Keep in mind:
• GETTING 80 TO 90% - You will likely need to compromise on some of your priorities. No home is completely perfect, and a first home is often a “starter” on the way to a dream home. However well it fits your needs, desires, and lifestyle, there will be things you wish you could change. Examples might include wishing the backyard was facing South or why did they put the laundry in the basement? At the end of the day, you’ll need to decide the factors that are most important to you. If you prefer the neighborhood over the house, you may decide to look for a different type of property within the same community. A townhouse condo for instance instead of a semi-detached. • PURCHASE PLUS IMPROVEMENTS - You might want to discuss with your lender whether they would be willing to increase your mortgage and add some mortgage money to make some improvements, this a great way to get what you want and increase the value of the home. • BE REALISTIC - I've rarely ever seen a perfect home so expect there to be some issues. If you discover a little more than what is considered normal for the age of the home, you might be able to use the inspection as a bargaining chip to get a reduced price from the seller after getting a quote from a professional for the cost of repairs. Don’t estimate based on your judgment, and don’t let the seller decide how much he thinks it will cost. Bring in a reputable licensed contractor if possible. • YOU CAN WALK AWAY - This echoes my earlier point
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