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