Not following through on due diligence.  Buyers should make a list of concerns they have before buying their Fort Wayne home.  School systems, crime rates, neighbors, environmental conditions, etc.  These important questions should be answered before you write that offer.

Not knowing all of the costs involved.  Your Fort Wayne area REALTOR and lender can give you an estimation of all costs involved including a home inspection, appraisal, loan fees, and any closing costs. 

Not buying a home warranty.  A home warranty can bring new home owners peace of mind.  Home warranties last 1-2 years and cover basic repairs you may encounter.  We highly recommend a home warranty, especially to first time home buyers in Fort Wayne.

Not understanding your home owner's insurance.  Talk to your  insurance agent early in the process and make sure you understand what the insurance covers and how much insurance you need.

Not considering long term needs.  It is very important to think ahead.  A 2 bedroom ranch might work for a new couple right now, but what about when the family starts growing?  A house without a garage may work for you, but when you go to resell it in 5 years it may not appeal to most, especially with the cold winters in Fort Wayne.

Buying the first house you see or settling.  The Fort Wayne real estate market is clearly a buyers market right now.  Inventory is high and prices are down.  We encourage our buyers to take their time and find what they really want instead of settling for something they dont love.

Choosing a REALTOR that is not committed to forming a strong business relationship with you.  Using the right REALTOR is crucial.  You are entering a partnership with your agent and you need to make sure you that you choose a professional who is dedicated to serving your needs before, during, and after the process. 

Not having a home inspection.  I don't care if you are a cash buyer, have construction experience, or watch a lot of HGTV, not having a home inspection is one of the biggest mistakes a buyer can make.  A licensed inspector will detect issues that you and I may overlook or may not be able to see.

I got a call last month from a buyer that wanted to see twenty houses in Fort Wayne... 

IN ONE DAY!! 

Wash she currently living in Hawaii and flying in for one day?

Does she have a crazy busy schedule and only have one day off this month?

Does she have to find the house right now because her lease was up or because she was living in a van down by the river?

NO.  She just wanted to look at twenty houses in one day. 

Do I always ask myself questions and then answer them?  No, not always. 

Why is looking at twenty houses in one day a bad idea?  Here are a few reasons:

1.  I can guarantee that after seeing ten houses you won't remember the first one.   After twenty?  Pfft.  You won't remember number fifteen.  After a while they all start to look the same.  

2.  If we are looking at twenty houses in a day then we are more than likely going to be rushed.  I don't encourage my buyers to take an hour for each showing, but being rushed through them is not good either.

3.  After spending all day with me in a car you will probably want to punch me because I talk a lot. 

4.  By the time you get to house number twenty you will probably be grumpy, tired, irritated, and sick of looking at houses.  In my opinion, that isn't a great state of mind to be in when you are looking for your new home. 

I thought I had more reasons but these pretty much sum it up.  I normally don't like to show more than six or seven at a time.  Well, normally I only show six or seven and the right home is found.  Do any of my fellow Realtors have any more to add to the list?  How about any buyers out there?  What are your thoughts?  

7701 Lower Huntington Rd is SOLD by The Christiansen Team!

Talk about a stinker of a house...  this one needed some MAJOR updates.  The buyers used an FHA 203 K loan that allows you to roll the repair costs into the loan amount.  It's a great kind of loan for fixer uppers! 

This 3 bedroom home sits on over 2 acres, is in desirable Southwest Allen County School District, and is just minutes from Fox Island County Park.  It is also close to the Coventry area and Jefferson Pointe.

With the buyers only paying $70,000 for this house...  that is a heck of a deal!  Instant equity!!!

Congrats to the new home owners!!  Can't wait to see the home after all the upgrades are made!  :)

6430 West Hills Road in Fort Wayne Indiana is SOLD by The Christiansen Team!

This spacious split level home in SW Fort Wayne sits on just over an acre with a very private backyard.  It has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, just under 2,500 square feet with a full basement. 

It is very close to Fort Wayne shopping and restaurants and the new Aboite Trails! 

Congrats to the new home owners!!