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Whether your dream home is new construction or an existing home, you will want to know what to look for as you begin your home search. Following is a checklist for buying a home to serve as your roadmap.

Check out the list below and how your Exclusive Buyer's Agent will help you conduct a home search, negotiate, and close on a new home. An Exclusive Buyer's Agent can help you with the process of buying a home while representing your best interests throughout the purchase process.

1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Know BEFORE you begin looking for a home how much you can afford. This will help you to avoid disappointment, and being pre-approved for a mortgage can give you more bargaining power when negotiating a contract.

2. Determine your wants and needs. What style of home, size, price, location, etc. Decide which features mean the most to you, and in which areas you can be flexible.

3. Seek out an Exclusive Buyer's Agent. Your Exclusive Buyer's Agent will help you conduct a home search, negotiate, and close on a new home while representing your best interests throughout the purchase process. Compare the services and performance records of different agents, and look for good personal chemistry.

4. Search for homes on area websites. Rely on your Exclusive Buyer's Agent's expertise and in-company resources to search MLS listings for you to tour.

5. Do the due diligence and research on your property of interest. Visit, or have your agent visit the town or city hall to learn of any zoning changes, liens, easements, or other restrictions.

6. Prepare the offer and negotiate. Have your Exclusive Buyer's Agent prepare an offer to submit to the seller's agent. Your agent will assist you with contingency planning, counteroffers, and costs that will be associated with closing. Be sure that you understand every step of the process and every document you are signing.

7. Conduct the home inspections and other inspections. Take advantage of the inspection contingencies in your offer and get thorough inspections to eliminate any surprises after you move in to your new home. Use the inspection report to re-negotiate the original contract, if necessary.

8. Walk-through inspection prior to Closing. Visit your new home before you sit down at the closing table to make sure everything is as you expect it to be.

9. Closing. Your agent will assist you with what identification and the amount of funds you need to bring to the closing table. Generally speaking, buyers must present the closing agent with a photo ID. The purchase money must be in certified form – a personal check is NOT acceptable at closing.


You many find that you need to add some steps, based on your special situation, to create a customized home buying checklist for yourself. Your Exclusive Buyer's Agent can also help you find the right home loan for your needs.