Choosing a home to buy is one of life’s most important decisions, so it’s important to get it right. Yet, many people don’t.
Here are three common errors to avoid:
1. Letting your heart rule your head
You need to be realistic when choosing a home. It’s easy to get tempted by a property that you cannot really afford. Or to take on a project that you don’t have the time, skills or money to complete.
2. Caring about other people’s opinions
Maybe some people will look down on you if you move to a particular neighborhood. Maybe some will no longer attend your parties. However, buying a home is about doing what is right for you.
If downsizing or moving to a less favorable area is best for you, then it does not matter what anyone else thinks. True friends won’t care and you can live without people who do. Trying to keep up with the Joneses is a game you cannot win.
3. Failing to carry out sufficient research
If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is. There’s a reason that beautiful house is on the market well below the going rate, but finding out why can take some digging. Skimping on a survey is one of the biggest mistakes you can make because a survey is the only way to understand the true value of a property.
Getting legal help to guide you through the closing process can bring some much-needed impartiality to what can be a very personal decision.