The Essential Home Buyer’s Checklist

The prospect of buying a new home is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin. In order to embrace the experience – and enjoy it for the overwhelmingly positive moment it should be – there are a few essential tips to help prioritize what you need to know even before you begin the search for a new home.

Know your target neighborhoods:

Before you begin to search for the home of your dreams, do your homework on the neighborhoods in the general area where you wish to live. Perhaps school quality is important to you, or maybe local ordinances will play into part of your decision. For example, you may wish to know the local restrictions for building a shed or a gazebo or if there are laws regarding certain types of pets. Being educated on the local codes and rules is important if you do not wish to be surprised down the road.

Applying for loans:

Being pre-approved, when possible, helps a home buyer make better budget choices in the ultimate selection of a home. Even when that isn’t possible, researching at least three different loan choices for the best rate is a savvy shopper’s secret to possible big savings in the end. Of course, know your credit score and the amount of your current debt when ready to apply.

Getting the best real estate agent:

Finding an agent that works for you to find the best home and helps negotiate the best deal is of great importance. While some may try to go it alone, having a professional in your corner means that when you have questions, you will be able to get the answers and resources you need to accurately address any concerns. They can, for example, assist in negotiating with the seller to have them buy a home warranty, which covers the buyer for any unseen major repairs for a year.

Once a house feels like it could be a prospective home, an agent can help you walk through the process of inspections, appraisals, and many other little things along the way.