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"I didn't notice that the first time I saw the house."

This is a common house-hunting phrase that usually leads into a tale of home buying heartache. How a home buying process went bad because of something overlooked -- a feature of the home, the location, the schools, or maybe the new construction going on practically in the back yard.

Home Buying "Blindness"

Buying a home gets people excited, and nothing fuels that excitement more than walking through a home that might someday be yours. That's perfectly normal. But this excitement can also cloud your objective / analytical vision. First-time home buyers in particular fall victim to this condition.

Solution: Use the Buddy System

One solution is to bring a friend along on your house hunting trips. That way, you'll gain an objective pair of eyes. Of course, you'll have to find somebody whose schedule matches your own, but the logistics are well worth it.

An objective friend is less likely to get over-excited about a house because they're not shopping for themselves. Having a calm, collected co-inspector provides endless value and will help you remember things about a house you might not otherwise recall.

Tips for Using the Home-Buying Buddy System

1. Try to pick somebody known for their strong opinions and outspoken nature. This type of person is more likely to spot the details ... and voice them.

2. It's also helpful to have somebody with tastes and preferences similar to your own.

3. Ask your friend to bring a notepad, digital camera, or anything else that helps collect data and remember it later.

4. Conduct a "debriefing" after each visit. Compare notes and talk about the pluses and minuses of each house.

5. Reciprocate by buying your friend lunch or doing something else nice for them.

6. Prescreen homes to narrow your list. Then bring the friend along. This will reduce the number of times you have to impose on them.

7. Encourage their honesty and openness. Ask them to point out everything they like and dislike, regardless of how much you might like it.

8. Weigh your friend's input against your own instincts and impressions. In the end, you'll be the one living in the home and making the payments!

The home buying process stirs up a lot of emotion. And that's fine, as long as it doesn't cloud your analytical judgment. A home is probably the biggest investment you'll ever make, so you need to be objective and thoughtful. The buddy system can help!

* Copyright 2006, Brandon Cornett.