Buying a home isn’t an easy process. You likely have a set of preferences that you want for your new home. Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to find a location that has everything you want.

You do have options, though. There were over 5 million homes sold in 2018 alone. If you put in the work to find what you want, you can find a house that fits your needs.

If you’re looking to find a checklist for buying a house, look no further. Below are four critical things you need to look for when purchasing your new home.

1. Financing

You don’t want to start looking for a home right away. The chances are that you need to get a mortgage for your purchase. The last thing you want to do is find a home you love and be unable to buy it because you can’t get it financed.

Talk to mortgage companies beforehand to figure out how much you can afford to spend on your home. Doing this will help you narrow your choices down and get deals closed more quickly.

2. Location

Once you have your financing in order, you need to find the location that works best for you and your family. The first thing to decide is if you want to live in a city, suburb, or a rural area.

Once you decide on your ideal location, you need to find a spot that has all the amenities you need. Look at school districts, crime, population, and entertainment options.

3. Real Estate Agent

You don’t have to navigate the home buying process on your own. An experienced real estate agent can provide you the home buying assistance you need to find the perfect home.

You should find an agent that is an expert in the location you’re looking to move to. They will be able to use your preferences to find a deal for you.

4. Home Inspection

Even if you find a home that looks like a great fit, you shouldn’t jump the gun. The next part of the home buying process is to get a home inspection of the property.

Your home inspection will tell you if there is anything wrong with the home. You need to look for foundation, plumbing, insulation, and other issues. You don’t want to be caught by surprise with unexpected expenses when you move to your new home.

You can negotiate with the seller to fix these issues. If the seller won’t make any repairs, it might be better for you to look for another deal.

Follow the Checklist for Buying a House for Success

Buying a home can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before. However, you’re going to set yourself up for success when following the checklist for buying a house. Make sure to do your due diligence, so you get the home you’re looking for.

Once you know what to look for in a home, you can start the buying process and get approved for a mortgage. Head back to our blog to learn what you need to get approved for financing.