| A few weeks ago in the local paper I read an article | | | | cellar, etc. This list can be quite extensive and it |
| about a proposed arena and event center for our city. | | | | probably should be. |
| "That's exactly what this town needs", I thought to | | | | 2. Next on the list is to reasonably pin down our |
| myself. I read along, finishing the portion that was on | | | | budget. We can't guarantee a quick sale of our |
| page one then continued to the rest of the article at | | | | existing house like we could 10 years ago so we have |
| the back of the paper where there was a drawing of | | | | to be ready to carry two mortgages for a while if |
| the proposed structure and its location. I bolted upright. | | | | necessary. This make the list of likely houses dwindle a |
| The new arena with corresponding hotel and acres of | | | | bit. But it's smart in the long run, being house poor or |
| parking was located less than two blocks from my | | | | worse, losing a house to a bank, though common |
| house! | | | | these days, is not a good idea and wreaks havoc on |
| I understand the need for this center. I also understand | | | | your credit. |
| that someone has to be disappointed and affected by | | | | 3. Once your budget is established, if possible, secure |
| almost any new construction. I thought that I was one | | | | the financing. Make sure to check all your options; |
| of the few reasonable people who could rationalize a | | | | Veterans Affairs for former military personnel, there |
| situation like this. Turns out I'm not. In fact, I'm an | | | | are many programs for first time buyers, or buying in |
| N.I.M.B.Y. Not In My Back Yard. | | | | designated neighborhoods and improving the area. |
| In efforts of self preservation, sanity and because I | | | | There are many, many options to help you get into a |
| can't imagine trying to relax on my deck staring at the | | | | new house. Be thorough. |
| back of a convention center my wife and I began | | | | 4. Be clear with your realtor. Do not allow them to |
| looking for a new house. Even though the construction | | | | waste your time showing properties that don't meet |
| of the new arena has not been approved we have | | | | your criteria. I've have fired several realtors in the past |
| always dreamed of living closer to the town center | | | | because they would drive me to a split level house |
| and this was a good excuse to try the waters and do | | | | that met all my requirements minus one; I don't like split |
| a little research. | | | | level homes! That let me know that they were just |
| 1. First thing you have to do as a potential home buyer | | | | trying to make a sale and not make sure I found the |
| in this market is no different than any other time. Sit | | | | house and new home I wanted. |
| down and list what you must have, what you are | | | | 5. Be patient. I lived in a rented townhouse for a year |
| willing to compromise, and what you may be willing to | | | | while I looked for the house we're in now. It took that |
| forego altogether. This list needs to include architectural | | | | long to find what I wanted and where I wanted it. The |
| type of house, turnkey or fixer upper, type of heating | | | | look, the yard, the neighborhood, turnkey, basement, |
| and cooling, flooring, number of bedrooms, location and | | | | Cape Cod, it was all there. I must have rejected 30 |
| school district, proximity to access streets and major | | | | houses in that year but not settling for a house that I |
| highways, bedroom and bathroom count, basement or | | | | didn't really love was not an option. |