Must have
The location, space, accessibility, commute, or other features that would be difficult to change.
Greater Rochester, New York
Personal Real Estate Guidance(585) 752-6715
Buying a home
Make the search yours, not the other way around.
Before you race through listings, get clear on the payment, location, and day-to-day life you want. Then you can judge each house against your priorities instead of the rush of a showing.
Before the search
What monthly payment feels comfortable?
A lender can tell you what you may qualify to borrow. Your own comfort level can be different. Start with the full cost of ownership, not just the advertised mortgage payment.
Use the mortgage calculatorBuild a working budget
- Ask a lender about preapproval and what documents they need. A preapproval is preliminary, not a final loan commitment.
- Estimate principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and any HOA dues. Ask about mortgage insurance if your down payment is smaller.
- Leave room for closing costs, moving, utilities, maintenance, and repairs after move-in.
- Choose a comfortable price ceiling and share it clearly, even if your preapproval amount is higher.
Documents lenders commonly ask for
- Identification
- Pay stubs
- Complete tax returns
- Bank statements
- Investment account statements
- A list of monthly debts
- Rental history and references
- Permission to pull your credit report
Finding the fit
Decide what you need before a beautiful kitchen changes the plan.
A useful search brief makes it easier to spot a good fit and to walk away when a property does not meet your needs. Start by writing down three lists.
Would love
Features that matter but should not override your budget or essential needs.
Can change later
Paint, fixtures, landscaping, and other cosmetic choices you could take on over time.
Is this a starter home or a place to stay for many years? The answer can change what belongs on each list.
Questions to sort into your lists
- How much space and how many bedrooms and bathrooms?
- Garage, yard, and how much upkeep you want
- School district and walkability
- Commute and daily routes at the times you travel
- Distance to family, parks, and shopping
- Taxes and local amenities in each neighborhood
At a showing
Look beyond the staging.
You do not need to diagnose a property while walking through it. You do want to notice what deserves a closer look or a question before you make a decision.
Before touring homes with an agent, you will sign a written buyer agreement that outlines their services and compensation. Ask questions before you sign.
Bring these questions with you
- Does the layout work for how you live, including storage, stairs, parking, and outdoor space?
- Do you notice water stains, musty odors, damp areas, or signs of past repairs? Ask what is known and consider the right inspection.
- How old are major systems and what maintenance information is available?
- Are there changes you would want to make, and have you allowed time and money for them?
Disclosures and records worth asking about
- Rights of way or easements on the property
- Whether the home is in a flood zone
- Past termite or other pest damage
- Lead paint, especially in homes built before 1978
- Asbestos in older materials
- Nearby factors such as traffic or noise
Making an offer
Price is only one part of the offer.
When you find a home you want, compare it with relevant recent sales and talk through the terms that matter to you before signing.
The right terms depend on the property and your situation. Understand the risk before changing or waiving a protection.
- Price
- Your offer price and what similar properties have sold for.
- Terms
- Financing, deposit, preferred closing date, and any items included in the sale.
- Contingencies
- Inspection and financing contingencies, their deadlines, and what you would be comfortable accepting.
- Competition
- How your offer would work if another buyer is interested.
Under contract
What happens after an offer is accepted?
The period between agreement and closing has its own deadlines. Keep track of them and ask who is handling each step.
Inspections
Schedule the inspections allowed by your agreement and review the findings.
Financing
Complete the lender's requested documentation and watch for appraisal and underwriting updates.
Insurance and title
Arrange homeowners insurance and coordinate with your attorney on title and closing documents.
Final review
Review final numbers, confirm funds and timing, and complete your final walk-through.
If a report reveals a concern, ask about your options under the actual contract before assuming what happens next.
Your next step
Have a home in mind, or just starting to look?
Tell Linnea what matters most to you and what questions are holding up the search.
Talk About Your Home SearchFor more detail: CFPB preapproval guide · CFPB home inspection guide