Home Buying Checklist

Home Buying Checklist

* Learn your homebuyer's rights!

There are many laws that protect you from scams, unnecessary expenses, and discrimination in the process of home buying.

* Figure out how much mortgage you can afford.

Most financial institutions will lend you from 25% up to 75% of the value of the home you want to purchase. A lender may want your monthly mortgage payment to total no more than 33% of your monthly gross income (that's your monthly income before taxes and other paycheck deductions are taken out.)

* Decide what you can afford to spend.

No matter how much a lender can borrow, having borrowed too much you may have to cut back on other expenses such as holidays or entertainment. Consider how your day-to-day cash flow will be affected.

* Make your wish list.

Consider what features you like in your present home, what you don't like, and what you would find useful or more comfortable. Determine your housing needs and wants to determine what types of houses you should be considering. Consider the general location considering all your possibilities.

* Learn how to set a value on a house.

This can save you a great deal of time and helps to avoid disappointment.

* Start searching for a broker.

Find an Agent that you trust. Talk to several and find someone you think you'll be comfortable working closely with. Many of your friends and relatives have probably bought and sold their homes through brokers. Ask them who they used and what their experiences were.

* Begin house-hunting.

Start with the Internet. Pick up real estate flyers at local grocery stores and convenience stores. Read the real estate sections of your local newspaper. Drive around neighborhoods that interest you and write down addresses where there are "for sale" signs. Go to open houses. Visit the neighborhood. Don't just drive around. Get out of your car and walk. Talk to the people working in their yards or washing their car.

* Hire a home inspector.

Be sure to choose a home inspector who is licensed. A home inspection will generally cost between $200 and $400. You will have to pay for this inspection yourself, but it could keep you from buying a house that will cost you far more in repairs. If you aren't, ask the seller to pay for certain repairs or asking for a lower price.

* Write an offer and negotiate your best deal.

If you are satisfied with the results of the inspection, then you can write an offer. Familiarize yourself also with how offers become contracts.

* Arrange for closing agent or attorney.

Do a final walk through of the house. Make all final preparations for closing.

* Make moving plans.

If you plan to use a moving company, make comparisons and reserve time now.

Costs of home ownership

* Sales tax
* Legal Fees
* Moving Costs
* Repairs and renovations
* Home inspection fees
* Sales tax
* Mortgage payments
* Property taxes
* Utilities: gas, hydro, water, cable television, telephone
* Insurance
* Gardening and grounds expenses
* Snow removal
* Condominium fees and expenses

Home

* Age of Home, Square footage, Type of Construction
* Practicality of floorplan
* Ability to Expand/Enlarge House
* Interior walls condition
* Age of Heating System
* Age of Water Heater
* Age of Electrical Wiring
* Estimated Water Bill
* Estimated Heating Bill
* Oil Heat
* Gas Heat
* Electric Heat
* Hot Water Heat
* Capacity of Water Heater
* Estimated Electric Bill
* Number of Stories
* Number of Bathrooms
* Number of Closets
* Number of Bedrooms
* Roof Condition
* Foundation Condition
* Central Air Conditioning
* Energy-Conservation Features
* Plumbing condition
* Kitchen Eating Area
* Garbage Disposal
* Sump Pump/Drainage
* Cable TV
* Overall Exterior Condition
* Garage Size
* Backyard Fence
* Landscaping

Neighborhood

* Environment
* Garbage Collection
* Near Churches
* Near Doctors/Dentists
* Near Industry
* Near Public Transportation
* Near Schools
* Near Shopping
* Near Work
* Noise Level
* Parking
* Parks
* Pet restrictions
* Police
* Restaurants/entertainment
* Safety/Security
* Shopping
* Sidewalks
* Snow removal
* Streets
* Street Lights
* Supermarket
* The Neighborhood
* Traffic Volume

Source :http://www.todolistsoft.com