The 10 Most Costly Mistakes Home Buyers Make
As a Real Estate Agent with many years experience I often see buyers disappointed as a more
qualified buyer has taken their dream property away. I am hoping that the "10 mistakes that home
buyers make" will help you when making your decision when to buy and how much you can afford.
1. Waiting Too Long To Buy.
“Although exceptions do occur, buying now nearly always proves wiser than
buying later” says Gary Eldred, Ph. D., author of Yes!
You Can Own the Home You Want. When Weighing the pros and cons of
renting versus buying, it pays to look into a variety of buying options even if
you only plan to stay in the home a couple of years. Consider purchasing at a
bargain price, buying a fixer upper where you can quickly create Value, or
buying a home that would make a good rental property investment.
2. Waiting for Interest Rates to Come Down.
It rarely pays to wait until interest rates come down to buy. The window of
affordability can close anytime. If rates are high at the time of purchase buy
anyway and refinance later.
3. Buying with Your Eyes Focused on the Rearview Mirror.
Many home buyers look at past rates of appreciation to determine what
neighborhoods to consider when purchasing. Since past appreciation is rarely
an indication of what will happen in the future, be open to looking at
neighborhoods you thought you’d never consider. Investigate “value signals”
(good value, strong sales, convenient location, community spirit, community
action, renovation and new construction, etc.)
Dr. Eldred says, “Look for those neighborhoods that will be “hot” tomorrow,
not necessarily those that were hot yesterday.”
4. Not Knowing Exactly How Much You Can Afford.
How much home you can afford depends on how stable your finances are,
what types of properties you’re considering, the financing options available
to you, how good your credit is and so forth. Be sure to consult with a loan
officer before you ever start house hunting to insure that you can buy the
home you want. If you’re ready to buy now, think about being pre-approved
for a loan.
Why? Because pre-approval helps you save money. Pre-approved buyers
have great purchasing power and your agent may be able to negotiate a
better deal for you with pre-approval in your hand. Sellers are also more
inclined to accept your offer because they’re dealing with a buyer with an
approved loan. By completing the pre-approval process before finding a
home, you'll already know how much you can afford and you’re approved for
a loan so there’s little of the usual anxiety involved, and you’ll save time.
Sellers areo more inclined to accept your offer because they’re dealing
with a buyer with an approved loan.
5. Centering Negotiations on Price.
Many buyers feel as though they need to get the lowest price when offering
on a home, however, there are other concessions a seller can make that are
more beneficial to you, the buyer . Your real estate agent can negotiate on
your behalf for a seller-paid buy-down or closing costs, credit for repairs, or
perhaps a washer and dryer, etc. All of these things can save you money
when buying a home. Be sure and discuss all your options with your agent
and ask him or her to help you evaluate what’s best for your specific
situation.
6. Comparing Homes by Purchase Price.
Be sure to compare not only home prices but also the monthly costs
associated with those homes that you are considering. Costs for utilities,
property taxes, homeowner’s association dues, homeowner’s insurance
premiums, maintenance, and other expenses can vary widely from property
to property. Estimate the average monthly cost of homeownership on every
home you look at.
7. Failing to Plan for Homeownership.
“In survey after survey,” writes Dr. Eldred, “renters claim they “can’t afford” to
buy because they lack sufficient money for a down payment. Often this
belief reveals a lack of education about low (or no) down payment home
finance possibilities. But just as often, it reveals a failure to plan”. A loan
officer can show you how to pay off your bills, repair your credit, how to save
for a down payment, etc. Make homeownership your number one priority.
Changing your beliefs about whether you can buy or not is the first step to
buying a home.
8. Changing your “Loan Status” Before Your Loan Closes.
Changing anything about your financial picture before your loan closes can
greatly impact your ability to qualify for financing. It is absolutely critical to
avoid changing jobs, switching banks, moving money around, paying off
bills, opening a new charge account, or making any major purchases
(furniture, car, appliances, etc.) since doing so can delay your closing or
prevent you from obtaining a loan altogether.
9. Failing to Estimate Repair and Renovation Cost.
It’s very important to make sure that your new home is inspected by
professionals so that you’re fully aware of any problems the property may
have. Your agent can advise you on termite and roof reports, structural
inspections, and home inspections which cover the major systems (electrical,
plumbing, etc.) so that you are not hit with big bills immediately after you
move in. Know what you’re getting into before you buy.
10. Failing to Compare Loan Programs and Costs.
Every borrower has different financial goals and needs. Making a mistake on
your home loan financing can cost you thousands of dollars. Your loan
officer can assist you with all the facts and offers a lender can offer you,
securing you the best deal and furthermore giving you the right one for your
needs.
Homes For Sale Lake Norman
Up to $200,000
Call me for an appointment to view: Susan Dolan
Phone: 704-560-7201 | SusanDolan7@gmail.com
If you need to find out how much you can purchase for, please call my friend
and Financial colleague David Woldman
This information was written and supplied by David Woldman
David Woldman, Charlotte Area Manager
NMLS # 659150 / NC State License #155537
7930 W. Kenton Circle, Suite 150, Huntersville, NC 28078
Please use this link to view the booklet described as settlement costs in your Good Faith Estimate: http://HUD's Settlement Cost Booklet.pdf
