TIPS FOR BUYING A HOUSE

By DR. RUTH MIRON-SCHLEIDER
Recipient of NJAR Circle of Excellence Award
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

Buying a house represents the greatest lifetime investment most families will make. More than half of all American families own their primary residence. Many others are looking forward to the happy prospect of owning their own house some day. In addition to the financial benefits, there are other major advantages to home ownership. Space, privacy and a desirable community are three major considerations.

Following is a brief guideline to help make your search for the right home smooth and successful:

1. Determine your criteria for the house you desire. These should include:

Your family’s requirements: - present and future: The number of children and adults, the needs of any elderly persons, accessibility to major highways or public transportation.
Your aspirations: The kind of community, school system, and cultural resources you desire for your family; the type and size of the property you have in mind.
Your taste: Does it run to newer, more contemporary homes or older, more traditional Tudor or Victorian architecture?…ranch, split-level, or colonial?
Your budget: How much have you set aside for a down payment, closing costs, unexpected associated expenses? How much of a mortgage can you comfortably carry on a monthly basis, taking into consideration property taxes, insurance, utilities, and other maintenance expenses.

2.   Keep an organized list of properties you have previewed or inquired about, including comments and pertinent information.
3.   If at all possible, leave young children with a baby-sitter or a family member when you look at properties, so you can focus your attention on the
      necessary details.

Choosing the right home for you and your family is a difficult process. Being assisted by a reputable, trustworthy, and experienced realtor is crucial in helping you make a sound decision. Pick a professional who is not only responsive to your needs and circumstances, but also one who is familiar with the area and has an established track record and references from satisfied clients. The right realtor will work closely with you and will be able to recommend other professionals you will need, such as mortgage brokers, inspection engineers, and attorneys. Your realtor will coordinate and oversee all aspects of your transaction, from A to Z.

Good luck and happy home ownership !!!

Ruth Miron-Schleider, a 33-year resident of Bergen County, is a Certified Residential Specialist, an e-PRO Internet Professional and an Accredited Buyer Representative. She is a member of the Eastern Bergen Board of REALTORS®, National Association of Counselors, the Senior Advantage Real Estate Council, and the Graduate Realtor Institute. For a complimentary consultation, call her at MIRON PROPERTIES, 201.266.8555, or contact Ruth via e-mail: Miron@MironProperties.com.

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed, subject to errors and omissions.
No parts of these articles may be reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission of the author.