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