Home Buyer Checklist - Metro Detroit home buyer tips

Whether your dream Metro Detroit home is new construction or an existing home, you will want to know what to look for as you begin your home search. You will need a checklist for buying a Michigan home to serve as your road map with criteria for buying a home.

Check out the list below and how your exclusive buyers agent will help you conduct a home search, negotiate, and close on a new home. An exclusive's buyer agent like myself can help you through the process of buying a home while representing your best interests throughout the purchase process.  That is why it is smarter to have your own agent then to just go through the listing agent.

Use the home buyer checklist below to prevent errors and to stay on track:

1. Think about and figure out yourself what size of a house payment you can financially afford.  You do not need a mortgage person for this.  What can you afford to spend each month for a house payment?  Would $1500 or $2500 a month be too much?  What would make you house poor or what  can you spend that you can still take vacations?
2. Get pre-approved for a mortgage
   You cannot buy a home or put in an offer without a pre-approval letter.  Ask friends and family for a referral to a mortgage lender.  They will pull your Credit report, get your FICO score, and determine the type of mortgage that fits you best.  Later you can shop for best rates and fees.
3. Determine your wants and needs 
   Before you go out looking write down the style of home, size, price, location, amenities that you want.  By writing them down on a piece of paper it will save you time looking.  Don't worry if your choices change after you start looking.  That is a normal part of the home buying process. 
4. Seek out an exclusive buyer's agent
   Hire a full time experienced real estate agent.  If your agent is only part time you may miss out on seeing the home that you want.  An in experienced or new agent can cost you money, frustration, and may lose the house you really desire.  Compare the services of different agents and look for good personal chemistry.
5. Search for homes in the MLS  and online 
   Sign up for daily email notification services from your real estate agent and stay on top of all new homes coming to market.  Look at the listings daily.  Don't be afraid to look on line yourself.  Sometimes you may put in different criteria than your agent does.  You may find houses that the agent didn't send you.
6. Communicate with your agent.  Tell him or her what you do or don't like in a home as you go through them.  Don't get upset or frustrated if you have a bad day of searching.  Sometimes you can see 6 or 7 bad homes in a row.  You never know until you open the door.  The pictures don't show the faults or problems with the houses..
7. Search for homes on your own in addition to what your agent sends you.  You may search for different criteria and expand your ideas of what you want. Go to my website search for Michigan Homes feature  for the latest listings
8. Check out the neighborhoods, schools, sex offender sites, crime rate, traffic, zoning, and work commutes. 
   The more you know about an area the more comfortable you will feel when buying a home.  Rely on your exclusive buyer's agent's expertise and in-company resources. Check the web for helpful information.
9. Do the due diligence and research on your property of interest 
   Have your Metro Detroit real estate agent pull recent solds on properties close to the prospective home in style, size, and location.  Read over the sellers's disclosures.  Visit  the town or city hall to learn of any zoning changes, liens, easements, or other restrictions.
10. Prepare the offer and negotiate 
    Have your exclusive buyer's agent prepare a property value study and ask the seller if there are any other offers and his motivation for selling, deadlines, etc.   Put together a purchase agreement and offer addendums.  Remember what you put in the contract is binding.  You cannot change it two weeks down the road.
11. Conduct the home inspection
    Take advantage of the inspection contingencies in your offer and get thorough inspections to eliminate any surprises after you move in to your new home.  You do not want to buy a money pit.  Some of the other inspections you may need are termite inspection, radon inspection, or well and septic inspection. 
12. Final negotiations and sign the Purchase and Sale Agreement 
    Use the inspection report to re-negotiate if necessary.  Do not buy a home that you feel does not meet your expectations.
13. Walk-through inspection prior to Closing The seller must keep the property in the same shape as when you saw the home when you put the offer in. Sometimes things break or items get damaged before closing.  Doing a walk through of the home right before closing prevents any issues at the closing table or after closing. 
14. Buy homeowners insurance.  You will need to have homeowners insurance before you close.  Shop and compare homeowners policies and costs after the home inspection.
15. Set up the movers.  Be sure to give yourself a few days after closing.   More problems arise because home buyers push to get in and do not give themselves extra time. What happens if there is a hitch at the closing table?  You may not be able to move in the very next day. What would you do then?  Delays happen all the time so be prepared.
16. Set up the utilities to be turned on after the closing.
17. Go over final paperwork.  Go over the settlement statement with your mortgage person and your real estate person before the closing.  Make sure there is no surprises.  You then know what your final number is to bring to the closing.   u
18. Go to the bank.  Get a certified check made out to the title company for the amount the mortgage person said to bring to the closing or you may have to wire the money to the title company if the amount you need is over $20,000.
19. Closing 
    
    Congratulations.  You now own a Prime piece of Metro Detroit real estate.  A place to call your own.

If you have questions about buying a home, or the home buying process feel free to call me on my cell.  I have helped hundreds and hundreds of home buyers get great deals on homes they love.  Plus I give a great home buyer bonus that most other agents do not.  Feel free to email me too at yesmyrealtor@gmail.com

Let's get started finding your dream home!

Wing Lake homes for sale

Watch our Stison Lake Video

Belleville Lake Sales are a great way to compare the price of your home. 

Market Watch for Buyers

 I would recommend Lime Lake to look for a home on. 

Cooley Lake Sales

$259,000

8840 MINNE WANNA Road

Independence Township, MI

Beds: 3 • Baths: 1 full/1 partial

$399,900

6313 Kiev Street

West Bloomfield Township, MI

Beds: 4 • Baths: 2 full/1 partial

$629,900

6060 Rosewood Parkway

White Lake Township, MI

Beds: 5 • Baths: 3 full/1 partial

$299,900

9198 Ashdown Avenue

White Lake Township, MI

Beds: 3 • Baths: 2 full

$650,000

234 N Sheldon Road

Plymouth, MI

Beds: 4 • Baths: 3 full