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No matter what stage of life you are in, buying a home is a big decision. With a seemingly endless list of choices and a nearly as lengthy list of responsibilities, finding and buying the best home for your needs can seem intimidating. Keep the following 12 tips in mind to make the experience a little easier.

1. Create a plan.
Consider what’s important to you—your interests, financial standing, and lifestyle. Considering the big picture is an important step in helping you narrow down what areas you’d like to live in, the communities that are most tailored to your life, and what type of home will work best for you at the present and in the near future. Take notes and create some sort of list, working closely with whomever you will be making the purchase with to ensure that you are on the same page.

2. Hire a professional.
No matter how many homes you’ve purchased, enlisting the help of a licensed, experienced real estate agent will undoubtedly improve your experience. The agent will help you navigate the entire process and understand the legal and market information you will encounter. If you don’t have a particular agent or agency in mind, ask trusted friends and family members for suggestions. You can also attend open houses to meet prospective agents.

3. Remember that real estate is an investment.
While purchasing a new home can be a deeply emotional experience, it is important to remain grounded and logical in making a final decision. Refer back to the list you made, reviewing what is most important to you and what your family truly needs. Think of your new home as an investment in your future, not a just-for-now purchase.

4. Obtain loan approval.
A lot goes into this step, but it will help you understand your financial standing and how much you can realistically afford to put down on a home. Ask your real estate agent for referrals before beginning the loan process. Then, meet with at least three people to keep your loan options open.

5. Look at tax benefits.
You may not be aware of all that you are able to write-off on annually. When you own a home, some of these write-offs include: real estate property taxes, mortgage interest, discount points, and mortgage insurance.

6. Think location, location, location.
Ask yourself what area you need to be in. Consider a neighborhood or area’s relation to work, school, local attractions, and other amenities. Also look into what businesses are entering or leaving the area to get a feel for the activity. If you are moving to a new city, this step will require thorough research.

7. Research.
Use the internet to research all your real estate questions. Make notes on anything you don’t understand and ask your agent for more information or advice.

8. Explore.
Drive by homes, go to open houses, and shop with your agent. Walking through a home and noting what you do or don’t like is often the most efficient way to figure out what you truly want and understand what your money can buy. Keep in mind that finding the perfect match usually takes time.

9. Look past staging.
Look at the home’s components and features, not the fancy furniture and décor. Focus on the floor plan, condition, location, yard size, and room placement. Be thorough in your examination of a home before moving forward.

10. Understand contracts.
Your agent will do their best to negotiate the best price and terms he/she can. Make sure you understand all the terms of the contract, and ask your agent for clarification if you don’t.

11. Put in the time.
Most parts of the home-buying process will require time and research on your end. You can’t rely entirely on your real estate agent to understand your vision and find just what you are expecting.

12. Trust your instincts.
This is likely one of the biggest purchases you will ever make. After all the research and advice, your instincts still might tell you a decision isn’t right. Don’t discount that feeling. For more information regarding homebuyer tips, [ClickHere].