier.  So give it a try.

Cheers,

Abby