Buying a Home is Like Getting Married…..Everyone Gives You Their Opinion!

Today’s market is perfect for the first time homebuyer- house prices at deep discounts, rates at all time lows, and federal tax credits to sweeten the pot and reignite the housing sector. Now is truly an opportune time to buy. With a flood of first time buyers comes their “Advisor or Advisors”. A multitude of people weigh in with their well intended opinion on every imaginable topic including: how to negotiate on deal, what type of loan the buyer should apply for, who to use, when to close, when to lock in the rate, how many homes to see before making an offer, what type of window treatments the new home needs, if they should put up a fence….you get the picture. I have witnessed tons of opinions on tons of different topics related to buying your first home. With that said, I will weigh in with my opinion- Today’s currency is experience, knowledge and expertise. Search out and identify a true professional in each field- do not try to do it yourself. Market conditions are opportune but tricky and ever changing. The value of a true professional in his/ her field is not in the discount of fee but in the knowledge they posses and the way they lead the buyer through the process. For example the idea of buying a home in today’s market without a realtor leaves a buyer unrepresented and unprotected. Using a broker for financing rather than a bank leaves higher likelihood for delays and unwanted surprises as closing nears. In summary obtain names of experts from the “advisors”, build a team of trusted specialist in their field, and charge the experts to educate you on real time issues and opportunity. Get all the facts and options. Deliberate and make the decisions. One final note, keep a legal pad nearby. It is a great coping mechanism for when you hear all the different suggestions and experiences that happened when Aunt Jane bought a home 10 years ago or your best friends brother’s closing went south in the 12th hour. Record the experience and work with your Realtor and lender to understand what does and does not apply to you and your scenario in this very unique market. Welcome the opinions of the family and follow the advice of the professionals!