Thursday, August 22, 2013

8 Step Checklist for Buying a Home

It does not matter if you are a first time home buyer or a home buyer making a home purchase after bankruptcy, these tips can help you be organized for a successful purchase.  If you are organized, you can not only find the home of your dreams but move into this purchase with confidence.

  • Decide how much you can spend realistically. Take into consideration your income, expenses and possible future experiences. 

  • Check your credit reports to find out where you stand.  Look for errors and correct them now so you are ready when you go to apply for a home loan. 

  • Shop for a lender.  Look for the best rates and terms that will work for you.  Find out what closing costs may be involved with any lender (they can generally give you an estimate.)

  • See if you can get pre-approved for a mortgage.  This will allow you to know what your budget is and what you can expect to pay as a down payment.

  • Find a real estate agent that can help you to find a home that meets your needs. Find someone you feel confident in and can partner with you during this process.

  • Make a list of features you would like in a home and research neighborhoods that you would like.  Think about crime rates, school and local services as much as you would when you are deciding if you wanted 3 bedrooms or 4 bedrooms. These things count.  This is where your family will live for a long time.

  • Go house hunting and when you find one, make an offer that is contingent on the results of a full home inspection.


  • If you are worried about any terms of your home purchase, consult a lawyer.  This way you can go confidently into your new home purchase!

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