Most everyday purchases can be safely made with a minimal amount of research. Even if you’re new to an area, it’s generally easy to find places nearby to shop for groceries and personal items with a quick local search. Maybe you’ll look for advice on what stores offer the best prices or sales, but it’s generally straightforward.
Sometimes, even with more expensive purchases, there isn’t much need to shop around. Take the new game consoles that are sure to be huge holiday hits this year, for example. You’ll likely be ready to decide which one to get after mulling over their exclusives and services for a few minutes, or it might be just as simple as getting the one the kids are asking for. Of course, finding them might be a battle in itself. While you may be able to make most purchasing decisions with confidence even if you aren’t the savviest buyer, here are some categories where everyone absolutely should shop around.
Home Loans
Unless you start and fund your own business at some point, it’s unlikely that you’ll make many larger investments than in your own home, and it needs to be a smart one. If you’re like most homebuyers, you won’t be able to outright but your home with cash, so you’ll need to take out a home loan. You’ll certainly want to compare mortgage rates across various lenders to pinpoint the average rate and see if you can secure a better interest rate.
Mortgage lenders will use a variety of factors to determine your monthly payments including whether this is your first time buying a home, and they’ll naturally check your credit score. It’s a good idea to check your own credit score beforehand with the major credit unions to see if there’s any inaccurate information that could cause you to suffer unnecessary penalties.
You’ll also need to decide between a fixed-mortgage or an adjustable-rate mortgage. A 30-year mortgage is the most popular fixed-rate mortgage thanks to its low monthly payments, but it has the disadvantage of higher interest rates.
Used Cars
Next to their home, a car is many people’s biggest purchase. It’s always important to look for the best deals when shopping for a car, but if you’re planning to buy used, you need to be extra cautious. Always research the dealerships you’re looking at to make sure they’re reputable. They should have no issues with you requesting the car’s records, taking it for a test drive, or taking it by a mechanic yourself to ensure everything is in working order.
If you think you’ll need to finance a used car, it’s best to get approved for a car loan in advance to make sure everything runs smoothly. As with a mortgage, research lenders thoroughly to find the lowest rate.
Designer Watches
Few things show status as well as an elegant timepiece, and if you’re planning to make a significant investment, it’s important to research the best brands like Patek Philippe Nautilus. Nautilus provides the ultimate luxury sports watches with immediately recognizable and respected design. Nautilus watch dials are surrounded by stainless steel cases on stainless steel bracelets and feature minute repeaters with mechanical movements.
Due to their rarity and popularity with collectors, obtaining a preowned Nautilus might be your best option, especially if you’re finding it hard to afford a new watch. Genuine preowned Patek Philippe watches are sold with a box and papers of authenticity as well as a watch warranty.
New PCs
Whether you’re buying a laptop or a desktop, a new PC can be a pricey investment that should last several years. This is especially true if you need something powerful for gaming, animation, or other creative work. It’s absolutely worth shopping around all the major retailer’s websites if you’re looking for a pre-built model.
PCs are somewhat unique compared to other items in that you can build your own with the right parts. Knowledgeable buyers can save a significant amount of money by building their PC. Check out a PC build guide for advice on what components to get and how to assemble a mighty rig that will serve your well for years.
