Home Buying Commitment:
Are You Ready For The Long Haul?

A home buying commitment is a very long-term

undertaking one should not engage lightly.

If you already have had the chance to read some of the observations I have posted throughout these pages, you may have noticed that I place a lot of “caution signs” here and there throughout… And I would like that – at least – it would make you think for a moment when you come to the situations I try to raise a flag about.

I do not want to think that I sound “ just like your parents” or that you think that I am too conservative on my advices…

In the other hand, please be extra reassured that I do want you to buy the house you are dreaming of… However, even more than that – I want you to be in solid financial footing as you embark in this journey.

Big Warning

Well, my friend, now I have a BIG warning for you: Just take a moment to analyze the many “pros” and “cons” I have pointed out: It is for a very long ride – there is no second way around it!

This advice is valid both to first time home buying folks as well as if you are moving up to something bigger and, potentially, better house!

First time home buying is perhaps when most of the mistakes may happen: Did you calculate well that home buying commitment is also synonymous with home expenses.

It is not only “exactly” the amount you pay for a rent: from now on, everything that will happen in that property you will be responsible for – the roof, property taxes, frozen pipes, landscape and the list goes on…

However – even if you already are have some years into “home ownership” it is almost in the same proportions that some “false moves” occur to people who have owned their homes for a while and that “upgrade” itch starts to set in…

When you sign to another property you start anew with another with anew with another long-term home buying commitment.

Please be very cautions at this stage!

Think before you drink = think before you sign on the dotted line… It is the same inebriating feeling …or even a higher feeling!

Don’t Allow Yourself To Be Pushed

Another word of cautions comes from my industry: I have known some agents that are extremely pushy. And I also have known of real estate firms that train their agents to be pushy.

They try to reach that monthly quote and they want you to sign on that home buying commitment so badly they may be crossing the “ethical line.”

In my humble opinion that kind of behavior should not exist in the market place. But they do exist! Be aware of it!

Also please be vigilant and do not let anybody to bulldoze you into a buying situation that you do not feel is ripe for you! …because you may not be!

Sometime just the threat that you will terminate the agreement with an agent that is pushing you will moderate the tone… Sometimes it is going really to be best that you do terminate the agreement and start anew with somebody else.

Please do not do it just because you think, “it is time”

Do it only after weighting in your finances – in the long haul!

The big real estate mess we all got into right now, was caused – in part – for the belief that every one could afford a house, any house…

Then they were over sold and people got more house than they really could afford… then the economic down turn set in and people were not prepared for the home buying commitment they had signed for.

Before you plunge to that home buying commitment please also read my page “Realtor Hire” about the many wonderful benefits a good trusted adviser on your side

“It is better to get it right, than right way”

Please buy a property that you really can sustain financially in the long run. You will improve with time and you will buy better house(s) as you move along – as long as you financially sound!

I would rather sound a bit too conservative or too cautious than having to come to your rescue if you get behind on or your mortgage payments.

After you have “mastered” this part, the second big challenge I see is when buyers make too many compromises and settles for home that does meet their needs.

My recommendation is that you be prepared to make some “adjustments” here and there. However you ended up with a house that is far from your objectives, chances are that sooner than later you will come to regret.

I meet with countless people who bought their homes during the “boom” thinking the pretty soon they would be able to “move up.”

Now they find themselves stuck with a home they don’t like and that they cannot sell.

Back to the beginning

I come to the same point where I started: home buying commitment has to be for the long run. If you think of it any other way, you may be in the wrong track.

It used to be easy to “flip” [resell a property fairly quickly]. At one point in time it was ways to easy – now we are back to a new reality that, by all indications, this new reality is here to stay for a long time.

So please do not settle for a house that does not meet your current or immediate needs: It is not something that you will be able to change often.

Also, under no circumstance, let pressure set in – think about your home buying commitment in the long run. At least think a few years into the future.

Please wait a little longer, do some research, ask your REALTOR® to suggest different area (s)

“It is better to get it right, than right away” - a bit of caution before you sign on that home buying commitment can save you a lot of frustration and increase your exhilarating side. : - )

I also think that while you weight in this big home buying commitment you would be interested in reading the info on my page “Home Search”

JC Fagundes, Head Broker
EQUAL SERVICE TO ALL.
Residential. Commercial. Investments.
Ph: 404 801 4141

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