Home Buyers, Ready to Make an Offer? Top 3 Questions to Ask Yourself First

So THAT time has finally arrived -- after attending umpteen Open Houses -- hours of online real estate research -- checking your credit score just one more time -- you’re finally ready to make an offer on a house. Before you take that leap, take a few minutes to ask yourself these questions first:

1. Are You Using Your Head or Your Feet to Decide? Many buyers experience what I call “House Hunter’s Fatigue,” a condition not yet recognized by the CDC but a real one nonetheless. It often occurs when your feet actually ache from seeing so many homes. If you’re deciding to make an offer because you’re getting impatient and can’t stand the idea of seeing one more stainless steel kitchen, take a breather. Go a couple of weeks without visiting an Open House or yet another virtual home tour. You need to clear your head in order to make the right decision.
2. Does the Neighborhood Pass Your “Lifestyle Quality Test”? When I first meet buyers I like to find out their “lifestyle quality” options. Do you want to be able to walk to local shops? An easy drive to entertainment options? Prefer a quiet suburban site? Want big city energy? While the property you want to buy may be ideal, keep in mind that the place you’ll end up calling home is more than just the four walls you’ll inhabit.
3. Are You Ready to Let Go of Apartment Life? As an apartment dweller you may have taken your landlord for granted but do keep in mind that home ownership comes with maintenance demands you’ll have to deal with yourself. No more calls to have someone fix the plumbing; check for furry critters; maintain the lawn; shovel the snow; or, repair the leaky whatever. Owning a home means you get to become familiar with your local home improvement store and getting your very own tool box. Truly not an awful thing but definitely worth considering if you’re not the handiest person with a screwdriver (and I don’t mean the cocktail).

As with most important decisions in life, you want to be sure to go at it with eyes wide open. This is not the time to be impulsive. That said, when your gut says that “This is THE house for us,” go for it and don’t look back.

For more home-buying tips or to take my FREE “Home Buying 101” Tutorial, contact me at www.GoHomeWithMichael.com.