A Checklist For Buying A Home
Bruce Swedal
September 17, 2009
A checklist for buying a home is a good way to keep your ducks in a row. It gives you an approach that covers all your bases, so you don't leave anything out in the excitement of the moment. Buying a home is one of the most exciting and fulfilling things you'll ever do, and being happy with what you buy is extremely important. But how can you ensure that you'll be happy with your home? You do it by avoiding the pitfalls that can so easily beset home buyers.
There are a few tips for buying a home out there, and it's a good idea to check them out before rushing into making any deals. Having your finances under control is the first thing. Being secure about your money will cause the process to be much less stressful. Clear up anything about your credit history that may pop up and cause any problems. All mortgage companies are big on the credit history of their clients. Many who search for a mortgage are given a 'pre-qualification', but what you really need to do is get 'pre-approval'. It gives you a number to work from and makes the whole process easier on you, and affords you some leverage for making the purchase.
After obtaining pre-approval, you can begin the job of working along with your realtor to find a home that will suit your needs and likes. Be up front with your realtor about the things you need and don't need concerning your new home. This gives him the ability to find what you're looking for. You can do your own searches as well, by going online and visiting the many sites that show listings for homes in most any area. With you and your agent working together, you can soon find a home that will be suitable for what you need, what you want, and what you can afford.
Once you've found the property that you are certain is for you, you need to get it inspected. Whatever you do, don't skip this step. If the seller you're dealing with wants to sell with a 'no inspection' clause, then that should raise a red flag to you. There may be some good reasons for the seller to not want this inspection, and it's in your best interest to find out why. By having the inspection, you protect yourself from loss of value further down the road, and from finding things that should have significantly lowered your cost and would have if you'd known about them. Be smart and take care of yourself in these dealings.
Denver Real Estate
Denver Homes
There are a few tips for buying a home out there, and it's a good idea to check them out before rushing into making any deals. Having your finances under control is the first thing. Being secure about your money will cause the process to be much less stressful. Clear up anything about your credit history that may pop up and cause any problems. All mortgage companies are big on the credit history of their clients. Many who search for a mortgage are given a 'pre-qualification', but what you really need to do is get 'pre-approval'. It gives you a number to work from and makes the whole process easier on you, and affords you some leverage for making the purchase.
After obtaining pre-approval, you can begin the job of working along with your realtor to find a home that will suit your needs and likes. Be up front with your realtor about the things you need and don't need concerning your new home. This gives him the ability to find what you're looking for. You can do your own searches as well, by going online and visiting the many sites that show listings for homes in most any area. With you and your agent working together, you can soon find a home that will be suitable for what you need, what you want, and what you can afford.
Once you've found the property that you are certain is for you, you need to get it inspected. Whatever you do, don't skip this step. If the seller you're dealing with wants to sell with a 'no inspection' clause, then that should raise a red flag to you. There may be some good reasons for the seller to not want this inspection, and it's in your best interest to find out why. By having the inspection, you protect yourself from loss of value further down the road, and from finding things that should have significantly lowered your cost and would have if you'd known about them. Be smart and take care of yourself in these dealings.
Denver Real Estate
Denver Homes
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