Make sure this isn’t you! Most buyers make these critical mistakes when purchasing a home. Here’s what you need to know to avoid them!
Purchasing a home is one of the most exciting investments you can make. It also happens to be the largest. It is easy to get caught up in the fun aspects of home buying and forget to protect yourself in the process. Many homebuyers unknowingly make these critical mistakes. Here’s what you should avoid!
Not Using an Experienced Realtor
Buying a home can be tricky. If you aren’t careful, you will end up with a bad investment, losing money, or missing out on the home of your dreams. An experienced Realtor who is familiar with the area has seen it all before. He or she can spot potential issues and help you avoid them before they occur. A reputable agent only has your best interest in mind and will make sure you are getting the most for your money. Not to mention, they are powerful negotiators who can get you a better deal than you will ever get on your own.
You will have to make several decisions along the way, such as who to use for a home inspection or credible lenders in the area. A Realtor can make recommendations based on your needs.
Want to know what to look for in a Realtor? Click here
Declining a Home Inspection
You should never take the aesthetics of a home you are planning to buy at face value. Oftentimes, buyers think that they can either trust the sellers or will be able to spot a problem on their own if there is one. Unfortunately, this is flawed logic for a couple of different reasons.
One, the sellers may be as honest as the day is long but may not be aware of a potentially serious issue such as a termite infestation. Secondly, not all problems are easy to see with an untrained eye, especially structural issues.
The bottom line is that a licensed home inspector knows what to look for and can catch issues that could potentially cost you thousands of dollars. It is advisable to never skip a home inspection.
Forgetting About Maintenance Costs
Many buyers meticulously calculate how much of a home mortgage they can afford. However, they forget about routine maintenance costs. When you buy a home, you no longer have a landlord who is responsible for the cost of repairs. It is up to you! Be sure when you determine how much house you can afford that you leave a little wiggle room for the estimated cost of upkeeping the home.
Failing to Negotiate
The listing price of a home is not written in stone. Sellers expect you to negotiate, and you should. However, you must be strategic about it. For instance, if there are other bids on the home, you should bid competitively. However, if the property has been sitting for quite some time, you might be able to bid a little lower than you normally would.
A word of caution: Too low of a bid may insult the seller, who will decline your offer without countering. An experienced Realtor can expertly read the situation and offer advice on the best bidding strategy.
Make Purchasing a Home a Breeze
Partnering with the best Realtor in Lake Mary means you have a compassionate and knowledgeable step-by-step guide throughout the entire process of purchasing a home. Here at Gitta Sells, we have over 30 years worth of experience in the real estate market. We can identify potential issues before they occur and help you avoid them. Assisting people to find the homes of their dreams is our passion. Contact us today at gittasells@gitta.com or 407-330-2181 with any questions you may have or to get started on your home buying journey!
