As a buyer, there are a few things you should consider when choosing the home that is right for you and your family:
- First you must determine your ideal location. What does your future home need to be close to? (i.e. school district, work, family)
- Equally important, you must get preapproved by either a mortgage broker or financial institution. Knowing your price range is key in the beginning steps of your search.
- Next, make a list of things you want your future house to have (i.e. large yard, pool, two car garage.)
- Make note of what style of home are you hoping to find, and which are out of the question.
- Think about how many bedrooms and bathrooms you will need, along with if features such as an attic or basement are necessary.
- Decide what type of environment you want to live in. Do you enjoy quiet neighborhoods or busy cities, and how close in proximity should neighboring homes be to yours?
- Are you looking for a house that comes with appliances, or will you be bringing your own?
- Do you mind doing some work on the house, or would you prefer it to be move-in ready?
- Don't forget to consider any time restraints such as when your lease is up, or the start of a new school year. Once you choose a house it could take six to eight weeks to close on it.
- Realize that the more specific your requests are, the longer it will take to find exactly what you are looking for.
Below is a downloadable file to the printer-friendly version of this checklist.
| buyers_checklist.docx |