Nothing in your life is as exciting and stressful as buying a new home. Ask anyone who has recently purchased a new home and they will tell you the same story.  They are thrilled to be in their new home and relieved that it is finally over with. Finding the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood but still fits into your price range can be a real challenge.

There are a number of considerations, you should consider before taking the plunge into new homeownership. You must always keep the budget in mind, the condition of the home, what type of siding the house has and how much you love its soapstone countertops.  Before making this huge life investment, ask yourself a few of these following questions:

Can I afford a new home?

When purchasing a new home, your budget must be at the forefront of every little decision.  Consider mortgage payments, the down payment, closing costs, lawyer expenses, taxes, and other costs such as paying for the home inspection. Take a calculation of your income and your debt to determine how much you can afford.

Does the new home meet my requirements?

Make a list of everything you need and then make a list of everything you would like.  Does the house have enough bedrooms and bathrooms?  What type of property comes with the house?  What type of appliances does the kitchen have?  How is the home heated?  Does it have oil heat or perhaps a soapstone fireplace?  If you have children, parks and schools will play an important role in your decision making.  What is the crime rate like in the neighborhood?

Is the exterior of the house in acceptable condition?

When determining the quality of the exterior of the house, you’ll want to be diligent as possible.  Look to see what kinds of materials were used for the exterior.  Check if the trim or sidewalls require painting or should they be replaced.  Does the house have weather-stripping?  What type of condition are the windows in and do they need to be replaced?  Most importantly, check the condition of the foundation and see what type of material was used.

Is the interior of the house in acceptable condition?

What does the inside of the house look like?  Are the walls and ceilings in good shape or do they have cracks in them or water damage?  Have the walls recently been given a coat of paint? What types of cabinets are installed in the kitchen? Does the kitchen have a soapstone sink or a steel one?  Is the interior trim in good condition? Check for any visible structural defects.  Walk around the attic to see if it properly insulated?