Reality Check For Buyers

A feature story in the January 19, 2001 real estate section of "The Daily
Herald," the Chicago area's largest suburban daily, lists some excellent
tips that buyer agents may suggest to their clients in order to facilitate a
very satisfactory acquisition. Among them:

.....Do not focus excessively on the list price of the home. It is
usually negotiable.

.....Do not put too much emphasis on being in a certain neighborhood or school district. There often are excellent alternatives.

.....Do not be seduced by a house that is aesthetically pleasing and in top condition but does not really meet your needs in terms of the space it provides.

.....Do not let minor cosmetic issues, such as worn carpeting, damaged counter tops, or the need for fresh paint, distract from the purchase of a potentially great house.

.....Do not ignore the need for adequate storage space.

.....Do not appear to be too enthusiastic about a house in the presence of its owner or the listing agent.

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