1. Be picky, but don’t be unrealistic. There is no
perfect home.
2. Do your homework before you start looking.
Decide specifically what features you want in a home and
which are most important to you.
3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit
report and be sure you have enough money to cover your
downpayment and your closing costs.
4. Don’t wait to get a loan. Talk to a lender and
get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start looking.
5. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will
drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you
feel you need a second opinion.
6. Decide when you could move. When is your lease
up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental
market in your area?
7. Think long-term. Are you looking for a starter house
with the idea of moving up in a few years or do you hope to
stay in this home longer? This decision may dictate what
type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage
terms that suit you best.
8. Don’t let yourself be “house poor”. If you max
yourself out to buy the biggest home you can afford, you’ll
have no money left for maintenance or decoration or to save
money for other financial goals.
9. Don’t be naïve. Insist on a home inspection
and, if possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover
defects within one year.
10. Find an experienced REALTOR, who can help you
through the process.
New to the home buying process? Tell us your concerns. Ask
us
questions. It's our job to help! Let our team represent your best interests in your search for a new home.
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