Five Keys to buying a house

We’ve probably already heard all the keys, secrets, steps, and tips to buying a house, getting a mortgage on a house, what to look for etc. But do any of us actually put that into practice?

Now days, buyers want the facts, they want them quick, and they want to move on with their life. So here are our five steps, tips, or keys to finding a house you love and will continue to love long after the shiny has rubbed off.

Get a buyer’s agent

I cannot stress how important this is. Stop looking at homes first and then contacting the listing agent to see the house. The listing agent is there only to sell that house and not to get you the best house at the best price. Trust me. Find a real estate agent that only deals with buyers and have them show you the home so that your finances and your negotiating strategies are kept confidential.

Only look at houses you can afford

You don’t want to be stuck in a subprime mortgage three years down the line on a home that you are struggling to afford every month and weighing the cost between putting food on the table versus making the next mortgage payment. Finding that perfect house is not worth the stress in the future. Know how much you can afford before you even look at houses and then try to find a house $10,000-$20,000 under that cost. You won’t regret this decision.

Make a list and check it once, twice, and three times and continue to check it throughout the search process.

Make a list of things that you know that you want, basics and details, things that you know you will hate, and continue to make that list as you search through homes. That list can grow and change as you find different quirks and features of different homes.

Let your agent do their job.

There are about 10 different parties involved in a real estate transaction and if you’re trying to do all of their jobs it only makes the situation more confusing and frustrating. Each party from your agent to your lender to escrow knows what they’re doing and they all are working just as hard to get the job done as you want them to. Listen to your agent, the voice of reason, and trust those involved to handle your transaction to the very best of their ability. If you are hesitant or concerned about the way any party is doing their job speak with your agent or another party involved instead of trying to do the job yourself.

Do not ask for the keys until the transaction is closed.

No, I cannot give you the keys to the house to go into measure, check coloring, look at repairs, or the layout your furniture. You are welcome to view the home with your agent at reasonable times throughout the transaction but at no time are you allowed the keys until the transaction is closed. It is illegal and unethical for your buyer’s agent, seller, or listing agent to do so.

So there you have it. The long and short and basics of what you need to know to buy a house. Trust me, we’ve all been there and we’ve had to deal with just about every buyer and seller and crazy transaction there is. Know the facts and be prepared.