Military members usually only have a limited time to look for a new home and make a decision. This handy checklist will enable them to keep track of the likes and dislikes of the homes they view. When viewing many homes it is easy to forget features that may be present or missing in the homes you visit. This simple checklist will enable you to make notes which will enable you at a glance to refresh your memory of that particular home. Bringing a digital camera with you is also a good idea as you can shoot the front of the house and then add snapshots of what you like or dislike. You can then view them as a slide show on your laptop or Realtor’s computer to refresh your memory.
- Your Realtor can supply the names of some quality hotels that are in a convenient location.
- Tentatively book a Home Inspector after you set your arrival date. Confirm there is no penalty to cancel or re-schedule the home inspection. Most professional Home Inspector’s will have no problem with cancellations.
- Bring your cheque book along. You may need to pay for a home inspection and put a deposit on your new home. Most Home Inspectors bill Brookfield directly for home inspection.
- Bring a video or still camera to take pictures of the home you purchase. Remember, we will need the owners’ permission!
- Bring slip-on shoes to get in and out of homes quicker. You can even bring some slippers to use during house showings.
- If you are bringing younger children along, you may want to arrange for child care to facilitate evening showings and when reviewing and signing important documentation.
- Arrange to contact with a local lender or broker prior to your arrival which can expedite the purchase process, particularly when you are trying to remove any financing conditions from your Offer of Purchase and Sale.
- You may require the services of other professionals while on your house hunting trip i.e., lawyer, home inspector, contractor, etc. We can provide you with a list of experienced specialists who will be pleased to assist you.
- Bring medical referral letters to arrange for new medical practitioners when you have some free time. The sooner you get on wait lists, the better!
- When you have an accepted offer, but are still waiting to remove conditions i.e., home inspection, etc., you may wish to take advantage of the time to complete other tasks, such as those noted below, if you are from out of town. Make sure you bring along all required documentation to:
- investigate schools
- drop off resumes at potential employers if spouse is not military
- open bank accounts / or arrange for transfer of account to local branch near your new home.
- complete change of address cards
- research a babysitter
- set-up utilities/phone/cable
Remember to view the House Hunting Trip as a Team Effort. Your Mortgage Broker and Realtor are important members of your team and can help make your House Hunting Trip a success.