I was talking to a new home buyer the other day and we struck up a great conversation.  The question was:

"What types of things do I need to be asking about this process?"

Great question...Homes are a huge purchase and finding out all the information on them is extremely important.  My top three take-away's from this conversation are:

1. Think Ahead: This home may be perfect.  We are often short sighted when we do our planning, but with the purchase of a home, it's sometimes difficult to liquidate quickly and buy a better model a few years down the road.  What will your life look like in five years, ten?  Does the house you are looking at fit into those goals?

2. Utilities: Owning a home is more than a house payment.  Owning a home means owning utility bills, maintenance etc.  Get a great grasp of what your costs of ownership are going to be before taking the plunge.

3. Meet your Neighbors: Why wait until you've signed on the dotted line before you meet your neighbors.  You're going to need to live with them for a while, so meet them early.  There isn't a do not knock list.  Show up and introduce yourself, find out the neighborhood scoop.  Talk to more than one as you can encounter your occasional crazy out there.

Doing your homework on a new house is super important.  Having a great agent will help you with that information.  If you are looking to buy a home in the Spokane & Coeur d'Alene areas, give us a call and we'll help you find the perfect home.Photo Credit: eagle102.net cc licensed