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3 Common Mistakes...homebuyers make
Common Mistake #1: Thinking you can't afford a home.Today, buying the home
of your dreams is easier than ever before. Many people who thought that buying the home they wanted was simply out of their
reach are now enjoying a new lifestyle in their very own new home. Buying a home is the smartest financial decision you will ever make. In fact, most American home owners
would be financially broke at retirement if it wasn't for one saving grace - the equity in their home. Furthermore mortgage
rates are more flexible today than ever and tax allowances favor home ownership. Real estate values have always risen steadily. Of course there are peaks and valleys, but the long term
the trend is a consistent increase. This means that every month when you make a mortgage payment the amount that you owe on
the home goes down and the value typically increases. This owe less-worth more situation is called equity build-up and is
the reason you can't afford not to buy. Even if you
have little money for a down payment or credit problems, chances are that you can still buy that new home. It just comes down
to knowing the right strategies, and working with the right people. See below.
Common Mistake #2: Not hiring a buyer's agent to represent you. Buying property is a complex and
stressful task. In fact, it's often the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime. At the same time, real estate
transactions have become increasingly complicated. New technology, laws, procedures and competition from other buyers require
buyer agents to perform at an ever-increasing level of professionalism. For many homebuyers, the process turns into a terrible,
stressful ordeal. In addition, making the wrong decisions can end up costing you thousands of dollars. It doesn’t have to be this way! Work
with a buyer's agent who has a keen understanding of the real estate business and on your side. Buyer's agents have a fiduciary
duty to you. That means they are loyal to only you and are obligated to look out for your best interests. Buyer's agents can
help you find the best home, the best lender, and the best inspector. Best of all, in most cases, the buyer's agent is paid
out of the seller's commission, even though he/she works for you. Trying
to buy a home without an agent is, well... unthinkable.
Common Mistake #3: Getting a cheap inspection or inexperienced inspector. Buying a home is probably the most expensive purchase you'll ever make. This is no time to shop for a cheap inspection.
The cost of a home inspection is very small relative to the home being inspected. The cost of overlooked issues is large
compared to the overall inspection cost.The additional cost
of hiring a certified inspector is almost insignificant. As a homebuyer, you've recently been crunching the numbers, negotiating
offers, adding up closing costs, shopping for mortgages, and trying to get the best deals. Don't stop now. Don't let your
real estate agent, a patty-cake inspector, or anyone else talk you into skimping here. ASHI certified inspectors perform the best inspections by far. ASHI certified inspectors earn their
fees many times over. They do more, they deserve more, and yes they generally charge a little more. Do yourself a favor...and
pay a little more for the quality inspection you deserve.
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