How To Be A Better Buyer

If you’re buying a home, most likely you’re going through some sort of life transition. Did you make the decision to stop putting money in your landlord’s pocket, become a first-time buyer and start building your own equity? Did your bachelor or bachelorette pad become too small when you met your new love? Perhaps you’re having a baby. Or maybe those babies are now grown and it’s time to downsize. Getting divorced? Moving for a new job? Experiencing a shift in your financial situation? What motivates people to purchase a home varies greatly. Life is full of transitions. Regardless of when they happen, whether they’re exciting or scary, they are always a little stressful.

I work with a lot of home buyers in my career, and I’ve helped people in all of the above situations make the transition to their new home smoothly. I’ve seen a thing or two, and wanted to share some tips from my experience in hopes that it can help you when you’re ready to make your next home buying transition.

1. Get Clear on What You Want: Knowing what you’re looking for will make the process much easier. If you can’t picture exactly where you see yourself for the next chapter of your life, you may need to familiarize yourself with different styles of homes, locations, amenities, etc. This can take a while. It’s important to take your time as you go through discovery, but once you figure it out, make a list, and try to stick to it.

2. Now Get Even Clearer: Once you figure out where you want to live and what type of home you’re looking for, make a list of your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and things you’re willing to compromise on. Is a single-level a must? Is lots of natural light important to you? Are you open to a remodel? Once you’re clear on your non-negotiables, you won’t waste time looking at homes that don’t fit your criteria. While you may feel this limits your search, you’ll actually be searching more efficiently, you’ll be less distracted, and more likely to find your perfect home sooner.

3. Know Your Budget: If you plan on financing your purchase, how much are you willing to spend on a monthly basis? Determine that number, and then speak to mortgage professional. You may find the budget you set for yourself allows you to spend more than you thought. Or you may find that you should be looking in a lower price range. Once you know your budget range, stick to it.

4. Communicate With Your Agent: I am here to help you! The more I know about the details and subtleties of what is important to you, the better and faster I’ll be at finding your perfect home. I'm not satisfied until you’re satisfied. Having a very open dialogue will ensure it’s a smooth process.

5. Enjoy The Process: There is stress in transition, but in most cases, it’s a period of growth, and means a change for the better. Visualize yourself in your new home. Know there will be some bumps along the way. And know that you will end up in the home that is right for you.