1. LOCATION
Good schools, proximity to shopping and transportation, and accessibility to the central employment area are factors that make location favorable. A home purchase is the largest investment most families undertake. When you settle in the community of your choice, you gain a stake in its future, its plans and problems. You will develop a sense of responsibility and pride in home ownership and, with your neighbors, will have a strong influence on the growth of the community. 2. DEVELOPER'S REPUTATION
Check out the reputation of the builder or developer. Don't take other people's words on builder excellence. Check for yourself. See as many houses he has built or projects he has developed. Look around for sloppy workmanship, such as rough edges, unfinished carpentry areas, poor plumbing facilities. If you are buying in a development, talk to other homeowners in that development and ask if they have any problems in their houses and community. Are their houses basically sound? Do they have ample water supply? How is the security in the area? 3. FINANCING
Another consideration you should take is how you are going to finance the purchase. For those who intend to finance their purchase, the most important thing to remember is - do not over-extend yourselves. In simpler words, do not borrow more than you can afford to pay in monthly amortization. The saddest thing to see is losing ones home to foreclosure. 4. FIND AN AGENT
To assist you with finding the perfect home, you should enlist the services of a reputable real estate agent. When you meet with your agent, you will go over how much you are willing to spend, and what type of home you are looking for. You’re agent will know where ideal properties are, and help you find the home that is best for you. Your agent will go a long way in helping you buy a home, from finding properties to giving you pointers and tips along the way. Good real estate agents will care about your satisfaction, and will do all that they can to help you find the home of your dreams. You can always buy a home without a real estate agent, although it will take you longer and you won’t get the help and other amenities that a real estate agent will bring to the table.
(sources: www.phil-buyersguide.com, www.philhomes.net)
