Buying your house is a big decision. I’ve helped hundreds of buyers. Each buyer is unique but some things frequently come up. Below are some tips that might help.
Stories about buyers — These are good for inspiration and perspective.
Map of Sales — Map of sales by Alice V. McKenna
Work with a Buyer’s Agent
My network is extensive. I’ve worked with many different listing agents. I know how to get the house you want. A Buyer’s Agent is often the key to getting your deal to closing, especially when there are several offers or complications (and there often are).
Think about where you dream of living.
Where do you picture yourself at the end of the day? Think about what I call your “wish list”. Don’t make a long, inflexible list of requirements. Many people are uncertain what they need or want until they start looking. I can help you clarify what you’re looking for.
Get prepared
Let me help you talk to a mortgage person. We can figure out how much you can afford to pay, research any special loan programs that apply to your situation and prepare essential information. Having your information together helps you command the situation. Then we can move fast when you see something good.
Makeovers are possible
Don’t get hung up on the pink striped wall paper or a window in the wrong place. A 1939 Colonial with a small footprint can become a contemporary showpiece. You don’t have to do this immediately. Live in a house for a year and you’ll know how to get the most for your money. Without spending a lot, you’ll find that replacing the doors or adding some windows can make it a unique item on the street. Knock down a wall, throw up a column and it’s your own Architectural Digest story.
This is your journey
Buying a house involves many factors, from rational to emotional. It can be an exciting and memorable period in your life. I believe you end up in “your house” — where you were meant to be. To get some perspective, you may wish to read stories about my other buyers, or this book by a distinguished Harvard professor. It will help you understand why real estate can make us so crazy.
Let me help you pursue your dream
An small, elusive wish can become a concrete want. Buying a house is taking a dream to reality. You’re thinking…I want to do something but I’m not sure how to go about doing it, or who can help me. It goes from I think I might want to move here to I want to buy this house. Where do I start? You’re at the right place.
