this book go into more detail and greater depth. This chapter is designed to make sure you have all your bases covered. Below is the 12-step checklist that will help make the whole process more rewarding and less anxiety-provoking. Searching for and purchasing a home is not for the faint of heart, but it is very worth your effort!
FIND OUT WHAT YOU CAN AFFO U CAN AFFORD
1. Get Pre-Approved for a Loan 2. Create a List of Needs vs. Wants 3. Look at Homes 4. Choose a Location 5. Choose a Home Design
6. Hire an Agent 7. Make an Offer 8. Put Money in Escrow
9. Negotiate with the Seller 10. Begin the Closing Process 11. Finish the Closing Process
Before you do anything else in the home-search and home- buying process, you need to find out if you can afford a home, and if you can’t, you’ll have to wait until you can. There’s no point in getting your hopes up, stumbling upon the house of your dreams and finding out you can’t afford it. You have to work within your price range, and not only use that as a general guide, but also as your starting point in going forward. We talked about this in earlier chapters, when we outlined some of the financial steps you need to take before starting the journey of purchasing a home. So, know your budget! Don’t just think about the overall home sale price; consider the down payment, the monthly mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowners’ association fees, maintenance, and closing costs.
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