9 Steps to Buying a Home

Step 5. Shop For A Home

A. Choose A Real Estate Agent
For some helpful hints go to: ired.com/buymyself/canale/art3.html

B. What Features Do You Want In A Home?
Some basics to consider:

• What part of town or country do you want to live in?
• What price range would you consider?
• Are schools a factor?
• Do you want an older home, a fixer upper, a newer home, a manufactured (mobile) home or have a home built?
• Do you want 1 story, 2 story, split foyer, etc., contemporary, traditional, southwestern, etc.
• How much renovation would you be willing to do?
• Do you have to be close to public transportation?
• Do you have any physical needs that must be met, such as wheelchair access?
• Do you have any animals that will require special faclities?
• Do you need a big yard, small yard, fenced yard, garage, carpot, etc.
• How many bedrooms? Bathrooms?
• Do you want air conditioning, wall to wall carpet, hardwood floors, family room, fireplace, lots of windows, etc.
• Do you want to live in an area with a Homeowners Association (HOA)? If you choose a home in a neighborhood with an HOA, be sure to request a copy of the HOA packet, so you can review it beforehand. HOAs have monthly dues and rules you must live by. This is a way to preserve and enhance resale values.

C. Home Shopping Checklist To Compare Homes:

• The home: Square footage, number of bedrooms, baths, ect.
• The neighborhood: What is the appearance of nearby homes or businesses, how much traffic, noise, etc.
• Schools: Are schools nearby, what is the age and condition of the school, quality of teachers, etc.
• Convnience: Is the home convnience to grocery stores, work, child care, hospitals, etc.
• To see the HUD checklist online go to: www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?/buying/checklist.pdf

D. Homes For Sale (Including HUD Homes):

• Go online at www.hud.gov/homes/homesforsale.cfm
• For more information visit www.hud.gov/buying/

Step 1. Figure Out How Much You Can Afford
Step 2. Know Your Rights
Step 3. Shop For A Loan
Step 4. Learn About Homebuying Programs
Step 5. Shop For A Home
Step 6. Make An Offer
Step 7. Get A Home Inspection
Step 8. Shop For Homeowners Insurance
Step 9. Sign Papers

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