Guest Post by Alexandra :    alexsjourneys.wordpress.com

Buy a Home with These Three Important Steps!   The real estate world can be so complex and fast-moving that it it difficult to feel like a first-time homebuyer can stay afloat. If you feel overwhelmed by the thought of starting the home search process, then you may need to take a few steps back and begin a more simple approach.

Real estate expert Dottie Herman of Prudential Douglas Elliman offers potential homebuyers three important pointers for starting the home-buying process. On her radio show “Eye on Real Estate,” Herman encourages listeners to take initiative in the home search process and to develop a self-awareness of their house value systems.

A House Value System

Sometimes you think you know what you want. Other times, you realize that you really don’t know. That’s why it is important to develop a house value system. What is it that you want most in a home? A bedroom for each child? A fenced backyard? Whatever you want most in a house is what you value in it. Being aware of these values will help you determine how they translate into a price. You are going to be willing to pay more for a house that meets more of your values — especially if those values are not negotiable for you. But it’s also important to be self-aware so that your bidding does not become emotional. Is there a value that you can let go of so that you pay less for a house? It’s something to consider.

Assessing The Home’s Quality

You have to see the house in order to assess its quality. There are some tangible features of a home that can be ruled excellent or sub par. Your job is to see those features face to face and to determine whether the quality is good. This gives you some negotiating room when it comes time to bid on the home. As Herman says, “Cost is [just] a measure of the past.” If the home quality is good, then the cost will reflect that. If it is not, then you should see a deflection in price. If you don’t, then this is when your list of deficiencies may help you get a lower price in the end.

Agent To The Rescue

There is a reason that there are real estate brokers out there. This is a process that you likely do not want to try to handle on your own. Most sellers operate with brokers, and you should, too. A broker can help guide you through the process from beginning to end and is committed by a professional oath to treat you ethically and responsibly. Your broker can gather information on your target area, the listing prices of similar homes, and information on final selling prices. Furthermore, he or she can advise you on what kind of price will get the attention of the sellers while also staying within your set house budget. Try to hire a broker as soon as possible.