She Strengthens

The Reality of Home-Buying: Lessons Learned

The American Dream, Revisited

Homeownership is often touted as the ultimate goal, but it’s not always possible or desirable for everyone. As someone who’s recently gone through the process, I can attest that it’s not just about being responsible with money or working hard enough. The housing market has changed, and it’s essential to be aware of the challenges that come with buying a home.

The Importance of a Good Real Estate Agent

When my fiancé and I started looking for a house, we didn’t take our real estate agent selection seriously enough. We thought we had plenty of time to find one, but when we fell in love with a house, we had to sign a contract quickly. Our agent didn’t quite understand what we were looking for, and we ended up doing most of the legwork ourselves. If I could do it again, I’d choose an agent who truly gets what we want and need.

Dealbreakers Are Negotiable

When we started house hunting, I had a long list of must-haves. But reality soon set in, and I realized that getting everything on my list would come at a premium price. Be prepared to be flexible and prioritize what matters most to you.

The Process Is Longer Than You Think

We looked at 27 houses over two months, and even after our offer was accepted, the negotiation process took over a month. The bank approval process can also take several weeks, so budget at least 30-45 days from signing the contract to closing.

Closing Costs Are a Significant Expense

In the past, buying a house was more accessible, but now we need to come up with a significant down payment and closing costs, which can be around 3% of the house’s price. Be prepared for this added expense, and try to negotiate with the sellers to cover some of the costs.

Emotional Rollercoaster Ahead

Looking for a house can be an emotional journey, especially in competitive markets. Be prepared for ups and downs, and try to stay level-headed throughout the process.

The Home Inspection Is Not Always Fun

I thought the home inspection would be a exciting part of the process, but it can be stressful and revealing. Be prepared for potential issues and have a plan in place to address them.

Negotiating with Sellers Can Be Challenging

Our sellers had been trying to sell their house for two years, and negotiations got tough after the home inspection. Be prepared for back-and-forth discussions, and have a good real estate agent to guide you through the process.

Lessons Learned

Buying a house can be a complex and emotional journey, but being aware of the potential challenges can help you prepare. Remember to choose a good real estate agent, be flexible with your dealbreakers, and budget for closing costs. Stay calm during the negotiation process, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.