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Home Buying Without the Added Stress
By Barbara Thorp
Home buying is always a momentous event, especially for newlyweds or couples who are just starting out. The only thing is that most people get into big mistakes in their home buying venture. A main reason is falling in love with the first great home for sale they set their sights on. It's true that lots of homes for sale are great, but there will always be that single one that will beat the others in every major aspect and down to the tiniest details. You don't have to be a perfectionist in home buying, but you at least have to be careful and well-informed.
Have a plan and then stick to it. If you don't, you may end up searching for a long time and not finding your dream homes for sale in the time-frame you have alloted yourself.
Start with a Sensible Checklist.
A pad and a pen are indispensable. Begin writing down all the things you require realistically in your new home. Categorize all the needs and wants and make a few copies. Now, each time you visit homes for sale, take your list with you and tick off all the requirements that fit your needs and wants. Your list of pro's may include proximity to school, to your workplace, privacy and quiet of the neighborhood, spaciousness, price, structural integrity of the house, good view, safety features, etc. Put the address and description of the street on this page as well. That way you won't mismatch and confuse houses for sale with each other at the end of the day. Remember, your pro's list can be revised over and over again during the course of your home buying endeavor.
Be Practical.
Many newbies in home buying enlist the services of a real estate agent in finding them appropriate homes for sale that fit your criteria. However, don't rely totally on your agent. If you want full control of the home buying process, try shopping around yourself. Let your fingers do the walking at several online classifieds with free listings of homes for sale. This way, you'll gather some ideas and information on current market values for homes and other real estate properties for sale in the area you wish to live in. In turn, you will be in a better bargaining position with home owners.
Sign up on the Web.
Today, home buying has been made considerably easier by websites that lists homes for sale for free. These websites, besides being comprehensive resources for real estate listings, also offer home buying tips. Browse homes for sale preferably with photos so you have a sneak preview of the property. Also, bear in mind your list. This way you can reject the ones you don't want to visit. This will save you time, energy, and petrol. Of course, follow up any homes that look like what you want in your list.
When visiting homes for sale, don't hesitate to ask the real estate agent plenty of questions. Be pleasant about it and thorough. Take time to scrutinize the home; bathrooms, floors, water pressure, lights etc., but don't be too snoopy. Just be sure to look in all the places you want to so you know if you are going to get a good deal.
Confirm the Starting Price.
If prices are set, they would be called the 'selling prices.' For this reason, you must compare the starting price of homes for sale to recent sales and auctions in the area. Your real estate agent should be an expert at providing these details to assist you with the validation of the seller's asking price. Technically, a home's starting price must be within the range of prices of other homes for sale in the area, unless, of course the particular home you have your eyes on has considerable amenities that tip the scale.
Visit during Rush Hour.
Visiting homes for sale on a Sunday at 11:00am is one story, and quite a different one if you do it during weekdays, between 3:00pm and 6:00pm. This is the time when the children are collected from school and work, and traffic is rushing home. If you visit homes for sale in the evening, you'll be able to experience some of the things that you will have to go through when you finally are living in that place. This includes traffic jams that might make it more difficult to access the house. Also you'll be able to find out how noisy the neighbourhood is at the busiest time of day.
How far is it from Work?
If you have decided on your prospective home, it's time to find out how long it will take you to get to work in the morning traffic. It may seem unnecessary, but think about how much time you'll spend traveling each day and the expense of fuel used.
Changes that could Occur
Your solicitor will find out what plans are in store for the surrounding area. You may find out that the park close by may become a shopping centre or a new road in a few years. You won't know unless you do the research. Don't expect the vendor's agent to volunteer any information. It's not in their interest to do so.
About the Author
Barbara writes articles and press releases for http://realestate.ozfreeonline.com - which offers a comprehensive list of office & commercial real estates, homes for rent or sell and an apartment finder to thousands of properties in Australia.
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/50590.html
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