1. Not signing a buyers broker agreement

By placing your agent under a BUYER BROKERAGE agreement, your agent will be obligated to be your advocate in negotiating the best price and terms for you in the purchase of your new home. He/she will also place you at the top of his/her priority list above other customers that do not commit to working exclusively with them.

2. Not utilizing technology

Today, technology exists that helps the astute homebuyer find the home that best fits his/her requirements. Through the advent of the Internet and sophisticated website technologies, homebuyers can now substantially reduce the time required to find just the right home without overlooking homes that should have been on their short list. The website that provided you with this document is such a state-of-the-art website.

3. Not getting pre-approved by a lender

By arranging your financing in advance of your house hunting, you will avoid the disappointment of looking at homes you can't afford. By getting pre-approved for your loan, you become in effect a cash buyer and are taken more serious by the seller. In the event of multiple offers, your offer will receive a priority over another offer by a buyer who is not pre-approved.

4. Not having a home inspection done on a resale

No matter how nice the home looks to you, and no matter how completely the seller has disclosed any defects in the property, you have the right to make your offer subject to a Home Inspection by a competent professional inspector. Let your agent help you understand any inspection reports you receive.

5. Not totally understanding the offer

It is extremely important that the buyer totally understands the offer he/she is making before it is presented. The buyer should have his/her broker go through the offer with them paying special attention to all of the sections in bold type and where information has been filled in to the preprinted form. The buyer should make sure that they understand what is included and what is not as well as feeling comfortable with their ability to perform their obligations within the dates specified in the agreement.

6. Not checking out the environment

Just as important as finding the home of your dreams is making sure it is located where you will be happy and the home will retain its value. If you have children then good schools will be an important criteria. If there is a home owners' association, you need to know what the covenants are and how much are the monthly dues. Exceptionally prudent buyers have been known to interview a couple of prospective neighbors before they make an offer.

7. Not buying a home warranty

No matter how well maintained the house you buy looks, things can go wrong after you move in. Protect your investment by purchasing a Home Warranty that will cover you against costly repairs to most of the homes operating systems and appliances. In many cases, the seller will accept an offer that stipulates that the seller will provide a Home Warranty policy for the first year following closing.

8. Not getting written estimates of closing costs from your lender and agent

There is nothing worse than surprises at the closing table. Even 'zero down' loans have buyer closing costs attached to them. Make sure your lender and your agent give you written estimates of these costs and that you understand what they are for.

9. Not utilizing their professionals

Most people utilize lawyers, financial advisors, and accountants for special transactions or tax advice. Buying a home is one of the most significant investments one makes, so it only makes sense to discuss this investment with your professionals.

10. Procrastinating too long when you find the perfect home for you

Just as important as making sure you have not made any of the mistakes listed above, it is important that once you have found the home that you feel you cannot live without and have done your due diligence that you do not hesitate in making an offer. Many a buyer has been extremely disappointed when after an extensive search, the home they fell in love with got away because they were too slow to act.

Let's get together to talk about your home buying and/or selling plans. Call us on our cell phones at (Sylvia: 386-793-6809) / or send us an e-mail (Sylvia@SylviaDiane.com), we'll set-up a time to meet that is easy and convenient for you.

Realty Zone America, LLC!
- Dennis Cusack and Sylvia Caviggia