1.Get an gent: This is around advice, unless you are well experinced in the buying and selling of house. It is also good advice because more than 80 percent of properties goes through agents and if you do not have an agent you cannot have access to the large percentage of house. What you will get to see is about 20 per cent of the houses who are owner sold.
2.Choose an agent wisely: It is one thing to decide to get an agent; another to get a good one. You will know that your agent is good one when:
- He provides sufficient background information, including naming a few past clients for reference.
- He is easy to talk to, not stand-offish and full of jargon and business airs. Your agent needs to be "on-your-side" and really understand your needs and requirements. Unless you have a good rapport with your agent, you cannot realy get a satisfactory house.
- He is local and preferably in the business for at least a few years (it is not that new realtors aren't good, but it is always better to have an experienced hand)
- He has an expired listing that you can check.
3.Get your budget right: Before you even look for a house, make a positive decision on the exact amount you are earmarking to buy a house. You must also be careful and aware of the implication a home finance will have on your budget on monthly and yearly basis. Only when you have a definite price range (min-max) Should you proceed to look for a house. You may also avail of a pre-approved mortgage which will clearly indicate the limits of you budget. This will also expedite the process when you affect the purchase.
4.Research and decide what best is available: Check the housing the neighbourhood you plan to live in and see which type would suit you most, location wise, model wise, facility wise. Settle on something that makes you feel good when you are inside and outside.
5.Keep future needs in mid: When you buy a house, keep in mind that you are making a big investment that should you last for a long time. Think of you future requirements as well, not only what you need at present, for example, if you are newly married - children, guests, in-laws, or whether you would want to have a home office. See if the house you choose can be expanded or already has the amenities to accommodate your future as well.
6.Be Systematic: Maintain files on each house you see and have stored there all the pertaining information on each house you see, including price, pros and cons, features you love the most, features you hate the most, suitability, etc. This will greatly help you in the decision in the end.
7.Know the facts: Learn what is most required to check in a house - like walls, plumbing, electric wiring, etc. Be sure that you know what the house inspection process involves so you can not only understand which are good and which are bad houses, but also know what do you have to look fo to qualify it.
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