Buying a home is not always a smooth process. Many first-time buyers encounter obstacles, and it is not unusual that some of them don’t get everything they want the first time around. All you have to do to avoid negative feelings is prepare for the worst, which might not even be that bad after all.

Repairs

The house may need repairs. Before you worry that the property will become your new money pit, take a deep breath and see what the seller has to offer. Perhaps the seller will offer some sort of incentive: reducing the sale price, giving a repair allowance or even fixing the repairs if you push back your closing date. Don’t automatically assume that the seller doesn’t care about you (or the house) just because it needs a little fix here and there.

Updates

Say you’ve walked into a time warp. You see shag carpeting, linoleum flooring, tacky wallpaper and an interesting (to put it politely) color scheme. Before you start blubbering about changing every inch of the place, find out if the seller is offering a decorating allowance for new carpet, new flooring or new paint. Even if you’re left to fend for yourself, remember that these are easy changes. You’re not gutting out cabinetry and countertops. You are simply changing the aesthetic of your place.

Unwanted furniture

Sometimes, a seller will offer his/her property partially or completely furnished. If you already have everything you need, don’t worry about getting rid of the furniture that already exists in the home. If the seller won’t take anything with when he/she leaves, just think positive. Hold a yard sale, visit consignment/antique stores, or ask family and friends if they can take some of it off your hands. You could end up making some money by selling the unwanted furniture.

There are plenty of obstacles you can run into when looking for your first place. Just remember to stay positive and work with what you have.