It’s natural that home buyers are excited and eager to find the house of their dreams during the home buying process. Real estate agents typically tell sellers not to be overly emotional during the process, because it may jeopardize their sale. However, some buyers may be unaware that approaching the buying process with too much emotion can also take its toll on their prospects as well.

It’s important for buyers to keep in mind that purchasing a home is a business deal, and like any formal agreement, it’s best to go in with a clear head.

Take several looks at the home

When it comes to shopping for a house, every person has their own way of deciding what they want. However, making snap judgments about a home after one look can make some pass up a great offer because they believe there are better deals available, while others might choose a home too quickly without exploring other options. Striking a balance between the two is important, because it gives buyers the chance to really examine each house they visit and weigh the benefits and drawbacks of all their options, according to MSN Real Estate.

For example, buyers who are frequently looking for a better deal may pass up homes that have all the amenities and features they are looking for within their price range. Over time, they may find that all the homes they passed up were the best options, but many of these may already be off the market. In contrast, buyers that fall in love with a home immediately may experience regret down the road if they don’t take an objective view of the property. It’s important that buyers go through all the advised procedures, such as getting the home inspected and appraised and making sure it falls within the right price range to avoid overpaying, MSN Real Estate reports.

Make a realistic offer

Buyers who are extremely interested in a home should be very careful about making realistic offers, and working with their real estate agent to know how much a property is really worth. Making lowball offers for the sake of negotiating can cause buyers to quickly lose out on a home sale. In addition, making a significantly higher offer may result in buyers overextending their finances.

A home is a person’s safe haven and an extension of themselves. After buying a home, it’s important that new owners implement safety measures to keep their homes safe from potential problems, ranging from poor air quality and mold to insects and contamination.

There are several ways new owners can keep their homes healthy and provide a safe living environment for their families.

Keep it organized

An unorganized home can lead to problems that could have been prevented. So when buyers are unpacking their belongings, it’s important to arrange and store things properly to keep toxic substances at bay and medical supplies at hand. The first step owners should take is labeling and tracking everything including medical supply kits, pesticides, cleaning products and toxic materials, according to HGTV. In addition, owners should set aside an area for fire-related tools, such as lighters, matches and combustibles that are far away from toxic and flammable materials.

Conduct a safety audit each season

Catching problems quickly can not only save homeowners money on repairs, but also protect their health and well-being. Patching up holes and cracks in the roof and siding of the house can prevent water from leaking in and causing water damage to walls. Over time, this type of water damage can lead to mold or mildew and invite bacteria or insects, so it’s important to address any property damage quickly to avoid these types of problems. The same is true for poor gutter drainage, which can cause rainwater or snow to leak into basements and cause flooding.

In addition, homeowners should make sure their home is properly ventilated. A home that has sufficient exhaust fans and ventilation systems in moisture-rich areas, such as kitchens and baths can help ensure the air is circulating properly. This can filter stale or stuffy air out of the home and protect owners from harmful indoor air issues, such as chemicals or biological contaminants, HGTV explains.

Clean safe and non-toxic products

Keeping a home clean can make a property unappealing to dust mites, insects and rodents, but using potentially toxic cleaning supplies can lead to other types of health problems. Many homeowners make their own cleaning products or check labels of store-bought items to make sure they are sterile and safe. In addition, it’s important to clean out areas that are hiding places for dust, such as ceiling fans, air vents and heating and cooling ducts.

Many homeowners choose to get their properties appraised before selling a home. Having an appraisal can help sellers determine how to price their homes to avoid asking for too much or too little. Appraisers examine a variety of factors when valuing a home, including market conditions, the surrounding neighborhood and the home itself.

So when it comes to increasing their chances of getting a higher appraisal, there are several small actions homeowners can take to make their homes more appealing.

Clean it up

Appraisers are only human, and pulling up to a home with a messy exterior and interior may have a negative effect on the appraisal. Homeowners should follow the same rules for an appraisal as they would for an open house. First, individuals should focus on curb appeal. Cleaning up leaves and debris, keeping the yard and bushes trimmed and planting a flower bed can a big difference. In addition, many experts encourage homeowners to keep their yards and flower beds similar to other homes in the area to avoid standing out too much, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

When it comes to the inside of the home, it’s important to de-clutter each room and clean it from top to bottom. But more importantly, homeowners should make any necessary repairs before the appraisal to boost its value.

Upgrade the property

Making small upgrades can also have a positive effect on an appraisal. Homeowners should first focus on the basics, such as adding a fresh coat of paint to both the interior and exterior of the home. Minor upgrades to fixtures, cabinets and lights are also recommended. For homeowners who plan on remodeling their kitchens and bathrooms before selling their homes, it may be a better idea to complete the project before the appraisal as well. This will raise their chances of getting a higher value amount and allow them to price their homes more competitively after the repairs.

In many cases, homes with finished basements and attics may also receive a higher appraisal because these spaces can also serve as bedrooms, offices and multi-purpose rooms.

Before the appraisal, homeowners who are working with a real estate agent may want to ask him or her to come view the home, the SF Chronicle recommends. Real estate agents are trained to pinpoint areas that may need more work and are likely to be overlooked by homeowners.

Flowers have bloomed, the weather has warmed up and the animals have come back from their winter hibernation, signaling the beginning of spring. For most homeowners, this means getting out the cleaning supplies and garbage bags to clean their houses from top to bottom and get rid of unused or unwanted items. Spring cleaning is a rite of passage for most owners, but it can also be a time to make some updates to a home after a long winter season. So while individuals are replacing rugs, changing linens and cleaning out the garage, they should also think about getting some other small updates out of the way to get their house in the best shape in preparation for summer.

Clean up the outside

Over the years, harsh weather and general wear and tear can make the outside of the house appear tattered and old. However, this can quickly be repaired by applying a fresh coat of paint to make the house more welcoming. In addition, owners can make their home stand out by purchasing a new door, painting the archways a different color than the home or painting the door itself, according to U.S. News and World Report. As flowers start to crop up during the spring months, owners can also spend some time in their yards pulling weeds, trimming bushes and planting colorful and fragrant flowers to create a prime piece of real estate. Homeowners who are not big gardeners can still make their yards come alive with flowers by visiting a nursery and purchasing potted plants and a variety of flowers that are easily maintained throughout the season.

Spruce up the inside

Individuals may also want to spice up the inside of their homes by replacing old appliances, rearranging their furniture and making a few updates to certain rooms. For example, painting the kitchen, living room or bathroom a new color can make a home feel fresher and give these rooms a new look. Lighter paint colors can also make rooms appear larger than they are. Further, steam cleaning carpets, replacing hardwood floors or laying down new tile can also add something extra to a room. Homeowners can rent carpet cleaner machinery from home improvement stores and most of these retailers also have several samples of new flooring or tiling. Individuals who are working within a budget and do not want to replace floors can still spruce them up by buffing out rough spots.

Lastly, owners should go through their home and take care of all those small repairs that slip by the wayside, such as broken cabinets, leaky faucets and damaged windows.

When buyers start looking for their dream home, many start with the available real estate listings in their area. A home listing is the first place most sellers show off all the best features of their homes, ranging from their master bedroom and bathroom suite to their wraparound porch and deck. Because homeowners may only get a few sentences to advertise their properties, it’s important to make them count and avoid some of the most common mistakes sellers make.

Working with a real estate agent before listing a home is a good place to start. Agents are experienced in writing listing descriptions and will ensure that buyers properly feature all the highlights that a home has to offer.

Don’t oversell

It’s natural for homeowners to want to paint their home in the best possible light by using phrases such as “best home on the market” or “won’t find a better deal than this.” However, overselling a home’s features can backfire in a number of ways, according to Bankrate.com. First, home buyers may view these descriptions with skepticism and automatically assume there is something off about the home. While buyers love a good deal, there is some truth in the “too good to be true” notion that may prompt buyers to steer clear of these offers.

In other cases, building up a home too much can create high expectations in buyers that, if not met, may turn away more individuals than it attracts. For this reason, focus on descriptions that highlight the best features of the home. Rather than listing a property as “a steal,” emphasize the natural light that pours through the dining room, or the granite countertops and hardwood floors. Features and characteristics that a buyer can visualize may have a stronger impact than subjective descriptions of the property.

Be careful with pricing

When it comes to deciding on a price for a home, consult closely with a professional real estate agent, who can provide a wealth of information about the market, neighboring prices and other factors that may influence a home’s value. This can help homeowners avoid pricing a home too high or too low. While beautiful pictures and descriptions of a house may entice potential buyers, properties that are priced too high may quickly turn them away before they reach a home staging. Homes that are priced too low may have a similar impact, as buyers may perceive there is something wrong with the property.

Coldwell Banker Survey Finds Women and Men Make Home-Buying Decisions with Head and Heart

Square-footage and price are important elements to consider when selecting a home but according to a new survey from Coldwell Banker Real Estate of 1,000 men and women, they both also rely on how they feel and how their lifestyle fits into a home when looking for a place to live. The survey found 28 percent of women and 25 percent of men put more emphasis on their feelings about a home than they do on the layout, square footage, or price. The majority of women (62 percent) and men (61 percent) also know within the first visit if the home is right for them.

“A home is more than square-footage and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and this survey shows just how much emotion can play a role in home buying process,” says Jessica Edwards, Coldwell Banker Real Estate consumer specialist. “When two people are looking for a home together, there are many considerations to take into account. Of course, price and layout matter, but ‘feeling at home’ is an important factor.”

The survey also reveals insights into the roles men and women play at home and finds some interesting differences between age groups.

Women Take Charge of Making a House a Home:

- Over half of women (54 percent) say that they take the lead when it comes to decorating.

However, younger men play a larger role in décor decisions than their older counterparts. Forty-eight (48) percent of younger respondents, age 18-44, say decorating is mutual; this decreases to 36 percent for respondents 55 and over.

- Women also cook it up in the kitchen. Sixty-eight (68) percent of women say they are the “primary chef” for their household.

Not to be outdone, some men are also putting on the apron – occasionally. Nearly a quarter of men (23 percent) say cooking is their job.

Age Changes How Men and Women Feel “At Home”

- Sharing financial decisions may get easier over time. Fifty-four (54) percent of people age 18-44 say major financial decisions are mutual, compared to 60 percent of those 45-54. This increases to 70 percent for people 55 and over.

- Interestingly, as age increases, so does contentment with the current status of the home. Almost half (45 percent) of those older than 55 say they are very happy with their home just the way it is, compared to 25 percent of those age 18-44.

- More men seem to be focused on making significant changes to the home (9 percent) compared to women (5 percent).

For couples entering the home-buying process, here are Edwards’ tips for harmonious house-hunting:
• Each person should come up with a list of a few things that are most important and then come together as a couple to decide on a list of the top three to five things that are important for the home.
• When looking for a home, communication is key. Consider designating a point person for different aspects of the home-buying process, so that information is not delayed or communicated to just one part of the couple.
• Don’t get too many people involved; typically more people means more stress and what is most important is that the couple is happy with the decisions being made.
• Don’t forget to have fun! Remember that this home will be the place to build memories and a life together.

Survey Methodology: Coldwell Banker Real Estate engaged SSRS to conduct an omnibus survey via telephone in February 2012, among more than 1,000 respondents. This study was conducted in SSRS’s EXCEL Omnibus. EXCEL is a national, weekly telephone omnibus service designed to meet the standards of quality associated with custom research studies. The EXCEL survey consists of a standard set of introductory and demographic questions supplemented by a changing series of questions on various topics as contracted by participating companies.

Sample Design: Each EXCEL survey consists of 1,000 interviews, with 50% men and 50% women. EXCEL uses a fully-replicated, stratified, single-stage random-digit-dialing (RDD) sample of telephone households. Sample telephone numbers are computer-generated and loaded into on-line sample files accessed directly by the CRT system. Within each sample household, one adult respondent is randomly selected using a computerized procedure based on the “Most Recent Birthday Method”. Respondents answering questions in an EXCEL insert specifically designed for this survey were 1014 men and women ages 18 and older.

Margin of Error: Because this is a sample, and not an actual population, an associated margin of error applies. At a 95% level of confidence, the margin of error for this sample of 1014 is +/- 3.08%. This essentially means that we can be 95% certain that, for any percentage result for the total sample, the “true” percentage is within 3.08 percentage points of that which is actually reported.

Significant Differences: Within this report, significant differences are reported at the 95% level of confidence.

A picture is worth a thousand words and the photos an owner takes of his or her home can be the key in attracting a large number of prospective buyers. Some buyers judge properties by pictures alone and others may hesitate to even attend an open house at a home that has no pictures listed, often assuming that there is something wrong with it. For these reasons, homeowners have a great opportunity to entice individuals looking to buy a home to attend their open houses.

However, posting any old picture of a house on the real estate listing may not have the intended effects homeowners want, so it’s important to be selective and follow a few simple rules to make sure the images paint a property in the most positive light, according to MSN Real Estate.

Give Buyers Options

When it comes to showing off a home, more is better, and buyers may want to see images of every room in the house. Similar to a home staging event, owners should de-clutter each room and make improvements or upgrades before taking pictures.

Cleaning and removing personal items can make a room appear larger and more modern. In addition to taking images of each room – including bedrooms, basements, kitchens, bathrooms and bonus rooms – owners should also include pictures of the exterior of the home. Curb appeal is another factor that may lure more buyers into the fold, so removing toys or yard items, planting flowers and pressure washing the outside of the home can make the house look more picturesque.

Most real estate agents also agree that homeowners living in scenic areas with a view should include these images as well.

Don’t Skimp On Quality

Images that look unprofessional may turn buyers off, so avoid taking photos with a cellphone, disposable camera or other amateur lens. In some cases, real estate companies may staff their own photographers to take images of a home, so buyers should ask their agent what types of services their agency provides.

Homeowners with their own high resolution cameras can take pictures on their own, and edit out unnecessary features, such ceilings or door frames. In addition, owners can adjust the lighting or resolution of a frame to give buyers a more realistic view of what a room looks like.

Whether they are dealing with a growing family or have simply decided to change some aspect of their property, many homeowners may find themselves considering renovations or remodeling projects after buying a home.

Many homeowners take on multiple home renovation projects to improve their home. Some people may prefer to get their major home-related activities out of the way all at once so they can move on to other things. Others may find it stressful, however, and there are a number of factors to take into account when considering major projects.

Patience And Planning

Planning a renovation properly takes time, real estate resource MainStreet notes, and rushing can cause regrets later on. Homeowners in a hurry are less likely to take the time to speak to different contractors and carefully examine what they want. Homeowners who take the time research their contractor and map out their project often save money and have a better understanding for how the end project ill turn out. When homeowners rush it could lead to a flawed project or a successfully completed one that they realize was a mistake. At that point, it’s too late.

When thinking about changing a new home, residents should take some time to figure out what options may work and what may not, and differentiate features that are worth changing from the ones that just unfamiliar.

Being patient and not devoting an oversized amount of their time to a project also allows homeowners to remain focused on everything else in their lives. This may include getting a new job, a child adjusting to new schools or other changes.

These factors may alter how the space of the home is to be used. For example, someone may determine that they need a larger work area at home than they expected.

Firsthand Experience

One real estate agent told MainStreet that homebuyers often come to see a home differently after living in it for even a short time. They may find that they do not use the space the way they expected, gathering in some rooms more often than others.

Personal experience may also show that some rooms are colder at night, or warmer during some parts of the day, or have other characteristics that are difficult to anticipate. Alternatively, rooms may accommodate furniture and decorations very well in their current shape, and changing the home might not be worthwhile as a result.

Whether individuals currently own or are selling a home, making improvements around the house can add more character, charm and utility. There are several projects that may not only add dollar value to a home, but can also make it more enticing for potential buyers. And what’s more, many of these improvements can be completed at a low cost. So whether a homeowner is simply trying to spruce up their property or getting ready to put it on the market, consider a few small alterations to make the house appealing.

Upgrade Windows And Doors

The entryway to a home should be welcoming for residents, neighbors and guests, so installing new entry doors can make a house appear warmer. Several home improvement stores have a wide variety of doors to choose from, and hanging a new door is also a task that can be completed easily by the homeowner. In addition to purchasing a door that is already finished and ready to be installed, homeowners may also consider purchasing doors they can paint to add a bit of color and

character to their home. Some owners paint their doors vibrant colors, such as red, purple or blue to boost the curb appeal of their property.

In addition, installing replacement windows is another valuable investment that can hold financial benefits for current homeowners and buyers, according to AOL Real Estate. Energy-efficient windows may allow current owners to earn a tax credit for their purchase and lower energy bills for home buyers.

Make Good Use Of Additional Space

Many homeowners utilize additional spaces, such as a home office, foyer or exercise room. However, it’s easy to forget about other areas that can be converted into valuable bonus rooms, such as the attic and basement. These can be remodeled to serve as additional bedrooms, entertainment areas and home offices.

Remodeling these areas can be especially valuable for sellers because they may appeal to larger families or multi-generational households, AOL Real Estate explains.

In addition, maximizing outdoor space can be a great way to expand entertainment areas for current homeowners or buyers. Outdoor grills or ovens, fireplaces and dining sets can provide an escape for owners and add an air of elegance to a home.

Consumers who are buying a home may spend a great deal of time visiting open houses and working with a real estate agent to find the right home for them. An open house is one of the greatest opportunities buyers have to look around, visualize themselves living in the house and, most importantly, ask questions about the property.

However, it can be difficult for first-time homebuyers to know which questions to ask a real estate agent. While questions about the actual layout and physical characteristics of a home are important, there are a few other common questions potential buyers may want to ask before making their decision.

Pricing the property

When buyers show up to a home staging, they will likely have a fairly good idea of the seller’s asking price. However, the price of the home and the bid a buyer puts in may change for several reasons, and asking a number of questions may give potential buyers more insight into how much they might really pay for a home. For example, buyers may want to inquire about how many other bids a seller has received. If the current owner has received a great deal of interest in the property, it is likely that he or she may increase the asking price, according to MSN Real Estate.

In addition, buyers should also find out how long the house has been on the market and why the owners are selling. If the home has been up for sale for a long period of time, buyers may have more room for negotiation on the final price. The same is true when it comes to the reason owners are selling the home. The answer to this question may give buyers more insight into final costs and closing timelines. Keep in mind that real estate agents are not required to explain why owners are selling the property and may decline to answer.

Lastly, buyers should find out whether there are any liens on the property that may impact the buying and closing process.

Additional homeownership costs

It’s easy to overlook additional costs when purchasing a home, but it’s important to ask about any fees or dues that may come with certain properties. For example, adults looking for homes in planned communities may find that they need to pay association dues, additional taxes and other fees. Knowing about neighborhood costs may play a role in a buyer’s final decision to purchase the home or pass on the offer.