Before You Buy the House.
The right questions before closing day can make all the difference after it.
Know more before
you say yes.
Buying a home can be one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. Before You Buy the House helps buyers understand the questions to ask, the details to examine, and the mistakes that can become expensive after closing day.
GET THE BOOK ON AMAZONAnticipate. Ask. Document. Verify.
Know what may be coming before you're forced to react.
Ask the questions that can reveal important information.
Keep records of decisions, conversations and commitments.
Don't assume something was done—confirm it.
Start smarter, wherever
you are in the journey.
People who want to better understand the process before making major decisions.
People working with builders who want to know what to ask, watch and document.
People evaluating previously owned homes and trying to reduce costly surprises.
People who aren't purchasing immediately but want to prepare before they do.
Go into homeownership
asking better questions.
LOOK BEYOND THE PURCHASE PRICE
Understand the difference between being able to afford the house and being able to afford owning it—including taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, repairs and unexpected expenses.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT KIND OF HOME
Think through the tradeoffs between new construction and an existing home so you can make the decision based on more than appearance or emotion.
ASK BETTER QUESTIONS
Know what to ask builders, sellers and the professionals involved in the process before decisions are made and paperwork is signed.
KNOW WHAT TO INSPECT
Pay attention to the things that can become expensive later—from roofing, HVAC and plumbing to electrical systems, drainage, windows and unfinished details.
DOCUMENT AND VERIFY
Keep track of commitments, repairs and planned work—and verify that important items were actually completed instead of simply assuming they were.
PREPARE FOR OWNERSHIP
Think beyond closing day and understand the maintenance, repairs and responsibilities that come with turning a house into a home you can enjoy for years.