| A good home buying checklist, like any good | | | | through it? Look at the neighborhood. Ask the agent |
| checklist, can make things go more smoothly. You will | | | | about any problems the home may have. Take a |
| have to put your own list together according to | | | | photo, or write a description, so you'll remember the |
| what your own needs, but here are some items that | | | | home after looking at others. Ask a lot of questions. |
| will be common to most home buying lists. | | | | Use a home inspection checklist, taking notes to pass |
| ___ Prepare. Consider not only what monthly | | | | on to a professional home inspector. |
| payment you can afford, but how much you want to | | | | ___ Make a decision. Does the home work for you? |
| afford, given your other goals. Check your credit | | | | Find out the appraised value if possible. Find out why |
| report and take actions to improve your credit score. | | | | the seller is selling. How does the home compare to |
| Make a list of what you want or need in a home, and | | | | others you have seen? What is the home worth to |
| prioritize it in case you can't get everything. | | | | you, based on what you know of values at this |
| Search Engine Marketing Specialist | | | | point? Ask the agent if there have been other |
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| "full service" Search Engine Marketing help at very | | | | ___ Make an offer. Have the agent help, but don't |
| affordable rates. | | | | reveal your thoughts on possible negotiations. Write |
| ___ Choose an area in which to focus your search. | | | | your earnest money check to an agency, or the real |
| What do you need in a town or neighborhood? Use | | | | estate broker if they have an escrow account. Be |
| online resources to investigate towns. Check crime | | | | clear in the offer as to what stays with the home. |
| rates online. Investigate schools. Look at local | | | | Specify who will pay for each closing cost. Include |
| newspapers online to get a "feel" for a town. | | | | contingencies for any necessary inspections. |
| ___ Get preapproved. Gather pay stubs for the last | | | | ___ Complete the purchase. Arrange inspections as |
| few months. Find recent bank statements, tax | | | | soon as the offer is accepted. Satisfy any other |
| returns, w-2 forms, proof of other income. Ask | | | | contingencies in the offer. Get a loan commitment |
| questions about loan options (take notes). Make | | | | from a lender. Get a firm closing date. Buy home |
| copies of pre-approval letter to submit with offers. | | | | owners insurance. Get a closing statement. Obtain the |
| ___ Start home shopping. Browse online listings. Look | | | | cashiers check for the closing. |
| in newspapers, and real estate guides. Find a real | | | | ___ Prepare for the move. Once closing is certain, |
| estate agent that is active in the area you are | | | | arrange for transfer of utilities to your name. Mail |
| interested in, and with the types of houses you are | | | | change of address forms to post office. Start |
| looking for. Consider a buyer's agent. Explain clearly | | | | packing. Hire a mover. Transfer prescriptions. Get kids |
| what you are looking for. If the agent shows you | | | | registered in new schools. |
| homes that clearly don't fit your criteria, fire him. | | | | As a final item on your home buying checklist, check |
| Take notes on homes you see. | | | | out everything thoroughly when you arrive at your |
| ___ Look at the homes. Does the home meet your | | | | new home. It should be in the same (or better) |
| requirements? How does it feel when you walk | | | | condition as when you made the offer. |