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The Information Edge
Home Buying Guide

Introduction

Homeownership is a big financial step. For most people, buying a home is the largest purchase they will make. The Information Edge Home Buying Guide can help you plan for the total process whether you are a first-time home buyer or a veteran. It's also designed to work in partnership with the Information Edge Mortgage Guide.

Table of Contents

Part I. Planning—Doing Your Homework before Looking for a Home

Buy or Rent?

Types of Homes

Location, location, location

Neighborhood Needs vs. Wants Worksheet

What do you desire in a home? Need vs. want

Home Needs vs. Wants Worksheet

How much home can you afford

Income and Expenses Worksheet

Is there a best time to buy?

Part II. Shopping for a Home

Understand and Have Your Financing in Place First

Shopping on your own

Working with an Agent or Real Estate Broker

Types of Agents

Finding and evaluating an agent

What about FSBO homes (For Sale by Owner)?

What about shopping for homes on the Internet

Touring and evaluating homes for sale

Part III. Purchasing a Home

Making An Offer For The Property You Wish to Buy

What is a good initial offer for the house?

Negotiating the Sale

What Steps Are Needed to Prepare for Closing on Your New Home?

Time for the Closing

Part IV. Moving into Your New Home

Part V. Resources for Relocation

Table of Contents

Part I. Planning

Part II. Shopping

Part III. Purchasing

Part IV. Moving

Part V. Relocation