RE Guru tips for buying a home

[Jemel Hatcher]

Hello everyone. I just joined BP today and look forward to learning from everyone and sharing whatever knowledge I have (or experiences). Full Disclosure; I am not a REI, have never bought property for investment and haven't owned a home since I was 28 (first wife. long story). I see all the Guru infomercials and wouldn't buy anything new from them because I'm in enterprise technology sales and know that if it sounds to good to be true it usually is.

With that said, I am looking to purchase a house for my family and want to know if any of the creative, unique and original deal making tips the Guru's offer is a method I can use for purchasing a home for us. Or whether I can get the same info the guru's offer on this site (if so, where's a good place to start?).

I look forward to talking to all of you and I'm in Charlotte, NC and if anyone on the site is local.

Thanks and God bless.

J.

[Rich Weese]

Jemel- I'm going to disagree with my neighbor and friend Jeff. I would have to ask you more questions before giving you a one size fits all answer.
I've ALWAYS looked at my home as an investment. I want to be able to make money on it down the line. The average person moves MANY times during his lifetime, so it better be a good deal. There could be divorces, transfers, layoffs leading to a move etc. The better the deal, the less you'll lose and more you'll gain.
There are advisors(dave ramsey) that come to mind that will suggest buying LESS than you can afford and use the extra $$ to pay off bills. I'd suggest using it to purchase more RE.
I do agree with Jeff to be careful with ANY guru idea. And, learn for yourself. It doesn't HAVE to be a clever deal, but I've bought some clever deals that have been wonderful.
Here are other questions I'd ask before answering your question in detail.
Age?
Risk level of you and significant other, if any?
Job security?
Future plans and goals?
Strategy for arriving there?
Discipline with your money?
These are the initial questions I'd want answers to before suggesting definite options.I'm not asking to be your answer-man, just pointing out the neat part of BP. There are all kinds of answers and differing opinions you'll receive here. Take parts of different ones and make it your own. Good luck. Rich in FL.