By Remar Sutton
RealityCheck Spokesperson

Introduction

Homeownership is a big financial step. For most people, buying a home is the largest purchase they will make. The RealityCheck Home Buying Guide can help you plan for the total process whether you are a first-time home buyer or a veteran.

Table of Contents

Part I. Planning—Doing Your Homework before Looking for a Home

• Buy or Rent?
• Types of Homes
• Location, location, location
  • Neighborhood Needs vs. Wants Worksheet
• What do you desire in a home? Need vs. want
  • Home Needs vs. Wants Worksheet
• How much home can you afford
  • Income and Expenses Worksheet
• Is there a best time to buy?

Part II. Shopping for a Home

• Understand and Have Your Financing in Place First
• Shopping on your own
• Working with an Agent or Real Estate Broker
• Types of Agents
• Finding and evaluating an agent
• What about FSBO homes (For Sale by Owner)?
• What about shopping for homes on the Internet
• Touring and evaluating homes for sale

Part III. Purchasing a Home

• Making An Offer For The Property You Wish to Buy
• What is a good initial offer for the house?
• Negotiating the Sale
• What Steps Are Needed to Prepare for Closing on Your New Home?
• Time for the Closing

Part IV. Moving into Your New Home

Part V. Resources for Relocation

 

April 2004

 

Table of Contents

• Part I. Planning
• Part II. Shopping
• Part III. Purchasing
• Part IV. Moving
• Part V. Relocation