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