Your 2022 Home Buying Checklist

Big decisions can be stressful. Like buying a home. 

But the home buying process doesn’t have to be overwhelming—not when you enlist the help of the friendly experts, talented real estate agents at Richard Nance Real Estate and the right tools like a home buying checklist. Home buying can actually be enjoyable—even exciting—and net you the home of your dreams.

Richard Nance is a top-notch home buying coach—check out his 2022 Home Buying Checklist designed to make the home buying process go smoothly. Your dream home in Redding, CA is waiting—here’s everything you need to know to get started. 

2022 Home Buying Checklist

1. Determine what you can actually afford—Find a lender, get the required documents together for the mortgage pre-approval application, figure out a reasonable monthly mortgage payment using a mortgage affordability calculator, and check your credit score.  
2. Down payment—Depending upon the type of mortgage, your down payment can run between 0% to 20% of the purchase price (higher if you skip private mortgage insurance). Reserve extra cash to cover closing costs.
3. Choose a real estate agent—A stellar real estate agent knows the local market, will share listings right away (including foreclosures), and use their networking skills on your behalf. 
4. Find your new home—This is the EXCITING part! Now that you know how much you can afford, it’s time to go shopping. Prioritize your needs and wants list (style, features, neighborhood, school district, etc.).  
5. Make an offer—Your agent will help you make a strategic offer, based on factors including asking price, multiple offers, how long the property has been listed, etc. A purchase offer includes an earnest money deposit (1% to 3% held in escrow until the seller accepts the offer). 
6. Formal mortgage application—It’s time to start the formal mortgage application process. And you may need to get homeowners insurance to continue. You’ll need documentation for:
   1. Employment and income verification
   2. Personal information
   3. Assets
   4. Credit score
   5. Property details

1. Home inspection and appraisal—Your home inspector will alert you to red flags, test all systems, and give a detailed report. The appraiser will focus on the market value of the home.  
2. Closing approaches—Go on a final walk-through, attend the closing ready to sign, bring a certified check for the down payment and closing costs, and your ID. Congrats! You own a home! 

Home Buying in Redding, CA

Richard Nance and his team are eager to help you find your dream home in Redding, CA and answer any questions you have about the 2022 Home Buying Checklist. Let’s start this journey together. Contact us today! 

House hunting checklist:

Home

• Square footage
• Number of bedrooms
• Number of baths
• Practicality of floor plan
• Interior walls condition
• Closet/storage space
• Basement
• Fireplace
• Cable TV
• Basement: dampness or odors
• Exterior appearance, condition
• Lawn/yard space
• Fence Patio or deck
• Garage
• Energy efficiency
• Screens, storm windows
• Roof: age and condition
• Gutters and downspouts

Neighborhood

• Appearance/condition of nearby homes/businesses
• HOA Fees & Rules
• Traffic
• Noise level
• Safety
• Security
• Pet Restrictions
• Parking
• Zoning regulations
• Neighborhood restrictions/ covenants
• Fire protection
• Police
• Snow removal
• Garbage service

Schools

• Age/condition
• Reputation
• Quality of teachers
• Achievement test scores
• Play areas
• Curriculum Class size
• Busing distance

Convenience

• Supermarket
• Schools
• Work
• Shopping
• Child care
• Hospitals
• Doctor/dentist
• Recreation/parks
• Restaurants/Entertainment
• Religious buildings/church
• Airport
• Highway/Freeways
• Public transportation