1.    Be picky, but don’t be unrealistic. There is no perfect home. (Every home has it’s buyer)

2.    Do your homework before you start looking. Decide specifically what features you want in a home and which are most important to you. (Consider the kids input as well.)

3.    Remember your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself—room size, kitchen—that you forget such issues as amenities, noise level, etc., that have a big impact on what it’s like to live in your new home. (Try visiting the community at varying times.)

4.    Get your finances in order. Review your resources and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and your closing costs. (Deposit is normally 15% of purchase price)

5.    Don’t wait to get a loan. Talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage before you start looking. (Saves everybody time when properly done.)

6.    Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion. (They are many people who a “jack of all trades and are masters of none.”

7.    Decide when you could move. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area?  Do I need to sell before purchasing?

8.    Think long-term. Are you looking for a starter house with the idea of moving up in a few years or do you hope to stay in this home longer? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that suit you best. (Now is a good time to develop a relationship with your lender.)

9.    Don’t let yourself be “house poor”. If you max yourself out to buy the biggest home you can afford, you’ll have no money left for maintenance, decoration or to save money for other financial goals. (No need to live in a HUGE home you can’t really afford and other things such as education, family and overall quality of live is compromised.)

10.    Don’t be naïve. Insist on a valuation! (Recommended even if you are privileged to purchase with CASH!)

11.    Don’t try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price may lose you the home you love. (“want ALL……lose ALL”)

12.    Get help. Consider hiring a REALTOR  from Howard Johnson Realty to assist you in your purchase.  We live by our Mission Statement which states,” To make home ownership a reality for all Jamaicans who dare to dream of owning their own homes while delighting existing home owners by adding real value to their investment portfolio.”