Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible.

1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with.

Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality.

2. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, just as there’s no perfect time to sell.

If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer — you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn’t change fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home that’s priced appro­priately won’t stay on the market long.

3. Don’t ask for too many opinions.

It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the wants and needs of your immedi­ate family — the people who will be living in the home.

4. Accept that no house is ever perfect.

If it’s in the right loca­tion, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go.

5. Don’t try to be a killer negotiator.

Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price or by refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home you love. Negotiation is give and take. Ask your Realtor to be creative in this area and offer suggestions on how to create “win-win” situations.

6. Remember your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum.

Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself — room size, kitchen, etc. — that you forget about impor­tant issues as noise level, location to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life.

7. Plan ahead.

Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mort­gage, investigate home insur­ance, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers. In today’s climate a “pre-approval” from a mortgage company is a must.

8. Factor in mainte­nance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget.

Even if you buy a new home, there will be costs. Don’t leave your­self short.

9. Accept that a little buyer’s remorse is inevitable and will probably pass.

Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big financial commitment. But it also yields big benefits. Don’t lose sight of why you wanted to buy a home and what made you fall in love with the property you purchased.

10. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation.

For the past 3 decades, home val­ues have increased an average of more than 6% per year. On aver­age the value of a home nearly doubles every 10 years. But do not lose sight of the fact that a home’s most important role is to serve as a comfortable, safe place for you and your family to live and create life long memories.