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Sold!
The Road to Home Ownership
By Mark Stackpole
A lot of the homework, though, can be more fun that just sitting in front of a computer screen or flipping through periodicals. How long has it been since you've taken a field trip? Make a list of some neighborhoods that appeal to you and visit them. Go to the libraries, shopping malls and schools. With summer on the horizon, many cities and towns sponsor festivals and fairs, which can be a fun way to get a good sense of the community. Brodman Summers has been doing this type of research since she was a child. "My parents used to think it was fun to spend Sundays looking at neighborhoods and homes with a real estate agent," she says. "They weren't even looking to buy; they just wanted to see what was out there. It sort of became a hobby of mine as well."
Now that Kottman and his growing family are beginning to settle into their new home, he is looking forward to the benefits of home ownership, from the extra space to the tax write-offs. As a survivor, what advice would he give to other potential buyers out there? "Don't undertake the home buying process alone," he says. "In addition to enlisting the aid of industry professionals, surround yourself with friends and family who can provide moral support and encouragement. Have someone to call at 1 a.m. when you are concerned about whether or not you made the right decision."
In spite of all the obstacles, is he confident that he made the right decision? For the answer to this question, Kottman defers not to his banker or his real estate agent, but rather to his young daughter. "The most rewarding aspect of the entire home buying experience was when Sophia looked up at me and said, 'Thank you, Daddy, for buying me our new house.'"
