Checklist: Before You Buy A House

Before you start attending open houses or scrolling through listings, you need a roadmap. Here is the essential checklist to complete before you sign on the dotted line. 1. The Financial Foundation

Finally, ask yourself if the house fits your five-to-ten-year plan. If you plan to start a family, is there room to grow? If you might need to relocate for work, is the home in an area where it will be easy to sell or rent out? Conclusion before you buy a house checklist

YouYou must account for closing costs (typically 2% to 5% of the home price), moving expenses, and an immediate "emergency repair" fund for when the water heater inevitably breaks in month two. Before you start attending open houses or scrolling

These are things you cannot change, such as the school district, the commute time to work, or the total number of bedrooms. The Financial Foundation Finally, ask yourself if the

It is rare to find a perfect house within a budget. Knowing where you are willing to compromise prevents "buyer’s remorse."

Never skip this. A qualified inspector will check the "bones"—the foundation, roof, electrical, and plumbing. If there are major issues, you can use the report to negotiate a lower price or walk away entirely.