| Home ownership is touted as the greatest | | | | How important is living in a close-knit community? - |
| investment, and one of the biggest responsibilities, of | | | | Where are you willing to make trade-offs, and which |
| a lifetime. So it's no surprise that the buying a home | | | | issues are non-negotiable? Once you have an idea of |
| can seem overwhelming and confusing, especially for | | | | what you want it will be easier to spot the right |
| first time homebuyers. As you wade through the real | | | | place, and to describe your ideal home to a real |
| estate lingo and legal paperwork, just keep a few | | | | estate agent. Found it? Inspect It! -Before Buying a |
| key points in mind. By knowing what to focus on, | | | | Home Do not, under any circumstances, neglect a |
| you'll have more control over the entire process of | | | | good home inspection. When buying a home, the |
| buying a home. Financial Concerns When Buying a | | | | inspection can be the most critical step you take. A |
| Home The loan amount you qualify for, and what | | | | good inspector will look for mold, water damage, |
| you can really afford, may be two different things. | | | | gutter damage, and ventilation issues. But the |
| Take the time to figure out what you can | | | | responsibility will rest on the person buying the home, |
| comfortably afford to payout monthly. Make sure | | | | that's you, to make sure that the inspector does a |
| you include lawn maintenance, household repairs, | | | | good job. Some red flags you don't want to see |
| tools, and association fees in that number. You will be | | | | when buying a home are water spots on walls and |
| much better off getting less of a house, and still | | | | ceilings, growth the walls, or water lines in basements. |
| being able to maintain it, than buying a brand new | | | | Water spots will indicate mold, and the basement |
| home and letting it go to pot because you weren't | | | | growths indicate water damage. Count on Someone |
| aware of the true expenses of home ownership. The | | | | You Trust When Buying a Home Maybe your Dad |
| next step is to clean up your credit and get | | | | has a dozen investment properties and will hold your |
| pre-approved, so that when you do find your | | | | hand through the closing process of buying a home. |
| dreamhouse you can move ahead. Wants and Needs | | | | Maybe you ask friends to refer a competent real |
| When Buying a Home Spend some time thinking | | | | estate professional. However you go about it, just |
| about your desires and future plans. Take a minute | | | | make sure that you understand the legal procedure |
| to mull over these questions about buying a home: - | | | | of buying a home. You are making one of the |
| How many rooms/space do you need? Will your | | | | biggest investments of your life, so you should feel |
| family grow, or will you move again in a few years? - | | | | confident and happy. Ask a lot of questions, and only |
| What's your ideal location? Do you want to be in a | | | | work with a real estate professional who answer |
| certain school district? Do you need to be near the | | | | them fully and happily, and your experience buying a |
| city, or away from it all? How important is your | | | | home will be rewarding rather than confusing. |
| commute time to your quality of life? - How | | | | John Harris is a researcher and writer on applicable |
| important is a brand new house? Can you afford a | | | | real estate topics such as economics, credit |
| fixer-upper (time and money)?Do you want a huge | | | | improvement tips, home selling advice and home |
| yard to care for? - What amenities do you need? | | | | buying preparations. |