How to Stay Focused When Buying Your New Home...

Many buyers are paralyzed by the vast selection of houses for sale and by the fear that the value of the property they choose will fall as soon as they own it.

"Buyers have read a lot about foreclosures, short sales and how desperate sellers are," says Sarah Ritter, an associate with RE/MAX Properties in Western Springs, Ill. "They feel there is this fabulous deal out there, a mansion with all the bells and whistles. …They are convinced the next house they look at will be a better deal, and with so much inventory now on the market, they keep looking and looking."

Here are a few ways to stay focused and on track while searching for your new home:

· Line up financing. Find out what qualify for so you don't end up looking at houses you can't afford.
· Decide what you want. Make a list of the most important features and then refine your search.
· Use technology. Get organized by previewing as many properties as possible via the Internet & http://www.parkersutahproperties.com/.
· All real estate is local. Remember that those news reports you are hearing of falling prices are often in places other than where you are looking.
· Make an offer. Even a low offer is a starting point. The worst that can happen is that the sellers will refuse to negotiate.

Source: United Feature Syndicate, Lew Sichelman & Parker Smith (12/19/2010)