1.  The advice your uncle gave you is not always the best

Be careful about following the guidance of family and friends who have limited experience in the process.  Having bought a home once every 5+ years does not qualify them as an expert.  Your agent does this every day so perhaps their advice is more timely and knowledgeable?  What other professional service would you allow family and friends to give you?  Legal, medical, business advice?  Likely not … treat this the same way.

2. Take the time to “sniff” out any issues with the property

Look and smell for mold as well as animal-related odors. Knock on walls to see if they sound hollow. Open the dryer and the dishwasher – you never know if pests are living in there. Does the toilet flush properly? Does the heating/air-conditioning work? Is the flue functioning above the fireplace? Is the water pressure okay?

3. Work with experienced professionals

Hire the most thorough, licensed home inspector you can find to pinpoint any issues that could potentially end up becoming costly repairs.  Your agent can help you find a great professional.

4. Use your head, not your heart

Don’t be afraid to walk away from a bad deal. There will be other properties, maybe even better ones. Remember that this is a financial transaction and that your terms must be met.  In order to get your best deal you must be willing to walk away.

5. Negotiate as much as you can … but be careful

Your agent will be doing the negotiating for you, so make sure you tell them what it is you are willing to concede and what you aren’t.  Just remember, there is a fine line between being a hard negotiator and being unreasonable.  Pushing to hard can (and does) sink deals with sellers.  Just be aware … and listen to your agent’s advice

6. Gardens and yards are work

Almost everyone likes the idea of having a garden, but if you’re not used to maintaining one, you might want to think twice about whether you want to spend your weekends weeding and mowing the lawn.

7. Buy property you can afford now, not later

Even if you’re pretty certain that you’ll be earning more in a year or two, you might also find that circumstances increase the other expenses in your life. Children, schools, new cars and travel plans are substantial costs. Make sure there will be room in your budget for you to live the life you want.

8. The search can take longer than you think

Don’t operate on someone else’s timeline and don’t make commitments that will make things challenging if your property hunt takes a few months longer than you anticipated. If you’re renting, stay on a month-to-month agreement so that you are able to move without penalty.

**Ryan Wheeler is an expert real estate agent and military veteran serving buyers and sellers of homes in the Shreveport Bossier City area.  Connect With Me Here