1. Every house needs work.
Yes even that seeming perfect home needs work. It's all a matter of what you are willing to fix, have the seller fix or just get over it. For us the rules are a tad more strict because we went with the VA loan, however we really had to get real with what is OK and what is not. Like Foundation issues are NOT okay but a cracked tile is fine.
2. Don't fall in love until you have the keys.
Please, for the sake of your own heart, don't fall in love with a house until you have the keys! You will be let down. Things will fall though or the house may not be up to par. Try, try with your whole heart not to love a house until you are very much on the way to closing. I made this mistake. We put an offer on a home and the offer was accepted, YAY! NO don't celebrate. Put your poker face on and get down to business. Inspection, termite inspection, foundation inspection, electrical inspection and roof inspection. Yes we had all of those done and in the end the seller didn't want to fix the foundation so we walked. Just because the cards were dealt doesn't mean you have won the hand, yet. Keep that poker face on until the closing day, then grab some wine and chocolate.
3. Make a list and check it twice.
If you are like us, picky, precise and stubborn, chances are you have a long list of wants and needs. Because of this it narrowed the inventory of which we could pull from. We lost track of which homes we liked and why and which homes we hated and why. Save your self trouble and make a list. Just jot down a few notes and a yes or no next to the address to save yourself the headache.
4. Be very clear with your spouse about how high you're willing to go.
On the way to view a home be sure to discuss pricing with your spouse. Something like this:
"If we like the home, how much are you willing to offer?". This helps get you thinking about money before you view it, so when the time comes to make the offer you both are somewhat on the same page and can make a quick discussion. In our area you have to make offers quick if you really want the house.
5. Breathe, it will all be worth it.
Just breathe, if your offer on a home was rejected for the fourth time well then it wasn't meant to be, and you WILL find something better. It just takes time, love and God's grace.
