To all those folks out there who are looking at purchasing a home, there is one important thing to remember. Homes are not a commodity. No two homes are exactly the same. Along the Peninsula, homes have been here for many years. Some have been here over 70 years!! Many have been remodeled or torn down and built new. Even if they have the same floor plan as the house next door, time has changed them.

Many buyers get picky regarding their home purchase. Don’t get me wrong you have to have a home you like that works for you. However, many times people get caught up in aspects of a home that can be changed like paint or even floor plan. Then they bring up price!! You don’t have to like the price, you have to like the house. Do you like it!!? That’s the only reason.

The price can be fixed through a good negotiation. Even in multiple offers, the highest price doesn’t always win. So when you’re out with your Realtor, remember you need to be aware of fact that the homes you see are the only ones like them. You can go buy stock in a company tomorrow and sell it the next day. Homes aren’t like that.

Think about this. You purchase a home for $1,000,000 with 20% down ($200,000). You finance the rest for 30 years. You pay off the home 30 later and the home is now worth $900,000. Unlikely, but for argument sake say it’s worth less. Did you loose money?

Many would say well yes I lost $100,000. Did you really? Let’s think back. You only put $200,000 of your own dollars in when you purchased the home. Now you own it free and clear and it’s worth $900,000. Now instead of only $200,000 you have an extra $700,000!!!

So next time you’re out shopping for a home, keep in mind your timeframe and the actual goal which is to find a home for yourself and your family.