Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big financial commitment. It might be a bit stressful but it also yields big benefits.  Owning a home is a whole different feeling and status level in your community. Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible.

Find a professional and experienced real estate agent. At a minimum look for someone who has working full time as an agent for at least five years. Choose Home town real estate if you want a group with solid experience and know how!  Real estate contracts and process are complicated and chances are that a licence does not mean the agent knows what they are doing.

Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, just as there’s no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer — you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. If you are seriously looking, the housing market usually doesn’t change fast enough to make that much difference in price.

Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the wants and needs of your immediate family — the people who will be living in the home.

Accept that no house is ever perfect. If it’s in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you.  Work on the minor ones over time.

Don’t try to be a killer negotiator. JoAnn will work to get you the best possible terms in a manner that results in the deal being completed. As a buyer please recognize that negotiation is a part of the real estate process. If your main priority is to “win” and wanting someone else to lose may lead you on a path toward something you may actually not want or lose the home you want.  Negotiation is give and take and involves fair play from all involved parties.

Remember the home you are looking at doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself — room size, kitchen, etc. — that you forget about important issues as noise level, location to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life.

Plan ahead. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate home insurance, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.

Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be costs. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.