Make yourself a cup of coffee, relax, and think about what you really want in a home. Here is a list questions you can answer to help you decide what's important as you begin the search for your dream home.
1. What part of town do you want to live in?
2. What price range have you been pre-approved for? What is the top dollar amount you will not exceed?
3. Do you have a specific school system you want your children to be in? Are there other school systems you would consider?
4. Do you want an older home or a new home?
5. How much renovation would you be willing to do? None, a little, or a total redo?
6. Do you have a preference of a one story, two story, split foyer, townhouse, or condo?
7. What style of home appeals to you most? Traditional, colonial, contemporary, Mediterranean, southwestern, or no preference?
8. Do you need to be close to public transportation?
9. How many bedrooms do you need? How many do you want?
10. How many bathrooms do you need? How many do you want?
11. What features do you want the kitchen to have?
*Double ovens
*Gas or electric cook top
*Granite counter tops
*Tile back splash
*Island
*Eat-in area
*Walk-in pantry
*Keeping room
12. What important features do you want the home to have?
*Fireplace
*Hardwood floors
*Tile in bathrooms
*Jetted tub
*Walk-in closets
*Bonus room
*Finished basement
*Workshop
*In-law suite
12. What exterior features are important to you?
*Acreage
*Special view
*Professional landscaping
*Fenced yard
*Pool
*Hot tub
*Screened deck
*Extra parking
13. Do you want to live in an area with community features? Which ones are important to you?
*Gated community
*Clubhouse
*Community pool
*Tennis courts
*Golf course
14. Are there any other features or needs that you want to consider when you’re looking for a home?
*Square footage of home
*Size of rooms
*Age of roof
*Age of heating and air units
*Condition of carpet
*Condition of paint inside and out
You probably will not find a home with all of the features that you want, so decide which ones are the most important to you. Which ones can you absolutely not live without? Some people will sacrifice square footage for a view, while others don't care about anything but lots of space. The most important thing is that you find a place you can call home.
Showing posts with label buying a home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label buying a home. Show all posts
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Checklist For Buying A Home
Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. It's an exciting, yet stressful time, so it's important for you to prepare and be organized. Here is a check list you can print off and keep close to make sure you aren't forgetting any steps along the way.
1. Choose a realtor to work with. If you don't already have a Realtor, I suggest interviewing at least two unless you have a recommendation from a friend you trust. Ask questions and choose someone that you feel confident will be aggressive and listen to your needs and desires.
2. Choose a mortgage broker. Ask your Realtor to recommend someone. You will want to make sure you feel this person will be attentive, cover the details, and be easy to get in contact with.
3. Get pre-approved. This simple process can be done over the phone. You will waste your time looking at houses you cannot afford.
4. Determine your housing needs. Sit down and make a list of everything you need and want in a home. Share with your Realtor so she can narrow her search and find exactly what you are looking for.
5. Ask your realtor to email you the links she has pulled from the MLS. Look at the pictures and the information provided and choose the homes you are interested in viewing.
6. Make an appointment with your Realtor to see the homes you have selected. Keep notes about the likes and dislikes of each home you see and rate them on a scale from 1 to 10.
7. Once you find the home of your dreams, it's time to make an offer. Ask your Realtor to pull comps of everything that has sold in the area in the last 6 months and homes that are currently on the market. Be reasonable with your offer and don't expect the sellers to give their home away just because the market is down. Use the comparables as a guideline.
8. Rely on your Realtor to help you negotiate the deal. Hopefully the sellers will accept your offer, but they will probably counter with a higher price.
9. When the contract has been finalized, the next step is to get your home inspection. Protect yourself and get an inspection before you start spending money on other closing items. You need to make sure there are no major problems with the home and you need to decide what you will ask the sellers to repair.
10. Get your home owner's insurance. Compare prices and get the best deal.
11. Call the movers and set a date!
12. Get ready to close! Your Realtor should take care of the rest of the steps that lead up to closing. A day or two before closing make sure your Realtor tells you the exact amount you need to have in certified funds. Personal checks are no longer allowed at closing.
If you will follow these simple steps, you should be in your new home shortly. I hope you find the home that will bring you happiness for many years to come.
1. Choose a realtor to work with. If you don't already have a Realtor, I suggest interviewing at least two unless you have a recommendation from a friend you trust. Ask questions and choose someone that you feel confident will be aggressive and listen to your needs and desires.
2. Choose a mortgage broker. Ask your Realtor to recommend someone. You will want to make sure you feel this person will be attentive, cover the details, and be easy to get in contact with.
3. Get pre-approved. This simple process can be done over the phone. You will waste your time looking at houses you cannot afford.
4. Determine your housing needs. Sit down and make a list of everything you need and want in a home. Share with your Realtor so she can narrow her search and find exactly what you are looking for.
5. Ask your realtor to email you the links she has pulled from the MLS. Look at the pictures and the information provided and choose the homes you are interested in viewing.
6. Make an appointment with your Realtor to see the homes you have selected. Keep notes about the likes and dislikes of each home you see and rate them on a scale from 1 to 10.
7. Once you find the home of your dreams, it's time to make an offer. Ask your Realtor to pull comps of everything that has sold in the area in the last 6 months and homes that are currently on the market. Be reasonable with your offer and don't expect the sellers to give their home away just because the market is down. Use the comparables as a guideline.
8. Rely on your Realtor to help you negotiate the deal. Hopefully the sellers will accept your offer, but they will probably counter with a higher price.
9. When the contract has been finalized, the next step is to get your home inspection. Protect yourself and get an inspection before you start spending money on other closing items. You need to make sure there are no major problems with the home and you need to decide what you will ask the sellers to repair.
10. Get your home owner's insurance. Compare prices and get the best deal.
11. Call the movers and set a date!
12. Get ready to close! Your Realtor should take care of the rest of the steps that lead up to closing. A day or two before closing make sure your Realtor tells you the exact amount you need to have in certified funds. Personal checks are no longer allowed at closing.
If you will follow these simple steps, you should be in your new home shortly. I hope you find the home that will bring you happiness for many years to come.
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