MIchael Flamenco Realtor.

Do It for the Right Reasons. Ask yourself: ""Is it really time for me to buy a home?"" Don’t buy a home just because everybody’s doing it or because your Uncle Joe told you that it’s stupid to throw money away on rent.... Don’t buy a home because it’s a buyer’s market or just because of low mortgage rates. Buy a home because you want to be a homeowner. Buy a home because you’re settling down and need a place to live for at least five years. And buy a home only if you’re financially ready. See more

Pick the Right Type of House and Neighborhood. Weigh the pros and cons of different types of homes, given your lifestyle and budget. A condominium or townhome may be more affordable than a single-family home, but shared walls with neighbors will mean less privacy. Don't forget to budget for homeowners association fees when shopping for condos and townhomes, or houses in planned or gated communities. ... Another option to consider is buying a fixer-upper a single-family home in need of updates or repairs. Fixer-uppers usually sell for less per square foot than move-in ready homes. However, you may need to budget extra for repairs and remodeling. See more

Some Buyers Bring an Interior Designer Along in House Shopping. Some home buyers bring an interior designer on home tours, seeking their feedback on how properties may be renovated to fit their design tastes. As home prices surge, buyers may consider homes whose conditions bring a lower listing price but carry the potential to be renovated into the property they desire.... In many cases, interior designers go beyond recommendations on furnishings and wall colors to give the buyer a bigger picture for renovating spaces. They can evaluate whether the home has good bones for reasonably priced renovations that will fit within their client’s budgets See more

What is coming is better than what is gone.

Moving Too Fast Buying a home can be complex, particularly when you get into the weeds of the mortgage process. Rushing the process can cost you later on. How this affects you: Rushing the process means you might be unable to save enough for a down payment and closing costs. ... What to do instead: Map out your homebuying timeline at least a year in advance. Keep in mind it can take months even years to repair poor credit and save enough for a sizable down payment. See more