Savannah Ga Homes - Don't Forget You'll Be Living There

There has been so much talk in the last couple of years regarding the financial/investment side of homeownership that it seems we may be forgetting we're going to LIVE in the home we buy.

It is one thing to be frugal and to be smart when searching for a home, because it IS a big investment, but lately I have too much emphasis placed on buying a home as an investment. First and foremost, unless you actually are an investor, of course, buying a home has to do with enjoyment of living space and location.

Once an area has been picked that meets all the logistical needs and after a home has been chosen that meets the buyer’s needs and taste of style, the negotiation part begins, and I have seen people lose a home almost perfectly suited for them because they got hung up on a few thousand dollars during negotiations.

For every thousand dollars borrowed the monthly payment goes up about $6.00 a month. It doesn’t seem worth losing a house that is almost perfect only to reduce your payments by $10 to $20 a month. And if the buyer is going to be living in the home for five years or so, the appreciation during that time ought to offset a few thousand dollars the buyer borrowed over their target amount.

Sometimes it is better to say “close enough” rather than lose out on a home that meets the buying criteria and will be enjoyed during the time spent there.

Enjoyment is worth money, too. What price can you put on it? That’s a subjective choice, but if it comes to a stalemate over a few thousand dollars, it seems worth it to bite the bullet and get the house you want, not a second best choice you may regret later.

After all, home ownership is different than stock investment. You will be living in the home and it is important that you like the home and the area, else you will spend many days playing the “if only” game.

Chances are if you really, really like the home, when you go to sell others will really, really like the home and most likely pay top dollar to get it.

So, just a word to the wise - don’t be stubborn over a few thousand dollars when, if you factor in the enjoyment of living space and area, paying a little more will give you peace of mind, comfort, pride and ENJOYMENT.

Mike from Savannah