Home Buying Checklist
Before searching for or buying a home, while you are searching, after you decided on a home and up to finalizing the deal, you should keep the following brief checklist in mind:
1. Figure Out How Much You Can Afford - Income, debt, credit report, FICO score and down payment.
2. Get Pre-Approved For A Mortgage - Speak to a couple of lenders, shop for the best rates and programs
3. Determine What You Want And Need In A Home - Location, type, price, size
4. Research Your Target Neighborhoods - Look Online for Info, determine your communte, amenities
5. Work With A Buyer's Agent Who Knows The Neighborhood - Interview agents, get referrals
7. Research Each Home That You Want To Buy - Ask agent for comps, find out why seller is selling, review property disclosures
8. Make An Offer and Negotiate - Determine price, spell out requests, earnest money, move-in date
9. Finalize The Deal - Get appraisal, home inspection, home insurance, complete loan process, walk through
10. Close The Purchase - Review Closing documents, have check ready or funds wired for closing costs