Here is a checklist from a real estate agent I know that covers the the
important factors you should consider when you are choosing a home. Having
these questions answered before you go see the realtor will help them do
their job and help you to get the home you are looking for.
We have all heard that the most important factor in making money on a home
is location, location, location. But this is also the most important for
other factors such as how far you will need to drive to work, to your doctor
and how close an expressway is to the home.
Eventually, you will have to choose between what you want and what you can
afford, but this list will help in making those choices later on if you
rank them in order now. Things may change, but a list in advance may save
you from making an emotional decision that you regret later on.
Print out the list and then use the last column to number these things in
order or importance to you. Although the order may change once you find
something in a home you really like. This is a great way to get started!
| Questions
to Ask |
What
you are looking for, or how many |
Order
of Importance |
| The
Basics - Type of Home you are Looking for |
| Do
you want 1 story? |
|
|
| Do
you want 2 stories? |
|
|
| Well
Maintained or a fixer-upper? |
|
|
| Siding
|
|
|
| Brick |
|
|
| How
many Bedrooms |
|
|
| How
many Bathrooms |
|
|
| Garage,
How many cars? |
|
|
| Garage,
attached? |
|
|
| Flooring
(wood, carpet, tile) |
|
|
| The
Location |
| In
a neighborhood? (yes, no) |
|
|
| How
far from work? (minutes or miles) |
|
|
| Near
Schools - Walking or is bus ok? |
|
|
| How
near to Expressways |
|
|
| How
far away is your Doctor/Dentist? |
|
|
| Do
you want Street Lights? |
|
|
| Do
you want Sidewalks? |
|
|
| Do
you want Parks nearby? |
|
|
| Do
you want to be near Churches? |
|
|
| Questions
for your Realtor or the City or the Neighborhood Association |
| What
is the tax base? (%age to compute |
|
|
| Are
there Neighborhood Covenants/Restrictions? |
|
|
| Is
there a homeowners association? (any fees?) |
|
|
| Is
the entire Area Zoned Residential? |
|
|
| Is
it Near any proposed Industry or building? |
|
|
| Is
there the Ability to Expand the House? |
|
|
| Additional
Features in the Home |
| Extra
Storage or Closets? |
|
|
Living
Room
(how big is yours now and do you want bigger?) |
|
|
| Do
you want a Family Room too? |
|
|
| Basement? |
|
|
| Fireplace? |
|
|
| Separate
or Formal Dining Room? |
|
|
| A
Kitchen Eating Area? |
|
|
Laundry
Space? separate room, location
(1st story, basement, etc.) |
|
|
| About
the Outside of the House |
| Do
you want a Patio or Deck? |
|
|
| How
big a Backyard/ What will you use it for? |
|
|
| Do
you want a Fence? |
|
|
| Is
Landscaping important? |
|
|
| The
Bills, How much are they? |
| Property
Taxes summer |
|
| Property
Taxes winter |
|
| Property
Taxes - special assessments |
|
| Electric
Bills |
|
| Gas
Bills |
|
| Water
Bills |
|
I hope
this checklist is useful! If you have any questions, give me a call or
fill out the information
request form and I will be happy to answer any of your questions
|
