Stop Before Buying The Wrong Home

After looking at a dozen homes it can be unnerving when it comes time to make a decision about which one to buy. A good checklist can help you avoid making a mistake. Are you about to buy the wrong house? Here are a few factors to consider:


Price. Most people buy a home infrequently and, consequently need help in determining if they home they like is priced right or overpriced. The best way to avoid over-paying for a home is to study the market. Visit a few open houses and compare them to the one you are thinking about purchasing. Ask your Realtor® for a list of ""comps"" and an explanation of the current ""list-to-sale-price-ratio.""
Features. Review your list of features that you ""really"" were looking for when you began your home search. It's easy to get excited about the features of a pricey home that you really don't need. Do you really want a swimming pool? Will you be happy with a high maintenance landscape? Some homes are easier to preview that they are to own.

Location. Maybe you've found the right home, but what about the location? Do forget to consider your commute to work, school, friends, and other places that are important to you. How will the neighborhood change in coming years. Buying the wrong home in the right location is generally a lesser mistake than buying the right home in the wrong location.

Emotions. How do you ""feel"" about the home? After a long day's work you want to be happy when you pull into your new driveway. This isn't a decision to be taken lightly. Most people buy homes emotionally. That's OK. Just be sure that your happiness will be enhanced by your home purchase.

As stressful as it is, the home buying process results in tremendous reward when you buy the right house.