Homebuyer Preference Checklist

To help you identify exactly what you want and need in your first home, here is a checklist of many different home attributes that you might want to consider when home shopping. Make a list of the things you absolutely need, things you wants, things you don't care about, things you don't really want, and things that you definitely do not want. Here's the list:

• Your maximum monthly payment is how much?
• Does this include property taxes and  HOA dues or insurance?
• How long do you expect to live in the property?
• Do you expect you income to increase significantly while you are living in this property?

1. Type of home (house, condo, townhouse)
2. Number of levels (single, 2 story or split level, 3 or more levels)
3. How many people will be in your household?
4. Minimum number of bedrooms
5. Minimum number of bathrooms
6. Other indoor amenities (fireplace, hardwood floors, Central heat/AC, walk-in closets, vaulted ceilings)
7. Other rooms (formal dining room, family room, den)
8. Age of home
9. Garage ( one or two car garage)
10. Other outdoor amenities (large yard, pool, jacuzzi, patio)
11. Appliances (washer/dryer, dishwasher, electric stove, gas stove, refrigerator, ceiling fans, garbage disposal, microwave)
12. Do you have any preference of neighborhoods that you would like to live in?
13. What is the maximum distance that you are willing to live from your work?
14. Do you need quick access to any major modes of transportation (highways, train, bus, trolley)
15. What type of atmosphere do you like the best (urban, suburban, country)
16. Do you need to be close schools? What kind of schools?
17. When do you plan on making your purchase?
18. Are you currently working with a real estate agent?
19. Do you have any unusual requirements for your new home?

If you are able to answer each one of these questions, you are much more likely to purchase the home that exactly meets your needs. One thing to keep in mind with your first home. Remember that your firs is not your last home. If you can find a first home that has 80% of what you want and you enjoy the home along with accruing some equity while you own the home, you've done great on your first home!

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