You’ve made up your mind to purchase a new home. You’re tempted to start looking at online listings to get a feel for the types of homes that are currently available. Before you give into those real estate temptations, there are a few crucial tips you need to bear in mind.

– Before you even start looking at homes, know how much your lender willPre-approve youfor. Getting your heart set on a listing you can’t afford will taint your entire home buying journey. Keep in mind that there is usually negotiating room on a listing price, but try not to look at homes more than 10% above your Pre-approved mortgage amount.

– Know exactly what you are looking for prior to engaging the services of a professional real estate agent. Decide on your preferred neighborhood, the amenities you want in a home and how many bathrooms and bedrooms your new home should have. You may need to compromise on your wish list during your real estate search, but decide in advance which options are non-negotiable.

– Once you start negotiations with a home seller, make sure all conversations happen with your real estate agent and the home seller’s agent. Even if you strike up a cordial relationship with the home seller, don’t let any conversations happen without your agent present. Realtors are trained to keep conversations professional. You don’t want to inadvertently mention that you’re desperate to move or that you have to vacate your current residence by a particular date. Let your agent do the talking to ensure the best deal.

– Never agree to anything without getting it in writing. The smallest omissions can cause big problems later on. From a seller’s willingness to update bathroom faucets to an agreement to include specific furnishings in the real estate sale, every component of an offer to purchase must be in writing.

– Home inspections are critical. Never accept a home inspector referred to you by the seller or seller’s agent. Always choose a home inspector on your ownand inquire as to which home details will be inspected. Know in advance if your inspector carries insurance and who bears responsibility if faulty items are missed during the inspection process.

Keeping these tips in mind can make your real estate purchasing decision easier to navigate. Buying a new home can be one of life’s most stressful decisions; being prepared ensures the process is as painless as possible. Will you be incorporating any of the above-listed tips into your next real estate purchase? Call 1-800-805-8354 to discuss your real estate needs ANYWHERE in the agent. We have partners ready to work with you everywhere.