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MAKING THE CHOICE
Once you’ve done all your homework, you need to decide whether to buy the house. It’s important that you step back and evaluate all the information available to you from viewing the house, inspecting its condition, and obtaining public records. Keep in mind: • You may, and likely will, 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 "forever" home. However well it fits your needs, desires, and lifestyle, there will be things you wish you could change. If only it was facing that lovely park you saw on the way there, or if only the house you preferred was in that other neighborhood, or if only this cost a little bit less. At the end of the day, you will need to decide on which factors 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 condo for instance, or a town house. • If finances are the issue, you might want to discuss with your bank whether they would be willing to increase your mortgage. But use caution, and only do this if you can afford it—there’s no point in getting into financial trouble just to get a specific property, when more affordable ones could do just as well. • Lower your expectations on the condition of the home. If your inspection revealed a few small problems, you could still buy the property and do the repairs yourself. Use the 46
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