The Final Secret In: My Dirty Little Secrets for Buying a Home Series

Its a love story…

and it went a little bit like this:

You’re immediately attracted and imagine a beautiful life ahead, maybe late nights in the kitchen eating ice cream or kids running around the yard laughing.

But wait! I’m not talking about someone talk dark and handsome… I’m talking about the last house you just saw on your home hunt that you can’t stop thinking about.

Yes… I said it, and I’ll say it again. Buying a home IS like falling in love.

There will be that same rollercoaster of emotions with highs and lows and even similar stages.

You’ll start out totally smitten and head over heels. Things won’t always go your way and you’ll wonder if you made a mistake. You will more likely than not end up with a heartbreak or two, hopefully learn from your mistakes and be better for it, learning what you need to do to find “the one”.

I’m going to show you how to make the most of your home-buying journey with as few heartbreaks as possible.

The One that Got Away

No matter how old you are or how far away it was, you probably still remember the devastation of your first heart break. There’s a sense of loss, emotions, and remorse… even if you did nothing wrong.

Guess what? Buyers have that too.

Sometimes you have to lose out on a property you absolutely love before you can get serious (and braver) about home buying. Here’s what you can learn from going through this disappointment: 

Don’t hold back your true feelings and be wishy-washy. 

What this means as a buyer: The market is moving fast here along the Wasatch Front. When you are on a timeline as a serious buyer, you need to be ready to put in a competitive offer. To get to that point, its very important that you know your maximum budget, financing, and deal-breakers about the house. This needs to happen BEFORE we find “the one”. This forces you to be prepared when you want to put an offer in, so you don’t loose out on a house you really loved. Knowing what your deal-breakers are also forces you to know what you want enough to not end up in a home you only half-way like. Knowing you maximum budget and must-haves will also help me to write the most competitive offer for you – without going overboard, to hep us seal the deal!

Learn to move on and keep searching.

What this means as a buyer: You may feel hurt now, but use those emotions to your advantage. You are now a smarter, more serious buyer that understands how the market works in this area… which puts you a step ahead of some other buyers! New inventory is listed everyday, so pick yourself back up and don’t give up!

Don’t look back and don’t compare.

What this means as a buyer: You may have been so close to a Pinterest – worthy kitchen or a large garden in the back that this home doesn’t have… what now? Stop comparing! Focus on your original list of must-have’s and deal-breakers and come in with an open heart. Or… maybe tweak your list a bit if your must-haves have now changed, and put yourself back out there!

Don’t worry, you will fall in love again.

What this means as a buyer: The struggle will all be worth it and you’ll end up with a home thats an even better fit for you.

Know what’s best for you. Only you know what will work for you and your family. It’s your life so don’t listen or be swayed by what your friends have to say.  Keep your emotions in check as much as possible and make rational and smart decisions based on what is best for you and your family.

Don’t be a fool in love. Some buyers get hung up on an amazing or gorgeous home that just wows them … but it really doesn’t fit their family’s needs at all (i.e., long commute to work, not enough bedrooms, too small or too big, too expensive, etc.).

Get your priorities straight. Make a list of your must-haves and deal breakers. It helps me find the right homes to show you. It may look attractive, but could lead to heartbreak down the road if it doesn’t have the things you knew were important to you.

Never settle if it doesn’t feel right.  Some buyers end up with a home that isn’t good enough for them. Yes, home buying does require some compromise, but this refers to ignoring blatant issues with a home that could cause regret later on. For example, they didn’t carefully consider some red flags about the home’s structure, workmanship, etc. This can happen when buyers want a home so badly in a certain neighborhood, or get so tired of their offers not getting accepted.

It’s times like this that you need to search for some clarity on your part to avoid falling too hard for the wrong home, whether you’re charmed by it or know it’s a dud.

Fall in Love with “The One”

You can fall in love with a home that works for you, for most of your needs, for you budget, and your lifestyle. Buying a home is full of emotion, and keeping your heart and head in sync can save you a lot of heartache down the road.

I hope that you have loved my 8-week: My Dirty Little Secrets For Buying A Home. Stay tuned for more tips to being a home-buying expert!