A Checklist For First-Time Homebuyers

Once you decide that you’re ready for home ownership, develop a home buying checklist.

The list should be wants and needs to help your realtor find your dream home. Buying a house brings up many questions and ideas of what’s important.

Which Neighborhood?

Choosing a home isn’t just about selecting or building your dream house, it’s also about finding the right neighborhood for you.

Things to consider when choosing your neighborhood:

• Do you want to be in a family neighborhood?
• Do you want to be near a playground?
• Do you want to be close to your child’s school?
• Do you want to bike along the lake?
• Do you want to be close to public transportation?
• Do you want entertainment within reach?
• Do you have easy access to loved ones?

Location Considerations: Rate items from 1-10 with 10 being the most important.

____ Neighborhood

____ CTA (L. Subway, Buses)

____ Street Parking

____ Expressway Access

____ Shopping

____ Parks

____ Public Schools

____ Private Schools

____ Houses of worships

____ Community Centers

____ Noise/Congestion

____ Mature vs. Growth Area

____ Zoning, future possibilities for development

Which features do you want? 

What do you want your new home to have?

Create a list of needs and wants for your new home. Making your every wish come true begins with the knowing what you really want in your next home.

Here’s a list of questions to keep in mind when choosing your dream home:

• Do you want to entertain in a spacious dining room?
• Do you want to park in a two-car garage?
• Do you want to relax in front of a fireplace?
• Do you want a backyard where your dog can play?
• Do you want laundry in your home?

Property considerations: Rate items from 1-10 with 10 being the most important.

____ Single-family home

____ Townhome

____ Condo

____ Yard

____ Garage

____ Guest Parking

____ Deck/Porch/Balcony

____ Expandability

____ Energy efficient/utility costs

____ Broadband Wiring

____ New Construction

____ Fixer-upper

____ Resell

____ Vintage

____ Brick construction

____ Frame construction

____ Views

____ Single floor or multi-level

____ Recreation facilities in multi-unit condos

____ Pool

____ Gym

Which interior considerations are must have? 

Here is a list of interior considerations for your dream home.

____ #Bedrooms

____ #Bathrooms

____ Master Bedroom

____ Master bath

____ Closets

____ Basement

____ Eat-in Kitchen

____ Gourmet Kitchen

____ New appliance

____ Dining Area/ Room

____ Den/ Office

____ Wood Flooring

____ Fireplace

____ Whirlpool bath

____ Guest closet

____ Foyer/entryway

____ Ceiling height

____ Windows

____ Central air

____Forced air heat

____ Lighting

Now that you’ve completed all preliminary steps on the home buying checklist, you’re ready to start searching. Make sure to print this out to start your search.

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