|
Buying
Mistakes 
Not
Being Pre-Qualified For Financing Before Looking
When
you start to look, it is important that you know how much you can comfortably
spend on a home. Getting pre-qualified for financing will lock down your price
range and help prevent you from being turned down after falling in love with a
home. It will also save you the strain of having to find a lender within a few
days of conditionally buying a home. In times of fluctuating interest rates it
would benefit you to lock in a lower rate. This could save you thousands of
dollars if the rate increases while you are in the process of buying.
Failing Seek
Out The Services Of An Experienced Real Estate Agent
Many
Buyers are unaware of the fact that in almost every case they are not
responsible for paying the agent’s fees; the agent is being paid a commission
from the seller. It is always best to seek out an experienced real estate agent
that can use their information regarding recently listed and sold properties to
get you the lowest price possible.
Failing To Know
Research The Market Before Making Your Offer
Have
your agent prepare all the area sales and comparables in your area and get a
copy to look over before you make your offer. This will help ensure that you do
not overpay what the home is really worth. In most cases, this is the same type
of information that the seller saw when setting the price of their home.
Not
Being Informed Of Your Rights & Obligations During Your Offer To Purchase
It
is of the utmost importance to be aware of your rights and what to expect from
a competent real estate agent. A small mistake in a condition or clause
could end up costing you time and money, or in some cases even void your
contract.
Not
Understanding The Common Negotiating Methods Used At Offer Time
Some
buyers have been told that the best way to get a good price is to low-ball the
seller from the start in hopes that the seller will drop their price down fast
in their counter offer. In reality this often does nothing more than upset the
seller and will probably end up ruining the chance at an acceptable offer to
both of the parties involved. Have good communication with your agent, and they
will be able to inform you on the many proper ways to negotiate a deal and
still get you the lowest price.
Failing
To Use Home Inspection Company
Buying
your home often times the most important investment and financial transaction
that you will ever make. A home inspection can save you hundreds or even
thousands of dollars and unexpected problems down the road. In addition to the
inspection, it is often a good idea to request some type of Home Warranty to
cover the electrical appliances that come with the home.
Letting
Your Emotions Cloud Your Judgment
Buying
a home is an important and exhilarating process! It is important not to let
your emotions get the best of you and cloud your judgment of whether you can
really afford to make the payments comfortably, and so on. Be sure not to get
so excited that you get in over your head.
7
Terms to Watch for in a Purchase Contract
1) The closing date . See if the date the buyer wants
to take title is reasonable for you.
2) Date of possession . See if the date the buyer wants
to move in is reasonable for you.
3) The earnest money . Look for the largest
earnest-money deposit possible; since it is forfeited if the buyer backs out, a
large deposit is usually a good indication of a sincere buyer.
4) Fixtures and personal property . Check the list of
items that the buyer expects to remain with the property and be sure it's
acceptable.
5) Repairs . Determine what the requested repairs will
cost and whether you're willing to do the work or would rather lower the price
by that amount.
6) Contingencies . See what other factors the buyer
wants met before the contract is final—inspections, selling a home, obtaining a
mortgage, review of the contract by an attorney. Set time limits on
contingencies so that they won't drag on and keep your sale from becoming
final.
7) The contract expiration date . See how long you have
to make a decision on the offer.
|