Exclusive Properties: Lake & Sumter Co. Buyer's Handbook | Page 5

Misty Noland’s Buyer’s Guide TAKING THE STRESS OUT OF HOME BUYING Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep these tips in mind for making the process as painless as possible. 1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commit- ment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the REALTOR you choose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality. 2. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer – you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. In this market a good home won’t last long. 3. Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the wants and needs of your immediate family – the people who will be living in the home. 4. Accept that no home is ever perfect. If it’s in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priori- ties and focus on the things that are most important to you. 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 or by refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home you love. Negotiation is give and take. 6. Plan ahead. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get pre-approved for a mortgage, investigate home insurance, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer con- tingent 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 costs. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate. 9. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. A home’s most im- portant role is to serve as a comfortable, safe place to live. Misty Noland, Realtor Over $30 Million sold! Misty Noland 352 255 2502 5 MistyNoland.com [email protected]