Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Avoid The 10 Most Common, Painful, Frustrating Mistakes First-Time Home Buyers Make

Avoid the 10 most common mistakes First-time Home Buyers make!
How to Buy Your First Home the Easy Way!
Buying a residence can be a overwhelming process. You will experience a roller coaster of emotions while finding the right place, securing the loan and finally moving in. For most of us, the first time home purchase is the largest investment we’ve ever considered. The emotions of purchasing something so expensive and personal can often cloud our business judgment.

Most home purchasers do little or no research before they invest their nest egg. Doesn’t it make sense to become as completely informed as possible before you buy your first home? This special report is designed to help you avoid 10 common and crucial mistakes. The right mortgage & real estate professional can help you make good sound business decisions based on your personal situation.

1. Inspect - Go over the inspection report with a fine tooth comb. Make sure the report was done by a professional organization. Don’t take anything for granted... inspect everything! For condo purchases go over the CC&R’s, By-Laws, and Association Fees.

2. Imagine the Property Vacant - Your furnishings and decorations will be the ones filling this new residence. Don’t be swayed by beautiful furniture; it usually leaves with the seller.

3. Income + Lifestyle = Mortgage Payment - Sit down with both your Mortgage Professional & Real Estate agent and honestly discuss your income level and living expenses. Take into account future considerations,such as, children, add-ons, amenities, and fix-ups. Your dream home is certainly worth a sacrifice but don’t mortgage your entire future.

4. View Several Homes - See at least 7-10 properties. Don’t move too slow but don’t move on the first property you see. With your agent’s help you should be able to view enough properties to get a good overall perspective of the home market. When you find the right property all the leg work will be worth it.

5. Utilize Your Team - By aligning yourself with the right mortgage & real estate professional you will have an entire team at your disposal. Utilize your attorney,lender, title rep, inspector, etc. Each of them should work hand in hand for your benefit. Explore all the options before you sign.

6. Be really Thorough & Ask Questions - Check out all costs and expenses before you sign. Utilities, taxes, insurance, maintenance and homeowner dues if applicable. Make sure all utilities (gas, electricity, and water) are on during your walk-through so you can inspect everything in working order. Ask lots of questions and be very detail conscious.

7. Do a Final Walk-Through - Visit the property after all furnishings have been moved out to be sure there are no surprises. Be absolutely positive the property was left exactly as you had agreed upon in the contract. Things that could have been spotted in a final walk-through are often unintentionally overlooked.

8. Plan For Flexibility - Closing dates are not written in stone. Allow for contingencies and have a back-up plan. If you or the sellers need a little more time to conclude the final arrangements, don’t let these delays upset or frustrate you. These types of circumstances are not uncommon in a real estate transaction.

9. If It’s Not In Writing, It Doesn’t Exist - All promises and discussions should be in writing. Don’t make any assumptions or believe any assurances. Even the best intentions can be misinterpreted. Have your professional keep an ongoing log in writing of all discussions and get the seller’s written approval on all agreements.

10. Loyalty Breeds Loyalty - Be open, honest and up front with your team. Hard feelings and disloyalty will cause head aches, delays or may even keep you from getting into the home you worked so hard to locate. Take the time to select the right team in the beginning and your first home purchase will be a pleasing and memorable experience.

We sincerely hope these tips and ideas are of value to you. If there is any way we can be of service please contact our office. We would consider it a privilege to be of service to you! You can request a FREE consultation either by calling 914-486-0895 or e-mail @ IBuynSellRealEstateNY@gmail.com