You might be asking yourself what playing golf has to do with buying a new home?
It turns out, there are a lot of similarities. And, if you approach your home buying process like you do a round of golf, you’ll be able to enjoy the experience and get that coveted “hole-in-one” for a new home.
Keep your eye on the target
In golf, you always know where you’re aiming with your next shot. The same can be said for buying a new home.
It’s easy to get distracted in the home search, just like it is on the golf course. Those open houses may beckon, but if you know a house is not within your means, you’re just setting yourself up for disappointment by looking.
You should know before you begin your search just how much home you can afford. You’ll also want to decide what’s important to you in your new home and your potential surrounding neighborhood. That way, as you begin to search, you can keep your eye on the prize.
Make sure you have what you need in your bag
Golfers should be prepared on the course with everything from the right clubs, to tees, and plenty of extra golf balls. You’ll want to make sure you have what you need before you start looking for a house as well.
Do you have a decent credit score? Do you have enough savings for a down payment and closing costs? Have you gotten preapproved for a mortgage?
Just like golfers are taught to play “ready golf,” these are all important tools to have in place before you get serious about buying a home.
Be prepared for hazards
Any golfer knows that no matter how great you’re playing, there’s always a chance you’ll end up in a hazard. The same is certainly true when buying a new home.
Hazards on the golf course might consist of water or sand traps, but when buying a new home, they come in a bit of a different flavor. You may struggle to meet lender ratios and have to settle for a smaller mortgage. You may find problems in your inspection that need to be addressed. Your new home may not appraise at value.
Hazards in golf and in home buying are inevitable. But if you are prepared for those possibilities, you can hit your way out and still end up in that new home.
Don’t be afraid to rely on your caddie
In many cases, a golfer is only as good as his caddie. Caddies are professionals who know the course, can advise the golfer on the best approach, and read the breaks on the green.
In home buying, you have real estate agents. Like caddies, real estate agents possess insider knowledge and can help you find your new home and get the best deal. Don’t be afraid to let a real estate agent help you.
In the end, what you need to succeed in both golf and in purchasing a new home is persistence. When you know what you want, and you have the right tools, you’ll find what you’re looking for. Even better, you might enjoy it.
