Home Buyers

  1. Research the financial side of buying a home.  What can you afford?
  2. What do you feel comfortable paying? Many buyers find they can qualify for more than they feel comfortable paying.  Make sure to factor in all costs of home ownership, including maintenance, taxes, insurance, mortgage, and future expenditures, such as roof, furnace, etc.
  3. Carefully analyze what you want and need in a home.  You might put your home buying wish list in writing.  You might put this list into two sections; absolute essentials features and those you can live without.
  4. Get pre-approved for a loan and have the pre-approval document ready when your agent makes an offer for you. (Your agent can help you find a good lender or mortgage broker)
  5. Work with a qualified, experienced real estate professional who knows the local area well, a good home inspector and insurance agent.
  6. You need to know current market values.  Your agent can provide you information on recent sales, sales pending and current property available for sale.
  7. You should look at a lot of properties and every listing that your agent thinks might suit your needs.
  8. Stay active during the entire process; a good agent will make the process easier for you but ultimately you are the decision-maker, not your agent.  Communicate frequently during the entire process.
  9. Read the offer your agent prepared thoroughly.  Ask questions about anything you are unsure of.
  10. At closing, read all documents related to your home purchase.  Ask questions and make sure you understand everything.  Sign off documentation.
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