If you’re a first time home buyer, you may find house hunting a daunting task. Here a few tips to make the search a little easier:

If you have special needs that must be addressed you should make that clear to the realtor you’re working with. If you’re trying to buy on your own, you have to do your own homework.

If you want to commute to work using public transportation, make sure that the homes that you are shown provide that opportunity.

If you want to be in walking distance to a synagogue, that too will narrow down your area of choice.

If you want your children to attend a religious school, that is also one of the details you should provide to your realtor.

Staying within the price range that you find comfortable is very important. You want to find your dream home, and when you do you want to be sure that you can afford it.

Many of these steps are non-negotiable.

There are, however, some areas that you should consider with an open mind and  a degree of flexibility.

You should not limit yourself to one style of home. I have had customers that only want to look at colonials and end up buying a ranch and/or vice versa.

If you want a brick house, don’t rule out one that has siding.

You may think you want a large backyard, but, you will have sticker shock when you see what the taxes are.

If you’re not handy and are on a tight budget, don’t go for a handyman’s special. It may cost you more in the long run.

Don’t expect everything to be updated unless you’re buying a new house. There’s nothing wrong with living in a house that you may consider updating a few years down the road.

When you do find your dream home and the legal paperwork is completed, after the Attorney Review Period, you are ready for the home inspection. Don’t be afraid of the findings. Every single home, even brand new ones, will be subject to the microscope of the inspector.

Some of the deficiencies may be environmental and some may be electrical, plumbing, heating, roof and windows. Don’t be afraid to ask your lawyer to review the report and advise you how to proceed with getting satisfaction on some of the problems. Most sellers will try to cooperate because these problems will come up with any future buyers. But, don’t expect to get everything done on your laundry list. Some things you will have to absorb and live with, until you can take care of it on your own.

If you show flexibility to the seller, he or she will reciprocate in kind.

Happy Hunting!

By Martha (Malkie) Aaron