10 Things to Take the Trauma Out of Homebuying
1. Find a real estate professional who’s simpatico. Homebuying is not only a big financial commitment,
but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the practitioner you choose 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-homebuying 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 from 1998 to 2002, a home’s most important role is as a
comfortable, safe place to live.
1. Find a real estate professional who’s simpatico. Homebuying is not only a big financial commitment,
but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the practitioner you choose 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-homebuying 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 from 1998 to 2002, a home’s most important role is as a
comfortable, safe place to live.
| Member; North Carolina and National Association of REALTORS and Triad MLS |
James Piedad, REALTOR
Full Service Real Estate Broker
Direct: 336--413-0992
Email: james@jamespiedad.com
Full Service Real Estate Broker
Direct: 336--413-0992
Email: james@jamespiedad.com
Sellers
Pay 3.5% total broker fee
to list your home.
Pay 3.5% total broker fee
to list your home.
Buyers
Have new listings emailed to
you every morning.
Have new listings emailed to
you every morning.
- Director HPMLS, 2007
- President, Triad Multiple Listing Service, 2006
- Director, NC Association of REALTORS, 2003-2005
- President, HP Assoc. of REALTORS, 2004