Sunday, September 14, 2014

Common Mistakes Homebuyers Make

By Pammy McGrath


Buying a home is such a huge purchase, and it's often a bit intimidating to know exactly what to do throughout the process. Even seasoned veterans can make some mistakes along the way. Here are a few of the most common mistakes you can make and how to avoid them.

People often begin looking without really sitting down and thinking about the budget. First, contact a lender and get pre-approved for a loan. This costs a small fee, but it really helps you figure out exactly how much you can spend. Keep in mind that you don't have to spend as much as the lender is willing to lend to you. You absolutely can spend less money, and you should if you anticipate feeling overwhelmed by your monthly mortgage and home costs. When budgeting, don't forget to add in homeowner's association fees, insurance and property taxes, which definitely affect your bottom line.

A home is just like a person. You can't always judge them by the first appearance. Sometimes a home is outdated but in fantastic shape with a great layout and plenty of space. You must look beyond the ugly wallpaper, the orange shag carpeting, popcorn ceilings and faux wood paneling. That can all be fixed, and the seller's ugly furniture and knickknacks aren't going to be there after you buy the house, so ignore them. On the flip side, a house could look beautiful and perfectly staged, but have real problems. It might not have enough rooms for you or perhaps the roof needs to be replaced. Always look past the way a place looks to really judge whether this is the right home for you.

Another issue that frequently occurs is when a couple falls in love with a specific house but fails to really judge the location or neighborhood. If it is very far from your workplace, you might get tired of the lengthy commute. If the neighbors seem loud and unruly, you cannot make them move. If the home is located on a busy street, you cannot move it to a quiet cul-de-sac. If you find a house you like, visit the property at different times of the day to judge the noise and traffic.

These days, some people tend to think that they don't need a realtor to help them with the buying process. After all, aren't all the listings already on the internet? While it is true that it is now much easier to find homes to consider buying, having a real estate agent is huge asset, especially for a buyer. They will present your offer and help you negotiate the best price, help you deal with any problems that arise during escrow and offer helpful advice about most real estate issues. They also often have the line on homes about to go on the market or sellers who recently pulled off the market but are still considering a sale.

If you wish to purchase a home in Texas Hill Country, the team at Nixon Real Estate is available to help. They can find great Fredericksburg, TX real estate, Kerrville real estate or homes for sale throughout Texas Hill Country. They also can help you find inspectors and answer questions about closing costs and escrow.




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