Home Buying Checklist

For a convenient worksheet, go to pueblo.gsa.gov.

Your credit report affects a lender’s willingness to give you a loan, and if there’s a mistake that negatively impacts you, you can try to correct it.

Real estate agents and lenders can help with this, or use one of the mortgage calculators on the Web (such as on bloomberg.com).

Look for the best rates and terms and a good-faith estimate of closing costs.

You won’t waste time looking at houses you can’t afford. Plus, a preapproval letter will demonstrate your viability as a buyer (a good edge, when you bid on a house, if there are multiple offers), and you’ll save time once a bid is accepted.

An agent, who will be paid by the seller, can do a lot of the legwork for you. To find an agent, ask friends and family, interview several candidates (make sure they’re licensed and have access to Multiple Listing Service). Decide who you’re most comfortable with, and contact references if possible.

Investigate issues like crime rate, schools, local services, proximity to museums or other institutions that are important to you, commuting distance, ethnic diversity, and property taxes.

Divide it into must-haves and like-to-haves.

Read the newspaper real-estate section, check out online sources (like realtor.com), go to open houses, and use your agent. Print out a checklist of things to look for in each home you tour at hud.gov.

But it should be contingent on the results of a home inspection and your ability to secure a mortgage.

To find a qualified inspector, ask for recommendations, or search for a certified inspector at nachi.org. Ask for and check references.

An attorney will help you decide whether you want to proceed with the deal, before signing a contract.

Once the sale is final, use the Moving Checklist to help you hire movers, order supplies, and pack up your belongings.