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