1
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is overestimating how much they can legitimately afford. They aim too high, buy a home based on how much they think they'll be making in the near future, and find themselves in over their heads. Don't strap yourself; be realistic in what you can comfortably spend. Chances are, you'll be living in your new home a good long while, and every family has expenses above and beyond their monthly mortgage payment.

2
One of the most important questions you should ask before buying a home -- and the one that will determine the answers of hundreds to follow -- is Which real estate agent should I choose? After all, you're going to be spending a lot of time with your agent, and you'll be entrusting them with one of the most important decisions of your life. Look for an agent with an impressive track record, sharp instincts, sound skills, and personal qualities you admire...and trust your gut instinct in deciding who would best suit your needs.

3
Smart shopping isn't limited to the grocery store -- especially when it comes to finding the right financing for your new home. By doing some homework before you shop, you can save yourself a lot of time...and a lot of money. Familiarize yourself with points, lender's fees, annual percentage rates, interest fees, earnest money, and penalties. You'll thank yourself in the end.

4
It only costs a little to request a credit report, but it can cost a lot if you don't check before you shop for a home. Surprises are the last thing that you or a seller need to encounter when it comes time to sign on the dotted line. If there are problems with your credit, be as up front and honest about it as possible, you may not get the first home you set your eye on, but in the long run you'll save yourself a considerable amount of time and worry.

5
If you want to be taken seriously by a seller, nothing does the job better than being pre-approved for a loan. It shows the seller that you mean business, and often makes them receptive to a lower offer.

6
You may fall in love with the first home you see, but you'll be doing yourself a favor by looking at other homes as well. There's a fine line between deciding too fast and deciding too slowly, so get together with your agent and pace yourself. If you manage to see 8-11 homes, you'll have a pretty fair idea of what you're looking for and how much it should reasonably cost you.

7
In the excitement of buying a home, many buyers forget one of the most important and elemental concerns: the cost of utilities. You may love that big old house, but when you find that it costs nearly as much to heat that house in the winter as it does to make your monthly house payment, you may wisely reconsider.

8
Sure, the home looks great, but what you don't know about it is every bit as important as what you do know. That's why it's critical to have the home inspected by a certified home inspector (a fried who knows a little bit about construction simply won't do). A certified inspector will examine the home from basement to belfry, so you'll know just how much of a fixer-upper you're buying into. A quality home inspection can cost a bit of change, but it could end up saving you thousands of dollars in the long run.

9
Contrary to what some buyers think, the art of buying a home is not all about haggling. For every home you'll look at that's overpriced, there are two others that are priced exactly right, and even under priced. Trust your agent on this one. If you really love the home, and your agent says it's a steal, take it. Haggling often turns a seller off, and results in many buyers losing the home of their dreams.

10
Be patient when you shop for a home. Don't jump the gun and buy a home you don't really want for the sake of getting it over with; it's simply too large and too important an investment. And once you've found the home you really want, be flexible when it comes to closing dates. Closing dates come and closing dates go. Plan ahead so that you won't be left out in the cold when the closing date is set back a month.

Tomi Johnson
Realty One Real Living
3994 E. Harbor Rd
Port Clinton, OH 43452
888-807-4110 toll free
419-341-0276 cell phone
419-734-7260 fax
tomi@vacationlandconnection.com