Don’t Let These 5 Things Prevent You From Buying A Home

Thanks to the economic downturn of 2008, the housing market is flooded with available properties. Although it is truly a buyer’s market, and well-priced, amenity-laden homes are everywhere, prospective buyers should still adhere to a few time tested strategies. Don’t let things that are simple fixes turn into deal breakers for what could be your ideal house.

Paint Colors - When house hunting, exterior and interior paint and stain colors are some of the first things that your eye is drawn to. Some of us simply cannot get around colors that we do not care for, and allow them to influence our decision making process. Changing paints and exterior stains is a simple matter to take care of. It should rarely enter into the pro/con conversation for a prospective home purchase. Buyers may want to factor in the cost of repainting the home into their offer.

Landscaping - Whether you love a home’s landscaping or hate it, please do not be swayed by what is or is not present in the way of plantings. Trees and shrubs can be moved or removed, and new sod and irrigation systems are an extra expense, but are likely easy to put in place and increase the property value.

Swimming Pools - In certain parts of the country, swimming pools may feel like a necessity, while in others they are considered a liability. Regardless of where you stand, a pool should not be a major consideration. If you have found the perfect home that meets all of your requirements, a pool may be an uncomplicated addition, depending on the lot size. For those who have found that their dream home comes with a pool they don’t want, filling it in or removing it entirely is always a possibility.

Undersized - So, you’ve found your dream home. It’s conveniently located in a great neighborhood, the school district is excellent, and there are wonderful community amenities. But wait! You wanted three bedrooms and a larger kitchen and this two-bedroom dollhouse is just too small. Location is still an extremely important consideration when it comes to home buying; so don’t give up just yet. Consult a builder before you walk away and find out what the options are for a modification or addition. Be careful not to make improvements that will price your home out of the neighborhood. Porches, decks, extra rooms, and even adding another story may be more affordable than you think.

Interior Fixtures - What! No granite countertop, gourmet kitchen, crystal chandelier, or jacuzzi? A home’s interior fixtures are all a matter of personal preference. If you find a home that covers all the critical bases, you may want to factor in the improvements you’d like to make and do an itemized deduction from your offer. Of course, your real estate agent can guide you through the proper way to handle such an action.

Since a home purchase is the largest single investment that most of us will make in our lifetime, it is not to be taken lightly. Do your homework and you will discover that location and solid construction are two of the most important considerations. Use points of contention such as outdated fixtures or inadequate landscaping as bargaining points, and remember, it is a buyer’s market!

Lisa Andree is a marketing professional who helps real estate and mortgage companies promote their brands and programs such as 20 year home loans and 10 year mortgages online.