February 6th, 2010 
Tushar Mathur There’s plenty you can do to make sure your homebuying experience is a good one in 2010 – for you, your family, your wallet and your future. Here are a few biggies right off the tops of our heads.
Do some upfront housework. Get a feel for the market, crunch the numbers, get pre-approved and stick to your guns on price range.
Find the best mortgage. Shop around, but choose the lender with the least complicated loan and a low interest rate. That’s a nice way to own your home sooner from the get go.
Pick the right agent. Word of mouth is always good. Ask around. If you decide to use an agent, make sure to choose one who’s looking out for you vs. one who’s looking for a quick commission.
Make a “new house” list. Do you really need a 2-car garage? Does the house have to be in “move-in” shape? In THAT zip code? All come with a price tag.
Save up a healthy down payment. Put down at least a 20% chunk of the home’s total cost. That’s what we call instant equity.
Don’t forget 2010 tax credits. First-time buyers get tax credits of up to $8,000 and certain repeat buyers can get up to $6,500. That’s a huge incentive to buy and terrific way to save. Check with your tax advisor for details.
Before you make an offer, make another walkthrough. Review this list again. Visit the place several times with a relative or friend. Another set of eyes never hurts, you know.
Happy house hunting!
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