1) Know your priorities

Everyone has different priorities in their lives. In terms of a home, a few key priorities are: location, distance to family, distance to work, condo/house/town-house, life-style, parking, balcony, schools, bedrooms, bathrooms, income generation, etc.

It is important to know these and what your limits are within them. For example, some people will sooner by a smaller place in a more “in-demand” location, while others would rather have a bigger home in a different area. This first group would have location as a prime priority, while the second is more interested in space.

2) Know how much you can afford, i.e. mortgage pre-qualification, budgeting, down payment, etc.

I highly recommend to all of my clients to create a budget so that they know exactly how much money will be left over after the purchase of their new home. When buying a home, you not only need to know how much you can afford, but how much money you need left over to live your lifestyle.

I offer to go through these expenses with all of my clients. Some clients are shy, so I also offer guidelines so that they may complete this process themselves. Everything is confidential.

Maintain a calm and cool demeanor. It is great to have an emotional attachment to a home. However, also know that you can afford it, it meets your needs, and that you can do it.

3) Know what you can change, what you can’t, and what you can live with.

You can often change paint and wall paper fairly inexpensively and quickly. This often changes the whole feel of a room. It is important to realize that when you’re buying a home/condo, you are basically buying some walls. Everything in between can be changed for a price. Also, all of that lovely furniture you saw while I showed you the place will be gone!

I try to show my buyers that all homes can look completely different with a little paint and a little re-arranging. An old kitchen with a paint job, new handles, and some new appliances might be that new-retro look you are going for, or make it livable for a few years before you gut it.

4) You have nothing to lose, hire a buyer representative. That’s me!

Buyer representatives, which all sales representatives may act as, represent you to sellers. They ensure that you are represented equitably, fairly, and that your needs both financially and contractually are understandable, communicable, and within your limits. It is our responsibility to ensure that you have a knowledge of the agreement of purchase and sale.

We help you find a home which meets your criteria. We show you the home … and then we show you some more! Not all homes or condos have “open houses”, or have “open houses” that you know about or can get to. Using a buyer representative allows you to see homes and condos on your own time. We make viewing appointments on your behalf at a mutually convenient time for both you and the seller.

We are often paid by sellers. However, other arrangements at times are made.

I suggest that you hire someone that you like, trust, and someone you can see yourself working with. All sales representatives have access to the same data, i.e. M.L.S. historical/current data, assessments, registry data, etc. We are also bound by a code of ethics and by the Real Estate Business Brokers Act. Buyer representatives arm you with the data you need to ensure you are making a fair purchase.