Whether you are looking for Midtown Atlanta Real Estate, or anywhere in Atlanta, or anywhere in the United States, there are certain things you, the Buyer, should know about. Whether this is your first home, or your fifth home, you need to be informed. Rules and Regulations change over time. Technology has changed how we conduct business, to some degree. And, you just might need a refresher course in all that is really involved in the process we call Buying a Home.

In my First Part, How to Choose Your Real Estate Agent, we talked about various things you should consider when you select the person who will help you find that new home.

In my Second Part, Buyer Brokerage or Agency, Who's Working for Whom, we talked about the ever important Buyer Brokerage Agreement and knowing who your real estate agent is representing in your real estate transaction.

Today, in Part 3, let's put together YOUR Buyer Check List.

When you start the home buying process, either for the first time, or your tenth time, it's important to keep on track. We all know that a good list can do that. So, what should your Buyer Checklist include?

1)      Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Not a pre-qualification, but a pre-approval. This means you have provided any and all documentation to your mortgage/loan officer (W-2's, tax returns, credit report, employment history, etc.) that they need. The only two pieces of information missing are a contract and an appraisal on the home you have selected. Here in Georgia, you have a limited amount of time (called due diligence and we will cover that when we talk about the Purchase and Sale Agreement) to get your loan finalized, or you could be in breach of your contract. Not a place you want to be.

Also, by being pre-approved, you can find out how much home you can afford, and how much home you are comfortable paying for. This can be two different numbers, and can help your real estate find a home that meets your needs, and fits your wallet.

2)      Determine your WANTS and NEEDS. Wants are just that. We "want to have a three car garage. We want to be close to shopping." NEEDS are "3 bedrooms, so one can be the home office. We need good schools for the kids." Also included in your wants and needs should be things like location of the home and neighborhood, shopping, transportation and distance to your place of work. This list will not only help you stay on track and not get caught up in the emotion of a home that may not really meet your needs, but again, will also help your real estate agent find the right home for you!

3)      Do your research. While you can, and should count on your real estate agent to help you, with today's' technology, you can also learn about neighborhoods, schools, crime, zoning and other issues that might be of concern to you.

In our next part, we will talk about What Questions to Ask When Buying a Home.