Falling in Love With Eyes Open

The moment, when it happens, is magic. The broker unlocks the door. The client walks in, looks around, smiles slightly, nods and falls in love. Something about this particular house – perhaps something the client is not aware of – says home. It may be too costly or nightmarishly decorated. Walls may be cracked and the bathroom lime green. But the reaction seems almost chemical.

This is your house.

Some agents run with the moment like a Hail Mary pass on the goal line. Others do a reality check for the protection of all concerned, not that the course of true love will be altered by noisy plumbing.

A little soul searching helps pave the road to a successful closing:

Pick a few words that describe your immediate reaction to the house: spacious, light, good location, mint condition, layout, architectural style and other features. Do these balance the negatives?

What are the negatives? Love must not blind this transaction. Don’t brush off problems with “We’ll fix that” just because you like the seat under the bay window. Window seats can be installed on a more suitable property.

Let your broker know what you love about the house, particularly if it just struck you. Perhaps another listing offers the same features, plus others.

First-time or inexperienced homebuyers may have difficulty stripping a room bare with their eyes. A king-sized bed or sectional sofa can eat up a room, making it appear smaller. Spatial perception is vital in preventing unwelcome surprises on moving day.

If you fell in love by daylight see how the house looks at night and visa versa – but don’t be discouraged. Recessed and tract lighting do wonders at night while fresh paint, refinished floors and interesting window treatments brighten daytime appearance.

Chances are, the house that clicks will trample your budget. Do you want to let this one get away only to regret the decision forever? Look into creative financing, postpone renovations. Try to make the house that works for you … work.

A house inspection goes without saying. Supplement this with a lay opinion. Have a good friend give you his or her first impression of your new “love.” Because, unlike in a marriage, homebuyer pre-nups are rare.