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Deadly Mistake #1: Thinking you can't afford
it.
Today, buying the home of your dreams is easier than ever before. Many people who thought that buying
the home they wanted was simply out of their reach are now enjoying a new lifestyle in their very own new home.
Buying
a home is the smartest financial decision you will ever make. In fact, most American & Canadian home owners would be financially
broke at retirement if it wasn't for one saving grace - the equity in their home. Furthermore mortgage rates are more
flexible today than ever and tax allowances favor home ownership.
Real estate values have always risen steadily.
Of course there are peaks and valleys, but the long term the trend is a consistent increase. This means that every month when
you make a mortgage payment the amount that you owe on the home goes down and the value typically increases. This owe less-worth
more situation is called equity build-up and is the reason you can't afford not to buy.
Even if you have little
money for a down payment or credit problems, chances are that you can still buy that new home. It just comes down to knowing
the right strategies, and working with the right people. See below.
Deadly Mistake #2: Not hiring a buyer's
agent to represent you.
Buying property is a complex and stressful task. In fact, it's often the biggest single
investment you will make in your lifetime. At the same time, real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated.
New technology, laws, procedures and competition from other buyers require buyer agents to perform at an ever-increasing level
of professionalism. For many homebuyers, the process turns into a terrible, stressful ordeal. In addition, making the wrong
decisions can end up costing you thousands of dollars.
It doesn’t have to be this way!
Work with
a buyer's agent who has a keen understanding of the real estate business and on your side. Buyer's agents have a fiduciary
duty to you. That means they are loyal to only you and are obligated to look out for your best interests. Buyer's agents
can help you find the best home, the best lender, and the best inspector. Best of all, in most cases, the buyer's agent
is paid out of the seller's commission, even though he/she works for you.
Trying to buy a home without an agent
at all is, well... unthinkable.
Deadly Mistake #3: Getting a cheap inspection.
Buying a home is probably
the most expensive purchase you'll ever make. This is no time to shop for a cheap inspection. The cost of a home inspection
is very small relative to the home being inspected. The additional cost of hiring a certified inspector is almost insignificant.
As a homebuyer, you've recently been crunching the numbers, negotiating offers, adding up closing costs, shopping for
mortgages, and trying to get the best deals. Don't stop now. Don't let your real estate agent, a patty-cake inspector,
or anyone else talk you into skimping here.
NACHI front-ends its membership requirements. NACHI turns down more
than 1/2 the inspectors who want to join because they can't fulfill the membership requirements.
NACHI certified
inspectors perform the best inspections by far. NACHI certified inspectors earn their fees many times over. They do more,
they deserve more, and yes they generally charge a little more. Do yourself a favor...and pay a little more for the quality
inspection you deserve.
To find the best home inspector in your area visit www.InspectorSEEK.com
Copyright © 1999-2005 NACHI
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