Every homebuyer is different, as is every home. Here are some helpful tips to be sure you buy the Right Home for YOU.

Make a list: Be sure that you know which features are most important to you and your family so that you don’t just buy the home with the most space, or the newest updates when you don’t really need these things. For example: two baths, a large kitchen, two-car garage, finished basement, etc. may be the things you absolutely want in your new home. Rank these in order of importance and use this list to compare the homes you look at to help you determine which one is right for you.

Inspection: When you are looking at homes, and especially when you think you’ve found the right one, be sure and give the home a thorough inspection inside and out. Here are some things to look for:

Roof:
Are the gutters and downspouts clogged?
Are shingles curling or missing?
Are there any signs of sagging?

Exterior:
Is the exterior paint peeling?
Is the siding in good condition?
Is the lawn green and neatly trimmed and edged?

Walls & Ceilings:
Are there cracks and holes or discoloration from water leaks?

Carpets:
Are there burns or stains from water damage?

Floors:
Are they well maintained?

Bathrooms:
Is there any sign of water leakage?
Loose tiles?

Kitchen:
Look for damaged countertops.
Check linoleum and condition of cabinets.
Test controls and inspect the interior cleanliness.

Basement:
Watch for water stains, mildew or dampness, cracks in floors or walls.

Air Conditioner:
How old is it?
How energy efficient is it?

Furnace:
Ask to turn it on so you can detect noise or fumes.
Do they have service records?
How old is the present furnace?

Attic:
Check for signs of leaks.
Examine condition and thickness of insulation.

Water:
Taste it. Is there a filter?
Check under sink for pipe leaks or corrosion.
Test the water pressure by turning on the sink, shower and flushing the toilet simultaneously.

Fireplace:
Ask when it was last cleaned.
Check to be sure the flue works.
Is the fireplace grate included?
Is there a heatilator and does it work?

If too many of these items are questionable, you should probably rule the home out, but if it does well on this inspection, it may be one you want to consider purchasing.

There are many other variables to consider when buying a home aside from the home itself. Look at the following items and take some time to prepare yourself so that you make the decision that is right for you.

Location and Convenience: Ask yourself the following questions to be sure you make your choice of residence the one you really want.

• What school district is the home in? Would it meet your satisfaction?
• Is the house on a busy street?
• Are other neighbor’s homes neat and well maintained?
• Is the home too big in relation to the neighborhood? This will pull the value of the home down.
• Where is the nearest shopping?
• How accessible is the neighborhood to major roadways?
• Are there any noise potentials like a business district, airport, highway, factory, etc?
• Is there public transportation nearby for you or your children?
• Is the home close to a fire hydrant, fire station, and a hospital?

Before You Make an Offer: Be sure you find the answers to these questions before you make an offer.

• Find out how long the home has been on the market. The longer the wait, the more willing the seller(s) may be to negotiate.
• Write down your honest first impression of the home when you first saw it. Will you be truly satisfied and content with this home?
• Does the asking price compare to other homes of equal square footage, age, and location factors?
• Review your budget and your original checklist of what you require in a home. Does this home meet all your objectives?
• Make a list of any repairs or major renovations or replacements required in the first two years. Decide if you can afford these extra costs.
• Have a least two other homeowners view the home for their constructive comments and suggestions.
• Find out if you will qualify for a mortgage of the amount you require. What would be the approximate closing costs?

Making an Offer: If your offer is accepted, you will have entered into a legally binding contract and you want to be sure you make the offer on your terms.

• Use either an attorney or realtor. Do not try to write up an offer yourself.
• Be sure to list in your offer to purchase those items that you want included in the sale. For example: appliances, window treatments, etc.