Buying a home can be a daunting task, even overwhelming at times.  Here are a few tips to help make that process go a little smoother:

First, you must find a real estate agent who is more interested in helping you than making a commission.  Buying a new home can be expensive, not only financially but emotionally as well.  A good agent will be able to answer all your questions and will actively work to find the home YOU want, not the one that suits the agent's selling needs.

Second, you must understand that no home, property or location is perfect in every way.  You must be willing to compromise, to let the little things go.  Don't let a small detail become a deal-breaker or you may never find a home.

Third, know that there is no "right time" to buy.  Don't wait for interest rates to go down if you've already found the home that's right for you.  Chances are that if you wait too long, the house will be sold.

Fourth, don't over-negotiate.  It is important to negotiate a fair deal with the seller, but if you push too far you may lose the house you so desire.  This is where a trusted real estate agent can be of great help.  They have the experience to know what is or isn’t reasonable in home sale negotiations.  Listen to them.

Fifth, plan, plan, plan.  Know which lending institute you will be using, have an idea of the insurance company and their rates, moving companies, schedules - having all your "duck in a row" will allow you to present an offer on a home without having a lot of unknown variables that may cloud future waters.

Sixth, be prepared for a taste of buyer's remorse.  With a stressful purchase as large as a new home, you will almost certainly have second thoughts after the fact.  You have just made a huge commitment and doubts will surely enter your mind, but know that this is an investment and over time will return great benefits.

Seventh, keep the big picture in mind.  The house you're falling in love with may have the perfect kitchen, a full basement, four bedrooms and fireplace, but if it's located only half a mile from a waste management facility, your dream home may become a nightmare in the summer heat.  Do your homework and ask your agent about any possible drawbacks in the surrounding community before you make a final decision.

Eighth, this purchasing decision is yours to make and while opinions are valuable, too many of them can be counterproductive.  It is normal to want reassurance from family and friends, but the decision is best made by you based upon your own research, your own feelings and the data provided to you by your trusted real estate agent.

Ninth, remember to include the cost of maintenance and repair to your post-purchase budget.  New and old homes alike need maintenance - make sure there is something put aside in your future budget.

Tenth, this will likely be your home for many years.  Buy it because you love it, because this is where you want to live.  Nearly every home appreciates in value and while it is an investment, it's your home first. 

This list is not all-inclusive - there are many, many things to consider when buying a home.  Your first step should be contacting Jim Miller at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.  Jim is the trusted agent you read about in tip #1.  At RE/MAX Country Properties, we know southern NH.  If you're in the market to purchase a new home in southern NH, give Jim a call today.  He lives and breathes southern NH real estate and can help you through the sometimes complicated process of home buying.  Call today at (603) 801-3987.