1. What do you want or need to get into your next home? 2. Are there several properties that meet your needs or just one? 3. Don't wait for the perfect house.. there isn't one. Compromise and prioritizing are necessary elements in home purchasing. 4. Given the market condition, and your wants and needs, how attractive is the property compared to other possibilities in the area. 5. Make a list of the property's strengths and weaknesses. 6. Objectively, how strong is your proposal? Are you ready to compromise? 7. Don't write an unrealistic offer or you will simply be helping someone else's offer look good (too low of a price...too many contingencies. 8. Stay objective. Through the help of your agent, read the marketplace and the given situation. 9. Don't feel a need to negotiate if a property is fresh to the market, priced right and popular. 10. Don't be afraid to write an offer above or below the asking price ... offer what it is worth to you. 11. Look past the cosmetics. Many qualified buyers limit their serious consideration to only the cosmetically superior properties...that's a mistake. 12. Avoid incurable defects. If a property has major issues, it may be best to move on. 13. Don't get too many friends and family members involved in your buying decision...you'll got nuts! 14. Don't wait until you find a home to shop for the best loan; don't wait until you find a home to be qualified for a loan. 15. How long has the home that you want to purchase been on the market? 16. Remember, it's mainly about location, location, and location. 17. Don't think that all real estate agents/companies are created equal...they are NOT. Find an agent/company with a great track record and proven home buying system. 18. Buy when the market is "soft." The time of year, economic conditions, higher interest rates, and many other variables can all significantly impact a buyer's vs. seller's market. 19. Don't be surprised if you get buyer's remorse at some time before closing...most buyers do. It is normal and will pass. |