Home Buying Made Easy

Step Three—Figure Out What You Want

Choose the Right Home

There are all types of homes on the market—single family, townhouse, condo. Once you have your mortgage preapproval, you will be ready to shop.

Begin your search by drawing up two lists—your wish list and your can't-live-without list. You will want to consider how many bedrooms and baths you want. Whether you would like a deck, a big yard and/or a garden.

You'll also need to consider how close you want and need to be to work, schools, shopping and places of worship. The price will reflect if the home is new and move-in ready, or old and in need of improvements.

Advantages of Homeownership

No matter which home you decide to choose, you can be sure that you are making a worthwhile lifetime investment that brings tax benefits and the pride of having a home of your very own. Also, by paying your mortgage on time each month, you are enhancing your creditworthiness for future purchases.

Advertisements and the Internet

The best place to start your search is in the local newspaper. On Sundays, you will find extensive listings and advertisements for homes that are holding Open Houses that day. Open Houses let you see the type of properties that are available in your desired area and give you a better idea of what is affordable and desirable.

Another excellent source of updated listings is on the Internet. There are many home search sites available.

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