What Not To Do When Buying A Home

As rewarding as buying a home may be, the time spent leading up to the purchase can be wrought with second-guessing and self-doubt. Wondering if you made the right choice, wondering if the seller is being totally truthful about the property – these are all things that may go through your head. So, it’s important to know everything you can know about what to avoid when you’re buying a home, if only to give yourself confidence in the decision you make. 

• Don’t consider yourself a master craftsman if you aren’t

When a home is being advertised as a “fixer-upper,” there are many things that can mean. One thing it does mean universally, however, is that it will be costing you money. Many buyers make the mistake of assuming that they will be able to take care of all the little issues the home has; the truth is a lot of home problems are best left to the professionals. It may be a fantastic price, but first consider the fees you’ll be paying for parts, labor, and time needed to turn the “fixer-upper” into a real home.

• If it’s out of your budget, put it out of your mind

You’ve created a home-buying budget for a reason: because you need to know exactly what you can afford. You may be confident that you’ll hold firm to your finances, but once you see that dream house for the first time, that all goes out the window – the beautifully carved, double-paned, tempered bay window, to be exact. The worst thing you can do to yourself is think that simply moving a few things around in your budget will be enough to squeeze out the cash for that fairy-tale home you’ve always wanted. Just continue looking – it’s out of your budget for a reason.

• Don’t get desperate

The search for a new home can be pretty strenuous, and can go on for quite a long time. It is very important not to get frustrated and simply make an offer on something “just to get it over with.” Nothing is more bothersome than looking and looking and finding nothing that you like. If you have time on your side, this is a good place to be patient – finding a home is a big deal, and shouldn’t be treated with the same mindset as buying a new loaf of bread.

• Don’t jump to make an offer without thinking it through

Sometimes, it’s necessary to jump with an offer, especially when the market is hot. You just never know when someone will come out of nowhere to pull the rug out from under you. However, making a quick decision can come back to haunt you if you haven’t thought over the purchase completely. Are there schools nearby? Where’s the closest bus stop? Is it a safe place at night? Are there any issues with the home? All of these things are important to consider before pulling the trigger, and will ensure that you are confidant and content with the choice that you make.