A House Buying Checklist For Soon-To-Be Homeowners
The house buying process consists of various steps. Here are some things that you’ll want to do:
1. Define Your Budget
Define your budget before you start looking at houses. Tell your real estate agent the maximum that you’re willing to go—that way, they’ll be able to help find a property that’s right for you.
Try not to let a few thousand dollars keep you from buying your dream home. The difference may not be all that significant when it comes down to monthly payments.
2. Get Your Paperwork In Order
Buying a house comes with lots of paperwork. Don’t want the process to be delayed? Then make sure to gather all of your documents ahead of time.
For example, you’ll want to gather your pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns. The goal is to be as transparent as possible about your income.
3. Talk to Your Mortgage Lender
Talk to your mortgage lender. Don’t hesitate to ask questions before committing to a loan. For instance, you might want to ask them about the down payment and interest rates.
If anything, the most important thing is for you to choose the right kind of loan. Remember, it’ll be following you for many years!
4. Insist on a Home Inspection
Always insist on a home inspection—you never know whether or not a house will come with unexpected problems. Remember, the seller might not be disclosing everything about the property!
By not doing an inspection, you’ll be accepting any defects and costs associated with fixing them.
5. Conduct a Final Walkthrough
Conduct a final walkthrough prior to signing the contract. You want to make sure that everything is how you want it before moving in.
For instance, it’s a good idea to verify that all appliances are in working order. Other things that you might want to check include the faucets, toilets, outlets, heaters, air conditioners, and smoke detectors.
Ask the seller to provide you with closing credit if you notice any problems—that way, you’ll be able to handle the repairs.
Buying a New Home
And there we have it—a house buying checklist! Hopefully, that gives you a better idea of what the process entails. If anything, you never want to make any hasty decisions!
Want more real estate tips? If so, be sure to check out some of our other blog posts!
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