​​7 Insider Tips About Buying a Home

We all dream of owning our own home - a serene and secure place tucked away in a peaceful neighborhood and just a stone's throw away from excellent amenities. The only downside is that searching for that ideal home often involves more mental, physical, and monetary effort than we initially anticipate. 

No matter how savvy a buyer you are, how much research you do, or how many experts you consult in the home shopping process, there will always be some things that will inevitably fly under your radar. The impact may be negligible, or it can later turn into a nasty surprise. So, before you begin home hunting or sign on that dotted line, read these insightful tips.

Schools Are Super Important

If your kids are all grown up, or you have no plans to have any, you still need to shop for a home in a high-rated school district. First, homes in neighborhoods with top schools tend to appreciate faster than those in which the quality of education isn't the best. And that's just one consideration when talking about the importance of location.

Second, investing in a home near renowned schools is a safe bet as you will have fewer challenges when it comes time to sell. Buyers are always concerned about the quality of the school their children will attend. So, if there's a slight chance you might sell your home down the road, start thinking about schools.

Don't Expect a Linear Process.

Buying a home is not a step-by-step process, so don't expect to handle one thing at a time. It's often compared to a juggling act for a good reason. The process is demanding, and you'll have at least three things that need to be done at any given time — calls to make, paperwork to coordinate, and homes to visit.

At the same time, you need to constantly keep in touch with the bank, work closely with your real estate agent, keep your eye open for other potential properties, find the right insurance, look for a moving company, and much more. And don't forget you have a job and maybe a family to focus on as well.

The seller Doesn't Owe You a House in Perfect Condition.

Even if you hire the best home inspector and conduct your thorough inspection, there are just some tiny things you could miss, or the seller may fail to disclose — a damaged doorknob, missing window handle, air leaks, etc. So it's easy to think that the seller may be kind enough to take care of some of these repairs before you move in. 

The reality is that if you fail to notice those small broken components and you sign the agreement, the seller has no obligation to fix anything. Fortunately, if the seller breaks something between the contract and closing date, they are required to fix it before you move in.

Some Sellers Use Cameras To Record Potential Buyers 

You may not like to hear this, but the modern home seller has evolved. And some seem to have taken things to extreme levels by recording potential buyers using drop cameras. Such tactics may not be appropriate, but it doesn't stop some sellers from deploying them.

While some sellers understandably set up cameras for security reasons, some have something bigger at play. They want to eavesdrop on your conversation with your spouse or representative and learn how much you are genuinely willing to pay. This gives them an upper hand at the negotiation table. Next time you go to view a home, watch what you discuss inside the house. 

Before You Take Possession of the Home, You'll Become a Stalker.

On a lighter note, nobody ever tells you that the home buying process can turn you into a real stalker. Once you pin down a house, fall in love with it and start the buying process, you'll probably turn into a stalker. You'll find it hard to resist the temptation of driving by the house at least a few times a week. 

You'll also find yourself spending too much time investigating the house on Google. Also, don't be surprised if you start stalking the owners online, trying to figure out a few things about them. The good news is: it's normal to get extra inquisitive before such a big life commitment. So don't hesitate to be a bit nosy - do it within the confines of the law.  

Some Sellers Can Help You Transition Into Your New Home 

Maybe your agent had a hard time negotiating with the seller's agent, and you had to fork out a little extra money reluctantly. That doesn't mean you can't speak with the seller directly. You'll be surprised how much valuable information they hold. True, they may not mention the nosy neighbor or other nuisances to avoid turning you off, but they can help you learn a few good things about the house and neighborhood.

Most times, the seller will be eager to tell you about some recent renovations they did, relatively new appliances, and exotic garden plants that need some special care. Also, they can help you find local clubs, the best gyms in the area, and even reliable contractors. Need a dog walker or babysitter? No problem, they might be the best bet for reliable help.

Costs Will Accumulate in the First Three Months

Nobody's disputing it. Buying a home is way more affordable than renting one. But that's in the long term. When it comes to upfront costs, owning your place requires significant amounts of money. And not just the down payment and mortgage. We are talking about the costs of gradually turning the house into a home.

Here's why the first three months after buying are the most expensive: 

• Initial repairs and renovations
• Furnish all rooms
• Install new door locks
• New light and plumbing fixtures
• Exterminate pests
• Service your HVAC system
• Buy appliances that didn't come with the house. 
• Invest in home maintenance tools and garden care equipment
• Get an internet connection

If you were previously renting or you're starting from scratch, the costs will be high. So start saving up early.

Happy Home Hunting

You can go through all the home-buying resources available out there, but there are things you won't find in magazine columns or home buyer blogs. Some may be complex realities, and others may be rewarding encounters. Fortunately, the tips here should give you a sneak peek into what you should expect and plan for.