| Use A Professional That Knows The Market. | | | | If you're looking for a deal, you need to know where |
| The most important aspect of purchasing a home is | | | | they are. You real estate agent is a excellent |
| having an expert on your side. The average home | | | | resource for finding deals. They work in your market |
| owner may purchase two or three homes in their | | | | and probably know of several sellers that may have |
| lifetime. Real estate professionals know how to | | | | special circumstances. These circumstances could be |
| navigate through the potential pitfalls of purchasing a | | | | divorce, relocation or loss of job. Work with your |
| home. They can help you avoid costly mistakes such | | | | agent on this and you may be able to save yourself |
| as: choosing the wrong lender, the wrong type of | | | | thousands. |
| home, failing to get a thorough home inspection and | | | | 4. Get A Good Home Inspector. |
| problems with the title. Any of these problems can | | | | Just like any profession, there are both good and bad |
| cause you a lot of money and grief. | | | | inspectors. Bad inspectors tend to overlook a lot of |
| Do not buy a home without a real estate agent to | | | | problems. You want an inspector that will scrutinize |
| represent your best interests. The seller pays your | | | | every aspect of your home. Your real estate agent |
| real estate agent's fees. Buying a home with an | | | | knows the industry and can recommend good |
| agent that represents your best interests costs you | | | | inspectors. You do not want to purchase a home |
| nothing and can save you thousands. | | | | that has structural or other serious defects because |
| Here are some of the most common mistakes | | | | the home inspector overlooked them. This could cost |
| buyers make, which often costs thousands of dollars, | | | | you big! |
| large investments of time and loads of grief: | | | | 5. Not Getting Clear Title. |
| 1. Plan Before You Purchase. | | | | Purchasing a home with a "clouded" title can be both |
| Purchasing a home is an emotional experience. Make | | | | financially and emotionally draining. Learning after the |
| sure to sit down with your real estate agent and | | | | fact the previous owner still owed contractors |
| map out a strategy. Don't let just one aspect of the | | | | money for the finished basement on your property |
| home drive your decision. Try to answer the | | | | which is now a lien against your property causes a lot |
| following questions. | | | | of grief. Your real estate agent will help you purchase |
| Â- Where would you like to live? How far do I | | | | title insurance and make sure the title to the |
| commute? | | | | property is free and clear. |
| Â- How much home can I afford? Get | | | | 6. Don't Waste Time. |
| pre-approved! | | | | Home buyers can waste valuable hours in front of |
| Â- What type of home do you want? | | | | computers searching for homes online. Most times |
| Come out of this exercise comfortable with your | | | | the homes you find are not the best deals. Let your |
| area and your mortgage. | | | | real estate agent save you that time to spend on |
| 2. Get The Right Lender. | | | | what is important to you like your friends, family and |
| There are many types of loans available and getting | | | | work. Let your agent find the right home and notify |
| the right one for your situation is crucial. There are | | | | you when it's available. |
| also many lenders vying for your business. Some are | | | | 7. Do the Final Walkthrough. |
| online and some local. Getting a good local lender is | | | | Not completing the final walkthrough can be a crucial |
| crucial. Your real estate agent should be able to make | | | | mistake. Before closing, make sure you check to see |
| recommendations from lenders they have experience | | | | any requested repairs have been completed. Make |
| with. A good lender will make sure you get the right | | | | sure there is no damage you were unaware of and |
| loan and rate. | | | | that nothing else has changed. Any problems after |
| 3. Identify Your Opportunities. | | | | the purchase are yours. |