Buyers |

Buying a home is an exciting experience. So exciting that some buyers rush to get started only to be disappointed months later when they're no closer to their goal of home ownership. Other would-be buyers find themselves immobilized by the fear of making a major financial commitment. In either case, you'll improve your chances of making a successful home purchase and lower your overall stress level during the process if you develop a game plan before you start looking.

The first step is to consider what you ideally want and need in a home. It may help to evaluate the deficiencies of your current home. Make a list of the items you must have, like 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a yard suitable for children and pets. Then list the items you'd like to have, but that aren't essential. These might include such features as a view, a private setting or a certain architectural style, like English Tudor or Mediterranean. Finally, make note of the features you don't want.

The next step for most homebuyers is to find a real estate agent to represent you in your home search and purchase. Make sure you use an agent who specializes in the area in which you want to live. If you don't already have an agent with whom you've previously worked, ask friends who purchased recently whether they were satisfied with their agent. Some buyers interview several agents before making a selection.

The next step is to talk to a mortgage broker or loan agent to find out what price home you can afford to buy. Some buyers like to start the home buying process by finding out what they can afford before they pick an agent. That's fine, but a benefit of choosing a real estate agent first is that your agent can put you in touch with loan agents.
Copyright 2001 Dian Hymer