The Investment:
Buying a new home represents the single most important investment decision most of us will make in our financial lives. As with any major investment, you need to have a clear understanding of where it fits into your overall portfolio. You must ask yourself the same questions you would as with any other investment vehicle. How long do I intend to hold this asset? How much of my available resources should I allocate to this asset? What are the risks vs. the rewards of acquiring any one particular property over another? Remember, if you want to reach your goals, you need to have a plan that will take you there.
Your Buyer Agent:
Hands down, the single most important decision you will make when purchasing your new home. Choosing the right agent to advise you and represent your interests throughout the buying process is key to a smooth, successful transaction. There are many important decisions you need to make throughout the home buying process. Top agents provide their clients with timely, pertinent information so they can make the smartest decision possible throughout each step in this process. Buying a new home can be both an exciting and stressful experience. A strong agent has been through this experience many times, and can calmly navigate their clients through any and all challenges that may arise.
Getting Started:
Finding the right home that best suits your needs, goals and desires requires a thoughtfully executed plan. Remember, you aren’t just buying a home, you are making a huge, long term investment. Your buyer agent is your partner in executing this plan. Dedicate the time to carefully interview your prospective agent. It amazes me that home buyers will spend hundreds of hours looking at homes online, but choose an agent on a whim because “they seemed really nice”. Don’t be shy about asking the tough questions and make sure their credentials are up to this incredibly important task. Any credible buyer agent has a significant body of work, and a methodical approach to the home buying process. Is their approach one that makes sense to you? Do you feel you can work well with this person?
