| Deadly Mistake #1: Thinking you can't afford it: | | | | Work with a buyer's agent who has a keen |
| Today, buying the home of your dreams is easier | | | | understanding of the real estate business and who is |
| than ever before. Many people who thought that | | | | on your side. Buyer's agents have a fiduciary duty to |
| buying the home they wanted was simply out of | | | | you. That means they are loyal to only you and are |
| their reach are now enjoying a new lifestyle in their | | | | obligated to look out for your best interests. Buyer's |
| very own new home. | | | | agents can help you find the best home, the best |
| Buying a home is the smartest financial decision you | | | | lender and the best inspector. Best of all, in most |
| will ever make. In fact, most American and Canadian | | | | cases, the buyer's agent is paid out of the seller's |
| home owners would be financially broke at | | | | commission, even though he/she works for you. |
| retirement if it weren't for one saving grace - the | | | | Trying to buy a home without an agent at all is, well... |
| equity in their home. Furthermore, mortgage rates | | | | unthinkable. |
| are more flexible today than ever and tax allowances | | | | Deadly Mistake #3: Getting a cheap inspection: |
| favor home ownership. | | | | Buying a home is probably the most expensive |
| Real estate values have always risen steadily. Of | | | | purchase you will ever make. This is no time to shop |
| course there are peaks and valleys, but the long | | | | for a cheap inspection. The cost of a home |
| term the trend is a consistent increase. This means | | | | inspection is very small relative to the home being |
| that every month when you make a mortgage | | | | inspected. The additional cost of hiring a certified |
| payment the amount that you owe on the home | | | | inspector is almost insignificant. As a home buyer, you |
| goes down and the value typically increases. This | | | | have recently been crunching the numbers, |
| owe less-worth more situation is called equity build-up | | | | negotiating offers, adding up closing costs, shopping |
| and is the reason you can't afford not to buy. | | | | for mortgages and trying to get the best deals. Do |
| Even if you have little money for a down payment | | | | not stop now. Do not let your real estate agent, a |
| or credit problems, chances are that you can still buy | | | | patty-cake inspector or anyone else talk you into |
| that new home. It just comes down to knowing the | | | | skimping here. |
| right strategies, and working with the right people. | | | | NACHI front-ends its membership requirements. |
| Deadly Mistake #2: Not hiring a buyer's agent to | | | | NACHI turns down more than 1/2 the inspectors who |
| represent you: | | | | want to join because they can't fulfill the membership |
| Buying property is a complex and stressful task. In | | | | requirements. |
| fact, it is often the biggest single investment you will | | | | NACHI certified inspectors perform the best |
| make in your lifetime. At the same time, real estate | | | | inspections by far. NACHI certified inspectors earn |
| transactions have become increasingly complicated. | | | | their fees many times over. They do more, they |
| New technology, laws, procedures and competition | | | | deserve more, and yes they generally charge a little |
| from other buyers require buyer agents to perform | | | | more. Do yourself a favor...and pay a little more for |
| at an ever-increasing level of professionalism. For | | | | the quality inspection you deserve. |
| many home buyers, the process turns into a terrible, | | | | This article, by the National Association of Certified |
| stressful ordeal. In addition, making the wrong | | | | Home Inspectors, is brought to you by Alfonso |
| decisions can end up costing you thousands of dollars. | | | | Garcia, the co-owner of Garcia, Valley & Associates, |
| It does not have to be this way! | | | | a real estate company based in Lawrence MA. |