You want to be close to work, your friends, coffee shops and your favorite dog park, right?  Well, have you thought of these other things to help you decide where you should buy a home?

Checklist: What to Investigate Around & Outside a House

You should be most concerned about things that cannot be changed or at least not easily
changed. Consider the following questions:

• Are there proposed changes in the neighborhood such as a new school, apartment building or
shopping complex?
• Do you look out at ugly powerlines from the home? Even if you don’t mind them, when you
go to sell the home it will become a problem with buyers.
• Is there a bus or transit train stop outside the house that will attract loiterers? My brothers
neighbor has a bus stop in front of his home and people waiting there regularly break boards
out of his picket fence!
• Do you see into junky neighbor yards when you’re inside the home?
• What's next door or down the street that could cause unwanted foot traffic. 7 Eleven?
Commercial building? School? Park? My grandmothers home was down the street from a
high school and the kids would come smoke in her backyard because it was not allowed on
campus!
• If you’re in the backyard, does it feel like you're in a "fishbowl" with 2 story neighboring
houses looking down at you?
• Are there double yellow lines or speed bumps in the street? That usually means a busy road
or occasional speeding traffic.
• How close are neighboring homes? Are you comfortable with the distance from others?
• Is the driveway too steep to navigate easily every day? A driveway sloping toward the home
can cause a surprising amount of rainwater to flow into your garage or yard
• Is the garage attached to the home and is that important to you?
• How much noise can you hear inside from highways, neighbors, airplanes, or trains?
• Are you at the end of a street that will cause car headlights to shine into your living room
every night?
• Would you want to and be able to walk or bike to stores, restaurants, parks, etc?
• Will you have to fight for street parking?

What have your friends found they liked/disliked about their neighborhood?  

We hope this has been eye-opening and helpful!
​

Having cash for a down payment is the biggest obstacle most first time buyers face so you are not alone!  Here are some ideas for funds:

• Gift from a family member (this includes cousins and even a fiance)
• Borrow from a 401k
• Tap into your IRA
• Finance a car or boat
• Get a loan on another property

Or... ask your lender about zero down loan options.

Always talk to your trusted loan officer before making any of these decisions however as rules do apply!

​

​Its tough saving isn't it?  There is always something you need (or want!) to buy, but these tips will help you get into your first home sooner: