The “this is the one” feeling is exciting. But a short pause now can save years of stress later. Use this simple five‑question check before you sign. It protects your budget, your time, and your peace of mind.
Do the full math, not just the loan payment. Add taxes, home insurance, any HOA dues (homeowners association), and a fair guess for utilities and internet. Include a small line for routine fixes. Now “stress‑test” it: if the rate or insurance goes up a little, can you still breathe? Ask your mortgage lender to show side‑by‑side payments at today’s rate and a bit higher, so you know your comfort zone.
List each item the inspector found, even the small stuff. For bigger items (roof, HVAC, wiring, plumbing, foundation), get real quotes. Decide in writing whether the seller will repair, give a credit, or lower the price. Dates, dollar amounts and who does what should be clear. Facts and paperwork beat handshakes every time.
Know if your rate is fixed or adjustable, your monthly payment, the total cash you must bring to close, and whether mortgage insurance applies. Ask about your timeline: when you lock the rate, when you sign, and when the first payment is due. Sit with your mortgage lender and walk through each line until it makes sense.
If the appraisal (the value check) comes in low, you need a plan. Will the seller drop the price? Can you bring more cash? Could your loan be adjusted to fit? Talk through these paths with your lender before you hit a deadline. Never promise to cover a large gap unless you know exactly where the money will come from.
Test the commute at rush hour. Visit at night and on weekends. Listen for noise, check parking, try your phone signal, and see how fast deliveries arrive. If there’s an HOA, read the rules. Are pets, paint colors, sheds, short‑term rentals, or parking limits okay with you? The best house can still be the wrong fit if the rules or routine conflict with your lifestyle.
Closing day should feel calm, not rushed. If you can answer these five questions with confidence, you’re ready. Contact us for “what-if” scenarios, clarify trade-offs simply, and keep the closing process on track. Clear numbers, clear terms, and a straightforward plan, this is how you can step into your new home without any second thoughts.
