10 Things to Take the Trauma Out of Homebuying      




1. Find a real estate agent that's simpatico. Homebuying is not only a big financial
commitment, but also an emotional one. It's critical that the agent you chose is both
skilled and a good fit with your personality.

2. Remember, there's no "right" time to buy, any more than there's a right time to sell. 
If you find a home now, don't try to second-guess the interest rates or the housing market
by waiting. Changes don't usually occur fast enough to make that much difference in price,
and a good home won't stay on the market long.

3. Don't ask for too many opinions. It's natural to want reassurance for such a big decision,
but too many ideas will make it much harder to make a decision.

4. Accept that no house is ever perfect. Focus in on the things that are most important to you
and let the minor ones go.

5. Don't try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate
process, but trying to "win" by getting an extra-low price may lose you the home you love. 

6. Remember your home doesn't exist in a vacuum. Don't get so caught up in the physical aspects
of the house itself—room size, kitchen—that you forget such issues as amenities, noise level,
etc., that have a big impact on what it's like to live in your new home. 

7. Don't wait until you've found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage,
investigate insurance availability, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer
contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers. 

8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you buy a
new home, there will be some costs. Don't leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.

9. Accept that a little buyer's remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home,
especially for the first time, is a big commitment, but it also yields big benefits. 

10. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. While U.S. homes
have appreciated an average of 5.4 percent annually over from 1998 to 2002, a home's most
important role is as a comfortable, safe place to live.