Taking the Trauma Out of Homebuying

1. Find a real estate agent who is understanding and knowledgeable. Homebuying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It's critical that the agent you choose is both skilled and a good fit with your personality. Silver Creek Properties is a Team of enthusiastic and compassionate REALTORS® with diverse strengths to guide you each step of the way.

2. Remember, there's no "right" time to buy, any more than there's a right time to sell. If you find a home now, don't try to second-guess the interest rates or the housing market by waiting. Changes don't usually occur fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won't stay on the market long.

3. Don't ask for too many opinions. It's natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas will make it much harder to make a decision.

4. Accept that no house is ever perfect. Focus in on the things that are most important to you and let the minor ones go.

5. Don't try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to "win" by getting an extra-low price may cause you to lose the home you want.

6. Remember your home doesn't exist in a vacuum. Don't get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself—room size, kitchen—that you forget such issues as  neighborhood amenities, noise level, etc., that all have a big impact on what it's like to live in your new home.

7. Don't wait until you've found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage.   Further, investigate insurance availability and consider a schedule for closing and moving. Presenting an offer contingent on your numerous unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.

8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be some costs. Remember your budget for home maintenance needs.

9. Accept that a little buyer's remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big commitment, but it also yields big benefits.

10. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. While U.S. homes have appreciated an average of 5.4 percent annually over from 1998 to 2002, a home's most important role is to be a comfortable, safe place to live.