PEGGY ALLEN, ABR, CRS, GRI 

Integrity, Innovation, Loyalty

   YOUR REAL ESTATE CONSULTANT

 LICENSED IN IOWA AND ILLINOIS 

RE/MAX BI-STATE - 901 E KIMBERLY ROAD - OLD TOWN MALL  -  DAVENPORT, IOWA 

1-563-359-3898   Home        -       1-563-349-0100   Cell       -       1-563-388-0008   Office       -       1-563-388-0008   Fax 

 10 Things to Take the Trauma Out of Homebuying

 1.     Find a real estate professional who’s simpatico. Homebuying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the practitioner you choose is both skilled and a good fit with your personality.

 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 lose you the home you love.

 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 amenities, noise level, etc., that 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, investigate insurance availability, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.

 8.     Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-homebuying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be some costs. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.

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.

 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 from 1998 to 2002, a home’s most important role is as a comfortable, safe place to live.

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