You’ve decided to make the move from renting to owning and you’ve shopped around to find that “perfect” house for you.  Here are some tips to keep in mind before you sign the dotted line on that offer to purchase:

1. Make sure that you truly can afford the house.  Even if your bank has pre-approved you for a loan, you’ll need to make sure that you can afford the payments and the escrow for the property taxes based on your other monthly expenses.  You don’t want to be strapped into a payment that tightens your budget too much.

2. Don’t forget the home inspection contingency.  Especially if this is your first home, you’ll want to have a home inspection by a liscensed home inspector.  A good home inspection will walk you through the house, point out possible future problem areas as well as point out absolute problem areas.  Some home inspectors will even give you tips on how to “run” your new home.

3. Research the neighborhood and community.  Before you make that move, you want to make sure that you like the neighborhood.  Talk to people who live there, ask questions.  If you have kids or plan on having kids, research the schools and community activities that are important to you.

By making sure you cover your bases, your home purchase as well as your life in your new home will go more smoothly.