|
The following are guidelines for your home buying information and benefit:
|
-
Do your homework. Knowledge is power. Tremendous information is
available on the Internet. Enter the market well prepared.
|
-
Make a wise, not shrewd, investment. Buyers need to buy based on what
fits their family. Don't try to guess what will happen to the market.
|
-
Choose a good location. Even within a neighborhood, location matters.
Is it on the busiest street? Is there anything unsightly which can be seen from
the back window?
|
-
Choose a floor plan that makes sense to your wants and needs. A home may
have gorgeous curb appeal, but you don't live on the lawn. No matter how
attractive the exterior, you need a livable home.
|
-
Take note of how the house will function for your family. How do you
really live? Do you really need a formal dining room and living room? Would you
be happier with an eat-in kitchen and a great room and a den to use as a home
office? The house only needs to fit one family -- yours.
|
-
Have the home properly inspected. This is not the time for surprises.
Get an inspection from a qualified, respected professional.
|
-
Check out the builder's reputation on a new home. Talk to three or
four people who live in the builder's homes and see what they have to say. If
one builder did all the houses in a neighborhood, talk to the residents and get
their input. This is a great way to see what your neighbors are like.
|
-
Be patient. This is a big decision. You need time. Impatient
decisions can lead to mistakes.
|
-
Not waiting for a better market and interest rates. Warren Buffett says
the rear view mirror is always clearer than the windshield.
|
-
Choose to buy. If you can afford a home and you don't make that
purchase, you'll lose the benefit of tax deductions, building home equity and
the home's appreciation in value.
|
