| It is really nerve-wracking to search and | | | | you have a definite price range (min-max) you |
| choose the right house. There are so many | | | | proceed to look for a house. You may also |
| choices sometimes, good ones, but the prices | | | | avail of a pre-approved mortgage which will |
| are wrong, when the price is right, the house | | | | clearly indicate the limits of your budget. |
| is wrong and so on. There are a few basics | | | | This will also expedite the process when you |
| however to keep in mind when you want to buy | | | | effect the purchase. |
| a house: | | | | |
| | | | 4. Research and decide what best is |
| 1. Get an agent: This is sound advice, unless | | | | available: Check the housing in the |
| you are well experienced in the buying and | | | | neighborhood you plan to live and see which |
| selling of house business. It is also good | | | | type would suit you most, location wise, |
| advice because more than 80 percent of the | | | | model wise, facility wise. Settle on |
| property goes through agents and if you do | | | | something that makes you feel good when you |
| not have an agent you cannot have access to | | | | are inside and outside. |
| that large percentage of house. What you will | | | | |
| get to see is about 20 per cent of the houses | | | | 5. Keep future needs in mind: When you buy a |
| who are owner sold. | | | | house, keep in mind that you are making a big |
| | | | investment that should you best for a long |
| 2. Choose an agent wisely: it is one thing to | | | | time. Think of your future requirements as |
| decide to get an agent; and another thing to | | | | well, not only what you need in the present. |
| get a good one. You will know that your agent | | | | For example if you are newly married - |
| is a good one when:a. He/she provides you | | | | children, guests, in-laws. Whether you would |
| with sufficient background information, | | | | want to have a home office, etc. See if the |
| including naming a few past clients for | | | | house you choose can be expanded or already |
| referenceb. He/she is easy to talk to, not | | | | has the amenities to accommodate your future |
| stand-offish and full of jargon and business | | | | needs as well. |
| airs; your agent needs to be "on-your-side" | | | | |
| and really understand your needs and | | | | 6. Be systematic: Maintain files on each of |
| requirements. Unless you have a good rapport | | | | the house you see and have stored there all |
| with your agent, you cannot really get a | | | | the pertaining information on each house you |
| satisfactory housec. He/she is a local and | | | | see such as price, pros and cons, features |
| preferably in the business for at least a few | | | | you love the most, features you hate the |
| years (it is not that new realtors are not | | | | most, suitability etc. This will greatly help |
| good, but it is always better to have an | | | | you in the decision in the end. |
| experienced hand)d. He/she has a few expired | | | | |
| listing that you can check | | | | 7. Know the facts: Learn what is most |
| | | | required to check in a house - like walls, |
| 3. Get your budget right: Before you even | | | | plumbing, electric wiring, etc. Be sure that |
| look for a house, make a positive decision on | | | | you know what the house inspection process |
| the exact amount you are earmarking to buy a | | | | involves so you can not only understand which |
| house. You also be careful and aware of the | | | | are good and which are bad houses, but also |
| implication a home finance will have on your | | | | know what do you have to look for to qualify |
| budget on monthly and yearly basis. Only when | | | | it. |