Home Buying Guidelines

· If you have to resell soon, don’t buy an unusual house.

· Even if the quality of the school district doesn’t matter to you now, remember it might someday to another buyer.

· Brand new homes may be lower in maintenance costs, but can be higher in out of pocket expenses.

· There are no perfect homes. Be ready to make compromises and concessions. Know what’s most important to you and ‘give’ on those things that aren’t.

· Location, location, location – some things don’t change.

· Supply and demand is a critical issue. Be ready to move quick when you find what you want.

· Pay attention to floor plans. Changing layouts of rooms can be costly.

· Get preapproved for your mortgage prior to making an offer.

· Be an educated buyer. Learn as much as you can about the market before you buy.

· Always make your offer to the seller contingent on having a home inspection – it’s money well spent.

· Compare mortgages – an artificially low interest rate could have enormous hidden costs.

· When interest rates are low – go for a fixed rate mortgage.

· Redoing kitchens and baths can be very expensive – check these out carefully.

· Imagine the home vacant. Do not be swayed by decorating – the furnishings will leave with the seller.

· Vacant homes appear larger than they are. It may be a good idea to measure to make sure your furnishings are going to fit.

· Landscaping is there not just to make the home look good – it can save thousands of dollars over the years in utility bills.

· Buy the best home you can afford in the best neighborhood you can afford. You are almost always better off with the least expensive home in the area rather than the most expensive.

· Pay attention to the original listing date of the properties you look at; sellers tend to be more flexible the longer the home is on the market.

· Be honest and open with your agent; he or she works for you and can best help you if they have a good understanding of your needs.

· You’ll know the right home for you when you see it and it will have very little to do with logic – don’t ask us how that works – it just does!