| A house buying checklist will keep you from | | | | good when you walk through it? Do you like the |
| forgetting something important, and help make the | | | | neighborhood? What problems does it have? A photo |
| whole process a little less chaotic. It is perhaps best | | | | or written description will help you remember the |
| to put together your own list according to your own | | | | home after looking at others. Carry and use a home |
| needs. Here are some of the items you will want to | | | | inspection checklist, so you can take notes to pass |
| include. | | | | along to a professional home inspector. |
| ___ Prepare to buy a house. Figure out the monthly | | | | ___ The decision. It may be best to look at six or |
| payment you can afford, but also how much you | | | | more homes before writing an offer. Does this home |
| want to afford, if you have other major goals. Take | | | | have what you need? How does it compare to |
| a look at your credit report. Take actions to improve | | | | others you have seen? What is the appraised value, |
| your credit score. List what you want or need in a | | | | or at least the value indicated by the tax assessor. |
| home, prioritizing each item it in case you can't get | | | | Why is the seller selling? Have there been other |
| everything. | | | | offers, and what happened with them (ask the |
| ___ Narrow the search to an area you like. Consider | | | | agent)? |
| what you need to be comfortable. You can use | | | | ___ The offer. Don't reveal your thoughts on |
| online resources to investigate towns, and to check | | | | possible negotiations to the agent. Make out your |
| on crime rates. You can also read various local | | | | earnest money check to an escrow agent, or the |
| newspapers online to get a "feel" for a town. If you | | | | real estate broker if they have an escrow account. |
| already know the town you'll be moving to, start | | | | Specify what stays with the home, and who will pay |
| driving around to see which neighborhoods you like. | | | | for each closing cost. Have contingencies in the offer |
| ___ Get preapproved for a mortgage loan. Gather | | | | for any necessary inspections. |
| pay stubs, recent bank statements, tax returns, w-2 | | | | ___ Closing the purchase. Get inspections done as |
| forms, and proof of other income. Visit several | | | | soon as you can after the offer is accepted. Watch |
| lenders. Have a list of questions about your loan | | | | the deadlines for any other contingencies in the offer. |
| options, and take notes. Get copies of any | | | | Make sure you have a written loan commitment |
| pre-approval letters. You can submit these with your | | | | from a lender. Set a closing date. Buy insurance for |
| offers, so the seller knows you are able to follow | | | | the house. Get a copy of the closing statement |
| through. | | | | before closing. Have a cashiers check ready for the |
| ___ Start shopping for a house. Look at online | | | | closing. |
| listings, in newspapers, and in real estate guides. | | | | ___ Moving. When the closing date is certain, |
| Locate a real estate agent that's active in the | | | | transfer utilities to your name. Change your address |
| neighborhoods you like, and one who sells the types | | | | at the post office. Pack. Hire a mover or arrange for |
| of houses you're looking for. You may want to | | | | a u-haul. Transfer your prescriptions if you are |
| consider using a buyer's agent. Be very clear about | | | | moving out of town. Register the kids in their new |
| what you're looking for. If an agent repeatedly | | | | schools. |
| shows you homes that don't fit your criteria, find a | | | | ___ A final item on your house buying checklist: |
| new agent to help you. | | | | check out everything thoroughly when you arrive at |
| ___ Go see those homes. Have a good list of | | | | your new home. Generally (and specifically in most |
| questions as part of your house buying checklist. | | | | contracts) it should be in the same or better |
| Does the house have what you need? Does it feel | | | | condition as the day you made your offer. |