Home Buying Checklist

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest investments and most exciting adventures. As a Coldwell Banker affiliated agent, I’m equipped to be your trusted advisor in the process, guiding you every step of the way to make your experience smooth and successful in the process, guiding you every step of the way to make your experience smooth and successful.

1. ORGANIZE FINANCING

• Create a timeline and budget
• Check your credit report
• Determine type of mortgage
• Shop for best rates and programs
• Understand what you can afford
• Obtain a pre-approval letter
• Prepare for a down payment
• Prepare for closing costs
• Obtain a proof of funds letter
• Prepare to NOT make large purchases with your credit during this time

2. CREATE YOUR WISH LIST

• Visit your agent’s MLS OneHome Portal site to check available properties
• Differentiate between wants and musthaves
• Determine preferred home style
• Consider amenities, schools, transportation, recreation
• When looking at Condos / HOA’s, make sure to ask questions about their rules and regulations
• Know your moving timeline
• Narrow down areas of interest
• Schedule home tours through your agent

3. SERVICE PROVIDERS

• Choose a mortgage broker, if needed
• Speak with an attorney/title company
• Line up a home inspection company
• Get quotes from different moving companies

4. OFFER & DUE DILIGENCE

• Review contract terms and conditions
• Negotiate the purchase price
• Have earnest money ready for escrow
• Decide on a closing date
• Sign the offer
• Deliver the escrow checks

5. UNDER CONTRACT

• Receive and review Seller’s Property Disclosure from seller
• Schedule home inspection and resolve any issues
• Determine required repairs and/or upgrades
• Use the inspection report to renegotiate, if necessary
• Lender to order appraisal and review report, if applicable
• Select insurance and warranty providers
• Send proof of home insurance to lender
• Send wind mitigation report to lender
• Discuss any discovered zoning changes, liens, easements or other restrictions with your attorney/title company
• Receive information from agent about local, reliable contractors and service providers
• Title search can ensure there are no claims against the property’s title, discuss this with your attorney/title company
• Pinpoint move-in date
• Certify funds for closing

6. PREPARE FOR CLOSING

• Schedule your final walk-through
• Book a moving company
• Notify post office, contacts, bank, etc. of new address
• Transfer and/or activate all utilities
• Review and approve final closing statement with your attorney/title company
• Confirm wire instructions with attorney/title company
• Transfer final closing funds to your a ttorney’s escrow/trust account

7. CLOSING DAY

• Bring identification to closing
• Review closing documents
• Sign the mortgage, (if any), and all required paperwork
• Receive signed deed from seller
• Confirm all funds were transferred for closing costs and down payment
• Receive keys and any documentation left for you by seller