Financial planner's thoughts...
When homebuyer's can't agree...
When
Homebuyers Can’t AGREE on
What Home to Buy
Exasperated. That’s how many purchasers feel when they can’t agree on a home purchase. Spend a little time with people involved in house-hunting and you’ll often hear the clash of swords as they fence over the issue. "We’re not counselors, but it sometimes feels like we are," says one real estate agent.
Some purchasers become livid. Some give each other the silent treatment. But there’s hope — even for people with widely divergent views. If buyers engage an agent who is thoroughly acquainted with the area where they’re looking, the agent can often help locate a compromise property that satisfies the purchasers’ key preferences.
Defining your preferences and setting your priorities is Task #1 for you. To start, create preference lists in order of importance to give your agent the information needed to pursue a workable compromise. Then observe the following helpful hints:
Go on a "potpourri tour."
Many homebuyers cannot find words to describe what they’re seeking. They need to see an array of possibilities. Only then do their true preferences reveal themselves. Ask your agent to piece together an itinerary of varied properties in different settings. Afterwards, tell your agent exactly what you think of the different architectural styles, floor plans and neighborhoods presented to you.
Try to look at homes
together rather than
separately.
Recently, one agent took a man to see a well-priced Mediterranean-style stucco house surrounded by more than an acre of grounds. He was all set to buy the place, as soon as his wife could see it. But the woman proved vehemently opposed to the purchase. Rather, she wanted a Cape Cod-style house. Not only did the husband waste time by going to see the Mediterranean-style place by himself, but he also aggravated his wife in the process.
Even in instances where the partners are in general agreement, it’s unwise to shop separately. Through experience, many have found that both partners reach the happiest resolution if they’re in on the home purchase from the ground floor.
Don’t put the selection of a home ahead of your relationship.
Trying to force your partner to accept a home he or she doesn’t like could jeopardize your union. You’re going to have to live there together. If one of you doesn’t like the place, that’s going to be stressful in your relationship. On the other hand, a fair compromise helps both partners feel that their needs are being recognized and respected. A compromise could even strengthen your relationship.
Smart Moves by Ellen James Martin. Copyright 1998 Universal Press Syndicate. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright 1998 Norwest Mortgage, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced in any format without written permission. Norwest Mortgage and design is a registered service mark of Norwest Corporation. Information subject to change without notice. 8A0420B
