Buyer Checklist

Review this list and discover how a Wallace-Tustin Realtor can represent you through the home buying process. Here is a checklist to familiarize you with the steps.  For more details, attend a FREE home buyer seminar on the 2nd Thursday of every month from 6:30-8:00pm.  Call 860.644.5667 to register.

• Get pre-approved for a mortgage: Getting pre-approved is important in determining your purchasing power, and will allow your agent to conduct a more accurate search.
• Determine what you need in a home: style, size, price,location, new construction, etc.
• Research areas you would like to live: consider neighborhoods, traffic, schools, work commutes, etc.
• Evaluate each property of interest and talk to your agent about making a strong offer. Be prepared to work with your agent in negotiating a counteroffer.   
• Hire a licensed home inspector to conduct a home inspection to evaluate the property.  Use the home inspection report as a renegotiation tool to your advantage.
• Contact your agent periodically to determine the progress of your loan approval.
• Hire a real estate attorney to make final preparations for the closing.
• Arrange your moving plans.  If using a moving company, compare prices and features.  Set a date and time to begin moving out.
• Secure your loan commitment by the date indicated in the"real estate purchase contract."  Be sure your lender has all necessary paperwork and your mortgage is ready to go to closing.
• Prior to closing, have your agent schedule a walk-through of the property.  At this point, look to make sure repair requests have been made, no damage has been done to the property, and all the agreed belongings of the seller are taken away.
• Attend the closing.
• Move in and enjoy your new home!