| Tired of renting? Relocating for a new job? Have a | | | | typical home inspections are included in the |
| growing family? It may be time for you to buy a | | | | geographic area where you want to buy your home. |
| new home. However, before you dive into this large | | | | Then pay close attention to see if you need to get |
| financial purchase, make sure you ask yourself these | | | | other inspections, too. If the area is known for a high |
| five questions: | | | | rate of radon, you may want a radon test. If |
| HOW MUCH CAN I AFFORD? | | | | termites are common in the neighborhood, you may |
| Check online for financial calculators that use your | | | | need a pest inspection. |
| income and debts to calculate how much you can | | | | DOES IT MEET MY NEEDS? |
| afford to spend on a house. The best calculators will | | | | When you do start looking at houses, make sure |
| also include tallies for things like your annual | | | | they meet your needs. Sure, you may fall in love |
| homeowners insurance premiums, real estate taxes | | | | with the built-in bookcase and breakfast nook, but is |
| and maintenance costs. These calculators usually tell | | | | the yard too small for your kids and dogs? Maybe |
| you the maximum amount you should spend on a | | | | the little den would make a perfect small office, but |
| house. | | | | there aren't enough bathrooms. |
| WHAT NEIGHBORHOODS DO I LIKE? | | | | ARE THERE OTHER HAZARDS? |
| If you have kids, it's important to check out things | | | | If the house is older, you may need to worry about |
| like the local schools and parks. You may also want | | | | hazards like lead paint. Depending on the state or |
| to consider things like crime rates, employment rates, | | | | city, you might want to see if the house is located in |
| the commute to your job, shopping and traffic issues. | | | | a high-risk zone for things like flooding, tornados, |
| Some folks prefer planned developments, and others | | | | hurricanes or earthquakes. Buying a new home is a |
| like the freedom of no rules and restrictions. You'll | | | | serious financial commitment with long-term |
| need to figure out what's best for you. | | | | consequences. Make sure you carefully consider all |
| ARE THERE HOME INSPECTIONS I NEED? | | | | the pros and cons of any house before you decide |
| Check with your real estate agent to find out what | | | | to purchase it. |