5 House Hunting Tips for buyers in Newtown, Yardley and all over Bucks County

March 4th, 2010 by Marty Millner
Categories: Uncategorized
Comments: 2 Comments »

Lots of first time home-buyers, become emotionally overwhelmed by the house hunting process. I spoke, in a previous post, about 10 tips, to get the process started.

Here are 5 more tips, that will help provide you with a plan of action, and will help ensure that you don’t become emotionally overwhelmed.

Tip #1 Bring a friend

Since the house hunting process stirs up a lot of different emotions, from excitement and joy, to fear and anxiety, it makes sense to bring along someone a friend or family memeber, whose opinion you trust, to act as a sounding board. This person can be an objective ally who can help identify pros and cons of each house.

One caveat, is to be sure that the person or people who join you on house hunting trips, realize that ultimately the decision about what to buy, is yours. I have been involved with buyers, whose family members are so opinionated, that they actually interfere with the process, by offering incorrect information. The person should help you evaluate the pros and cons of each house, while still respecting your right to make your own decision.

Tip #2 Take Pictures of Each Home

This can be especially helpful if you are looking at a lot of homes, and find that there are lots of houses that meet your search criteria. Take notes, and take pictures. That way, from the comfort of your home, you can re-visit what you saw, and really focus on the pros and cons of each home.

This also gives you a chance to see each house, after the initial excitement has worn off.

Tip #3 Compare the House to Your Budget

Make sure you understand all of the costs associated with owning each house you are considering. What are the taxes? How about the utility costs? You really want to try and avoid becoming what we often refer to as, “House Poor”. That is what happens when people spend too much money, and take on a mortgage that is more than what they can comfortably afford.

Tip#4 Consider the Commute

Make sure that you have a realistic perspective on how long it is going to take you to get back and forth from work, from the house you are looking to purchase. Make sure it is a commute that you can comfortably live with. It is a good idea, if you are at all concerned, to make the trip from the house to your job, at the time of day, both morning and afternoon, that you would be making the trip after you move into the house.

Commute time is an important quality of life issue, so don’t overlook it.

Tip #5 Avoid Snap Decisions

Remember, buying a home is probably going to be the largest financial decision of your life. As such, it deserves careful thought and consideration, each step of the way.

I always council my clients that there will always be another house, so even if you miss one becuase you are being cautious, it is ok. Remember, the more you see, the more you learn.

Bonus Tip It is Okay to Snoop When House Hunting

Most buyers I work with, are a bit reluctant to open cabinets, closets, and to look at areas that may be covered by rugs or furniture. Please be assured that it is perfectly ok, and even necessary to check out the following”

Attic
Basement
Cabinets
Garage
Closets
Sheds or outbuildings
Areas hidden by furniture.

Remember, sellers were once buyers. They know the drill. The only thing to keep in mind, is to be respectful. Return everything back to the way you found it.

Yardley, Newtown, Upper Makefield, Lower Makefield, and all of Bucks County, offer an incredibly divirsified array of houses, at all price ranges. I love to help buyers learn about the area, as well as to guide them through the home buying process in a way that ensures that they understand every step, clearly.

Much of this informaiton was taken from the Home Buying Institute. Feel free to check out the website, for other tools that you may find helpful.

Please feel free to leave me any thoughts or comments you may have.

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