Norco Real Estate - Corona Real Estate

Before You Look at Your First House

Experienced home buyers know that one of the first-steps in beginning a successful search for a new house is taking a hard, objective look at finances. Determining how much money you can dedicate to the purchase of your new house affects almost every aspect of buying a new home - including how we write the offer, which mortgage programs you will qualify for, shopping for the best mortgage loan and which homes are truly in your price range.

Here are the questions that each home buyer should ask:

How much cash is available for a down payment? The amount you have available for a down payment will affect what types of loans for which you can qualify.
Am I ready to write a check for the earnest money? Earnest money is a cash deposit made to a home seller to secure an offer to buy the property. This amount is often forfeited if the buyer decides to withdraw his offer.
How much additional cash will be available to pay for closing costs? There are certain standard costs associated with closing the sale of a house. These fees are split between the buyer and the seller, as spelled out in the sales contract.
What is the maximum monthly mortgage payment that I can afford? Most lenders will use the 28/36 rule to determine the maximum mortgage payment you can afford.

The 28/36 Rule
No more than 28% of your gross income can be applied to your mortgage, real estate taxes and insurance. And no more than 36% of your gross income can be applied to your mortgage expenses plus your regular debt expenses (car payments, credit cards, other loans, etc.).

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Take Advantage of Loan Pre-Qualification

	The Advantages
v	Know how much house you can afford.
v	Know how much cash you will need for the down payment.
v	Simplifies pre-approval.

A number of factors determine the price range of homes you'll want to preview - one of these factors is loan pre-qualification.

As your agent, I will help you pre-qualify. Items considered when pre-qualifying for a mortgage loan include:

Employment History
Credit History and Scores
Monthly Income and Expenses

With my knowledge of the mortgage market, I'll help you make an informed decision as to the type of loan you'll want. There are many different types of loans to consider - FHA, VA, Conventional and even Bad Credit Loans. We'll find the best loan for your situation.

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Loan Application Checklist

For many buyers, applying for the mortgage loan is one of the more stressful aspects of buying a home. The loan application need not be a stressful time. By following a few easy steps, you'll sail through the loan application process.

Make a list of any questions you have about the loan program.
Be sure you understand the advantages and disadvantages of the various mortgage programs for which you may qualify, including the advantages and disadvantages of Fixed Rate Mortgages versus Adjustable Rate Mortgages.
Decide if you want to lock-in or float the loan's interest rate.
Locking-in the rate means that the lender commits to the mortgage interest rate for the loan - typically at the time the loan application is submitted. By floating the rate, you can lock-in the interest rate anytime between the loan application day and closing. Buyers opt to "float the loan" when they believe interest rates will drop after their loan application date and prior to closing. The risk is that rather than dropping, interest rates may rise, increasing the mortgage payment.
Decide if you want to pay additional points to lower your interest rate.
Typically you can elect to pay additional points (each point is 1 percent of the mortgage loan payable in cash at closing) to lower the interest rate of your mortgage loan.
Gather your paperwork.
Listed below is a list of typical loan documentation.

Loan Application Checklist

In general, the documentation you will need includes:

Check for application fee

Property Information (if you already have a contract on a house)

Purchase Agreement.

Copy of legal description and MLS sheet.

If you are selling your current home, copy of listing contract.

If you have sold your current home, copy of settlement statement (HUD-1).

Income & Assets

Pay stubs for the last 30 days.

For the past two years:

	Names and addresses of each employer.
	W-2s

Statements for each bank, mutual fund, and/or investment account for the last three months.

Estimated value of personal property and furniture.

If you have made any large deposits to your accounts:

Explanation and source for deposit.

If large deposit was a gift:

	Signed gift letter (lender can supply).
	Copy of gift check.
	Copy of deposit receipt.

If you own more than 25% of a business:

Corporate or partnership tax returns.

If self-employed:

	Tax returns for the last three years (with schedules).
	Year-to-Date Profit and Loss Statement prepared by an accountant.

If you own rental property:

Tax returns for the last two years and current rental agreements.

If you are retired:

Pension Award Letter.

If you receive Social Security:

Social Security Award Letter.

If you are counting child support as income:

	Copy of divorce settlement.
	Copy of twelve months of cancelled child support checks.

Debts

Names, addresses, account numbers, balances and monthly payments on all current loans.

Explanation of credit report anomalies, including:

	Late payments, credit inquiries in the last 90 days, charge-offs, collections, judgments and/or liens.
	Bankruptcy filed within last seven years (bring a copy of your bankruptcy papers).

VA Loans

Copy of DD Form 214, Report of Separation.

Miscellaneous

Photo ID and proof of Social Security number.

Residence addresses for the past two years.

If applicable, a copy of your divorce decree.

If you are not a citizen, a copy of the front and back of your green card.

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Types of Mortgage Lenders

There are a number of types of primary mortgage lenders that you may encounter when shopping for your mortgage loan. To give you a better understanding of these service providers, a brief explanation is provided below.

Mortgage Bankers typically originate loans and then sell these loans to the secondary mortgage market shortly after funding. (The mortgage banker may or may not sell the servicing of the loan.) Often mortgage bankers have attractive loan programs and rates.

Portfolio Lenders make loans with the institution's own funds and keep the loan on the institution's books rather than immediately selling it to the secondary mortgage market. Many institutions engage in mortgage banking as well as portfolio lending.

Since portfolio lenders fund the loans, they are not confined to Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae guidelines. After a portfolio loan has reached its one year anniversary date without any late payments, it is considered seasoned and may be sold to the secondary mortgage market even if it does not meet Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae guidelines.

If a portfolio loan is sold to the secondary mortgage market, the portfolio lender may continue to service the loan.

Direct Lenders fund their own loans. Direct lenders usually fall into the category of a mortgage banker or portfolio lender.

Correspondents act on behalf of one or several lenders (sponsors) throughout the origination and closing. The loan is usually underwritten by the sponsor. The correspondent acts as the lender's agent. The correspondent may also service the loan for the lender.

Mortgage Brokers work as intermediaries between lenders and borrowers. Mortgage brokers have access to a number of lenders and often offer the most variety in loan programs. Brokers assist the borrower in filling out the loan application, obtaining the credit report and appraisal, selecting a loan program and finding a lender to fund the loan. In general, brokers do not make the decision to extend the loan and do not fund the loan.

The mortgage broker may be paid by the borrower or the lender. Payment to the broker is typically included in the closing costs as either fees or points.

Wholesale Lenders underwrite and fund mortgage loans. Wholesale lenders may also service the loan payments and ensure the loan's compliance with underwriting guidelines.

Banks, Credit Unions and Savings & Loans use funds gathered from their customers through checking, savings and certificates of deposit to make mortgage loans. The institution may hold the loan in its portfolio or sell it to a secondary mortgage market.

Secondary Mortgage Market

When you apply for a home mortgage, you may be under the impression that the mortgage lender will be servicing the loan until it is paid off. This may not be the case. It is common practice for the mortgage loan to be bought and sold to a secondary mortgage market investor, sometimes more than once in the life of a loan.

These transactions will not affect your mortgage amount or your mortgage payment. The secondary mortgage market is comprised of investors like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Selling loans to the secondary mortgage market provides primary lenders with funds needed to issue new mortgage loans.

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The Cost of Your Mortgage Loan
Locking-in the Rate

When shopping for a mortgage, the lender may give you a quote for the mortgage interest rate and points (additional fees charged by the lender usually paid at closing by the borrower). These only represent terms available at the time of the quote. They may not be available by the closing date (which may be weeks or months in the future). To ensure the rate and points are the same at closing as they are when quoted, you'll need to lock-in the interest rate (also known as a rate lock or rate commitment).

Obtain a Written Agreement

Floating the Rate

Buyers opt to float the loan when they believe interest rates will drop after their loan application date and prior to closing. The risk is that rather than dropping, interest rates rise, increasing the mortgage payment.

Most lenders will commit, in writing, to a mortgage interest rate for a specified time period while your loan application is processed - this is known as "locking-in" the rate.

If you elect to lock-in an interest rate, it is best to deal with a lender who provides a written lock-in agreement. Be sure to read this agreement carefully, some lock-in agreements become void due to actions beyond your control - such as a change in the maximum rate for VA-guaranteed loans.

Lock-in Options

The following lock-in options are common among lending institutions. Be sure to ask the mortgage lenders you are considering which lock-in options they offer.

Lock-in interest rates and points.
This will give you a clear understanding of how much your mortgage will cost. Neither your interest rate nor points increase during the lock-in period. This protects you against rising market conditions.

Lock-in interest rates and floating points.
Your interest rate is locked-in and will not change for the lock-in period, while your points may rise and fall with market conditions. With this option, your lender may allow you to lock-in the points at the current market condition some time between submitting the loan application and closing.

Floating interest rates and floating points.
This gives you the option to lock-in the interest rate at some time between submitting the loan application and closing. This puts you at risk if interest rates and points rise and may not be best for a homebuyer with a tight budget.

The Cost of Locking-in the Rate

It is not unusual for a lender to charge a fee for locking-in an interest rate and points. This fee may vary depending on the amount of time you want to lock-in the rate (the lock-in period).

The fee may be charged when you lock-in the rate (and is rarely refundable if you withdraw your application, if your credit is denied or if you do not close on the loan) or it may be included in your closing costs. The amount of the fee and when it is charged will vary among lenders.

The Lock-in Period

Most lenders will offer lock-in periods of 30-60 days. Some lenders may only have short lock-in periods. And still others may offer a longer lock-in period (expect higher fees for longer lock-in periods).

The lock-in period should be long enough for the loan approval process and to allow for any other contingencies that may delay closing.

The Lock-in Expiration Date

If unexpected circumstances prevent the loan from settling prior to the last day of the lock-in period (whether caused by you or others in the process - including the lender), you lose the interest rate and points that were locked. Prevailing interest rates and points are usually charged under these circumstances. Be sure to ask your lender before you lock-in what interest rates and points will be charged if the loan is not closed before the lock-in period expires.

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How to Reduce Your Mortgage

One Additional Mortgage Payment a Year

There's a simple trick to significantly reduce the length of your mortgage and save you thousands of dollars. The trick is to make one extra mortgage payment a year and apply that payment toward your loan's principal.

This is the method being used by "Bi-Weekly Mortgage Reduction Services" and "Bi-Weekly Mortgage Savings Programs". Only, when you do it yourself, you don't pay a third party unnecessary set-up costs and fees!

Example: $100,000 loan, 30-year mortgage, 6.5% fixed interest rate

Extra Mortgage Payments/ Year

Principal & Interest

Additional Monthly Payment

SAVINGS

Total Paid

# of Years

0

$632.07

0

0

$227,542.98

29.92 / 359 mos.

1

$632.07

$52.68

$29,088.02

$198,454.96

24.12 / 290 mos.

2

$632.07

$105.35

$46,492.13

$181,050.85

20.5 /
246 mos.

3

$632.07

$158.02

$58,320.95

$169,222.03

17.92 / 215 mos.

4

$632.07

$210.69

$66,969.79

$160,573.19

15.92 / 191 mos.

5

$632.07

$263.36

$73,607.77

$153,935.21

14.34 / 172 mos.

One-time Payment

It may not be possible for you to increase your monthly mortgage payment. Keep in mind that most mortgages will permit you to make additional payments to your principal at anytime. Perhaps, five-years after moving into your home you receive a larger than expected tax return, or an inheritance or a non-taxable cash gift. You could apply this money toward your loan's principal, resulting in significant savings and a shorter loan period.

Example:

With a $100,000, 30-year, 6.5% fixed interest rate mortgage loan, the borrower will pay a total of $227,542.98 to pay back the loan in 30 years. That equals $127,542.98 in interest payments.

If the same borrower makes a one-time $5,000 payment the first day of year 6, he/she will pay a total of $204,710.75 and pay off the loan in 27 years (324 months). That's a savings of $22,832.23 in interest.

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The Cost of Your Mortgage Loan

Money Isn't Everything

When considering lenders, factor in the level of service they will provide throughout the loan process. I'll be glad to provide a list of lenders who have successfully helped clients in the past. I also suggest that you ask friends and family in the area for their recommendations.

The same care and consideration you give to finding the right house should be applied to your search for the right mortgage lender. For most home-buyers a major determining factor in selecting a lender is the cost of the mortgage loan. But how do you determine the cost of a mortgage loan?

Shopping for a Mortgage Loan

While most buyers concentrate on interest rates, it is best to look at all the costs associated with a mortgage loan. Mortgage loans include the quoted interest rate, points and closing costs.

More than Just Interest

A number of fees are associated with the mortgage loan, including:

Appraisal - A carefully documented opinion of value by a licensed, professional appraiser.

Credit Report - A detailed report of your credit, employment and residence history prepared by a credit bureau.

Principal - The amount owed on a mortgage which does not include interest or other fees.

Document Fees, Loan Fees and Processing Fees - Miscellaneous fees charged by the lender.

Discount Points - Points paid in addition to the loan origination fee to get a lower interest rate. (1 point = 1 percent of loan amount)

Origination Points - the total number of points paid by the borrower at closing. (1 point = 1 percent of loan amount)

Interest Rate - A percentage of a loan or mortgage value that is paid to the lender as compensation for loaning funds.

Prepayment Penalty Mortgages (PPMs)

These loans restrict your right to prepay part or all of the principal in the loan's early years. A prepayment fee is charged by the lender to the borrower who wishes to pay part or all of the loan ahead of the regular schedule. The advantage of a PPM is that they often have a lower interest rate than other mortgages.

Using the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) to Compare Mortgage Loans

The APR was designed to help borrowers understand the relative costs of a mortgage loan. The APR takes into account the various fees associated with the loan, which is why it is often higher than the interest rate. Understand that not all lenders calculate a loan's APR in the same way. That is why this should be only one of the factors used in selecting the best mortgage for you.

Locking-in Interest Rates
Another factor to consider when selecting a lender is whether the lender will lock-in the mortgage's interest rate and points.

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Do You Need A Bridge Loan?

Bridge loans can give you a competitive advantage
In a seller´s market, the competition for houses can be fierce. Many sellers will turn down any offer they receive that has a contingency clause (for example, a clause that states the offer is contingent on the buyer selling their own house). This can be problematic for the buyer who does indeed have a house to sell.

To stay competitive in a tight market, some buyers make the choice of securing a bridge loan (also known as a swing loan or bridge financing). A bridge loan covers the gap between the time a buyer closes on their new home and the time in which their old house sells.

Typically a bridge loan is structured as a one year loan. The bridge loan pays off the buyer´s first house with the remaining funds, minus closing costs and six month´s of interest, going toward the down payment for the new house.

If after six months the first house has not sold, the buyer will begin making interest-only payments on the bridge loan. When the first house sells, the bridge loan is paid-off. If the old house sells within the first six months, any unearned interest payments will be credited to the buyer.

This is the typical bridge loan scenario for most buyers. In some cases a buyer may qualify for a bridge loan that simply adds the cost of their new house to their current debt.

The advantage of a bridge loan is that it allows you to make a competitive offer on a house without a contingency clause. The disadvantage of a bridge loan is that it is usually a short-term loan (1 year or less) with high interest rates.

With my knowledge of local market conditions, I can help you determine whether a bridge loan is your best option for making a competitive offer. Let's get together to talk about your options.

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The Last Minute Credit Check

Did You Know?
Your mortgage lender may run a second credit report just prior to closing. Red flags that appear in this credit report can disqualify you for the mortgage loan.

Your actions after receiving lender approval for a mortgage loan can disqualify you for the loan. A mortgage loan is conditionally approved, with the lender reserving the right to re-verify credit, income, assets and employment at anytime. The lender may cancel the loan if there are any adverse changes to your qualification status.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

Your debt-to-income ratio is your gross monthly income divided by the amount you spend on debt. Debt items include mortgage payments (including principal, interest, insurance, tax), car payments, credit card payments, student loans, child support payments, etc.

The lender considers debt-to-income ratio when approving you for a mortgage loan. Only 28 percent of your income can be used for your mortgage payment, which includes taxes and insurance; and 36 percent for the mortgage payment plus the rest of your debt. Anything you do to negatively affect your debt-to-income ratio may change an "approval" to a "disqualification."

Avoid Red Flags

A red flag is any inquiry made regarding your credit worthiness. If you decide to purchase a big ticket item - like a car, boat or furniture - prior to closing, you're at risk of having a red flag show up on your credit report.

Keep Your Money Where It Is

The balances of your liquid assets are considered when approving you for a mortgage loan. These liquid assets may include checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money market accounts, retirement accounts, stock and mutual funds.

Avoid changes to the balances of these accounts. Do not close accounts. Do not change banks. A large withdrawal or deposit to any of these accounts will trigger a red flag for your mortgage lender. If a red flag is triggered, you may be asked to produce a paper trail tracking large withdrawals and/or deposits.

Employment Status

For most employees a change of jobs to one of equal or higher pay will not trigger a red flag. However, sales people should not change jobs prior to closing on their mortgage loan.

Salaried Employees
If your income is strictly salary than you should not have a problem changing to another job of equal or greater income. If, however, your income includes salary and bonuses, commissions and/or overtime, you should not change jobs prior to closing.

Hourly Employees
If your income is based solely on a 40-hour work week without overtime, than changing to a job with equal or greater hourly pay should not be a problem. However, if your income is dependent upon overtime pay, do not change jobs prior to closing.

Commissioned Employees
If your income is from commission or a substantial portion of your income is from commission, then you should not change jobs prior to closing. Typically, mortgage lenders average your commissions over the last two year period to determine income. Changing employers eliminates the two-year commission history and places uncertainty on your income status.

Talk to Your Loan Originator

Do not make any changes to your financial and employment status without first talking to your loan originator.

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The Down Payment

The amount you have available for a down payment will affect what types of loans for which you can qualify. Down payments typically range from 3 to 20 percent of the sales price for the property.

Tips for Accumulating a Down Payment

Save
Look for ways to reduce your monthly expenditures to save toward a down-payment. You could enroll for an automatic savings plan at your bank to have a portion of your payroll automatically transferred into savings. Most people save a couple of years for their down payment.

Borrow the down payment from your retirement plan
Check the provisions of your retirement plan. You can borrow funds from a 401(k) plan for a down payment or make a withdrawal from an Individual Retirement Account. Be sure you understand the tax consequences, repayment terms and/or possible early withdrawal penalties.

Move
You may be able to save additional funds if you can move into less expensive housing.

Reduce other higher interest rate debt
Paying off credit cards will initially reduce your savings, but the money you will save from higher interest rates will pay-off in the long run.

Make a deal with the seller
In some circumstances, it is appropriate to ask the seller to carry a second-mortgage to cover your down payment. Typically, you will pay a slightly higher rate for this second mortgage.

Sell some investments

Get a second job and save your earnings

Skip a year's vacation

Gift from Family
Parents and other family members are often anxious to help children buy their first home and may have the means to give you a gift of money for a portion or all of your down payment.

Alternative Sources

No-down and low-down Mortgages

FHA Loans
The Federal Housing Authority (FHA), which is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), plays a significant role in helping low- to moderate-income families qualify for mortgages. FHA assists first-time buyers and others who would not qualify for a conventional loan, by providing mortgage insurance to private lenders. Interest rates for an FHA loan are usually the going market rate, while the down payment requirements for an FHA loan are lower than conventional loans. The required down payment can be as low as 3 percent and the closing costs can be included in the mortgage amount.

VA Loans
VA Loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Service persons and veterans can qualify for a VA Loan, which usually offers a competitive fixed interest rate, no down payment and limited closing costs. While the VA does not issue the loans, it does issue a certificate of eligibility required to apply for a VA loan.

Piggy-back Loans
A second mortgage that closes with the first. Often the first mortgage is for 80% of the purchase price and the "piggyback" is for 10%. The home buyer covers the remaining 10% with their down payment. (Some lenders will write a second mortgage of 15% or even 20% of the purchase price.)

"Carry Back" Mortgage
In the case of the seller "carrying back a second mortgage", the seller loans you part of his or her equity. In this scenario, you would finance the majority of the loan with a traditional mortgage lender and finance the remaining amount with the seller. Typically you will pay a slightly higher interest rate on the loan financed by the seller.

Housing Finance Agencies
These agencies offer special loan programs to low- and moderate-income buyers, buyers interested in rehabilitating a home in a targeted area, and other groups as defined by the agency. Working through a housing finance agency, you can receive a below market interest rate, down payment assistance and other incentives.

The primary mission of Housing Finance Agencies is to boost home ownership in targeted areas, among first-time buyers and those with little money for down payments. Most of these non-profit agencies were funded with state government seed money and now operate independently.

Click here for a list of Housing Finance Agencies.

Documenting Your Down Payment

Documenting that the down payment comes from your savings and that you will have savings and/or assets over and above the down payment gives the lender confidence in your strength as a borrower and your ability to repay the loan.

Take extra care to document the sources for any monies to be used for the down payment or closing costs.

Acceptable Down Payment & Closing Costs Sources

Cash in a bank account
Mutual funds / stocks / IRA / 401K
Proceeds from the sale of another property
Gift from an immediate relative

Click here to learn more about verifying your down payment, closing costs, income and debt.
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Writing the Offer - Financial Considerations

It is standard practice to make a purchase offer contingent upon obtaining a mortgage. Because of this contingency, the seller will want the details of your financing plan included in the offer.

Down Payment
In the purchase offer, we will include the down payment amount you will apply toward the purchase. This will give the seller further evidence of your qualifications to secure a mortgage.

Interest Rate
Within the purchase offer, we will provide a safeguard against any dramatic change in interest rates between when the offer is made and when the loan is closed. The offer will not only be contingent upon qualifying for a mortgage, it will also be contingent upon an interest rate within a certain range.

Seller Assistance
If the house you select is at the top-end of your budget range, we may want to include a request for seller assistance to pay a portion of the closing costs traditionally paid by the buyer or to help "buy-down" your interest rate. Other seller assistance may include having the seller "carry back" a second mortgage to cover your down payment or even 100% seller financing.

With any of these seller assistance options, you can expect to pay a higher purchase price than if you had handled the financing through a traditional mortgage lender.

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Tax Closing Costs

Property Taxes
This is the one closing cost that is often prorated between the buyer and seller. If the seller has already paid the annual property taxes, the buyer typically reimburses the seller for the period in which the buyer will be occupying the property. Likewise, if the taxes have not yet been paid, the seller typically reimburses the buyer for the period in which the seller occupied the property.

Transfer Taxes and Recording Fees
This is the cost for transferring ownership of the property and recording the purchase documents. The fee is often calculated as a percentage of the sales price.

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Scoring your Credit - How's your FICO?

In today's increasingly automated society, it should come as no surprise that when you apply for a mortgage, your ability to pay can be reduced to a single number. All the years you've been paying your mortgage, car payments, and credit card bills can be analyzed, sliced, diced, spindled and mutilated into a single indicator of whether you're likely to meet your future obligations.

All three of the major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) use a slightly different system to arrive at a score. The best known is called the FICO score, based on a model developed by Fair Isaac and Company (hence the name) and used by Experian. Equifax's model is called BEACON, while TransUnion uses EMPIRICA. While each of the models considers a range of data available in your credit report, the primary factors are:

Credit History - How long have you had credit?
Payment History - Do you pay your bills on time?
Credit Card Balances - How much do you owe on how many accounts?
Credit Inquiries - How many times have you had your credit checked?

Each of these, and other items, are assigned a value and a weight. The results are added up and distilled into a single number. FICO scores range from 300 to 850, with higher being better. Typical home buyers likely find their scores falling between 600 and 850.

FICO scores are used for more than just determining whether or not you qualify for a mortgage. Higher scores indicate you are a better credit risk, and thus may qualify for a better mortgage rate.

What can you do about your FICO score? Unfortunately, not much. Since the score is based on a lifetime of credit history, it is difficult to make a significant change in the number with quick fixes. The most important thing is to know your FICO score and to ensure that your credit history is correct. Conveniently, Fair Isaac has created a web site (www.myFICO.com) that let's you do just that. For a reasonable fee, you can quickly get your FICO score from all three reporting agencies, along with your credit report. Also available is some helpful information and tools that help you analyze what actions might have the greatest impact on your FICO score. Each of the credit services offers similar services on their web sites: www.equifax.com, www.experian.com, and www.transunion.com.

Armed with this information, you will be a more informed consumer and better positioned to obtain the most favorable mortgage available to you.

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Home Buyer Checklist

The Home Buyer Checklist identifies some of the important factors to consider when choosing a home. In addition to an affordable sales price, you will also want to be sure that the neighborhood and house meet the needs of your family.

Take this checklist along when you go shopping for your house. It will help you evaluate the neighborhoods and assess the availability and condition of various features of up to three homes in a side-by-side comparison.

Home Buyer checklist	1	2	3
Property Address	.	.	.
Asking Price	$	$	$
Real Estate Taxes	$	$	$
The Neighborhood
Near Work	.	.	.
Near Schools	.	.	.
Near Shopping	.	.	.
Near Expressways	.	.	.
Near Public Transportation	.	.	.
Near Doctors / Dentists	.	.	.
Near Churches	.	.	.
Garbage Collection	.	.	.
Street Lights	.	.	.
Sidewalks	.	.	.
Streets / Alleys Well Maintained	.	.	.
Traffic Volume	.	.	.
Parks	.	.	.
Neighbor's Property Well Maintained	.	.	.
All Utilities Installed	.	.	.
Neighborhood / Restrictions	.	.	.
Near Trains / Airports	.	.	.
Area Zoned Residential	.	.	.
Near Industry	.	.	.
Proposed Special Assessments	.	.	.
Environment Concerns / Influences	.	.	.
The House
Age of House	.	.	.
No. of Stories	.	.	.
Wood Frame	.	.	.
Brick Frame	.	.	.
Wood & Brick Frame	.	.	.
Aluminum Siding	.	.	.
Roof Condition	.	.	.
Foundation Condition	.	.	.
Overall Exterior Condition	.	.	.
Garage Size	.	.	.
No. of Bathrooms	.	.	.
No. of Closets	.	.	.
No. of Bedrooms	.	.	.
Oil Heat	.	.	.
Gas Heat	.	.	.
Electric Heat	.	.	.
Hot Water Heat	.	.	.
Insulation	.	.	.
Central Air Conditioning	.	.	.
Energy-Conservation Features	.	.	.
Age of Heating System	.	.	.
Age of Water Heater	.	.	.
Capacity of Water Heater	.	.	.
Age of Electrical Wiring	.	.	.
Plumbing Condition	.	.	.
Estimated Water Bill	$	$	$
Estimated Heating Bill	$	$	$
Estimated Electric Bill	$	$	$
Living Room	.	.	.
Fireplace	.	.	.
Separate Dining Room	.	.	.
Family Room	.	.	.
Drapes - No. of Rooms	.	.	.
Carpeting - No. of Rooms	.	.	.
Kitchen Eating Area	.	.	.
Refrigerator	.	.	.
Stove / Oven (Gas / Electric)	.	.	.
Garbage Disposal	.	.	.
Dishwasher	.	.	.
Broken Windows	.	.	.
Storm Windows / Screens	.	.	.
Washer / Dryer Outlets	.	.	.
Laundry Space	.	.	.
Finished Basement	.	.	.
Attic	.	.	.
Sump Pump / Drainage	.	.	.
Connected to Sewer System	.	.	.
Patio	.	.	.
Backyard Fence	.	.	.
Landscaping	.	.	.
Property Boundaries	.	.	.
Security (dead bolts, detectors)	.	.	.
Building Code	.	.	.
Compliance	.	.	.
Ability to Expand / Enlarge House	.	.	.