STLtoday.com Bridal Businesses Search

Things to Consider When Buying a New Home

As if planning the wedding isn’t stressful enough, there is still plenty to do afterward. Selecting a new home can be one of the toughest and most expensive decisions the newlyweds have to make.

The couple should first determine how much they can afford for a house. The couple’s current continuous income, monthly expenses and credit history, along with the down payment amount and interest rates will determine what type of house the couple can afford.

The couple should then make a "wants and needs" list together. This can serve as a checklist the couple can go over when viewing houses and it can be given to the real estate agent to help him or her pick out houses that suit the newlyweds.

Not only should the house fit as much of the "wants and needs" list as possible, but the community should as well. It is important to consider the distances you will have to travel to get to work, the grocery store and other points of interest. What school district serves the area you are looking in? Is the area safe for kids to play in? While the thought of kids may be distant, it is necessary to think ahead since you will probably be living in the neighborhood for some time.

When looking for a loan the couple should shop around to save money. They should talk to several lenders and compare costs and rates before agreeing on one.
The couple should also find a real estate agent that will best meet their needs. This means finding an agent who is familiar with the area and will take the time to listen to their wants.

If a house is found that meets the interests of the couple, a home inspection should be conducted to ensure that everything is as it seems.

Remember that if the seller does not plan to get his or her asking price, he or she should expect negotiating to happen, so don’t be afraid to do so. If there are repairs that need to be done or certain appliances or fixtures the couple wants to leave, those should be included in the negotiation.

Before signing any paperwork for the house, make sure a final walk-through is completed. Are fixtures and curtains that were supposed to stay still there? Has the current owner removed all of his or her belongins? Also make sure utility companies are informed about when the new owners will be moving out of their current home(s) and into their new one. The couple should also notify the post office and any publications they receive of their move. Many stores sell change-of-address cards to send to friends and family to inform them of your move.

As with any contract, it is important that all paperwork filled out during the closure of the house is read over and understood in its entirety to eliminate any unwanted surprises in the future!