How I did it: Searched online, found an agent, looked at about 30+ houses, found one we liked, signed a deal, house had unreoprted major foundational issues, got the deal nullified, looked at another 30+ houses, renegotiated back and forth, had an inspection done, closed last November.

Lessons & tips: 1. Get a home inspection AND have it written in the deal that the purchase is pending a favorable home inspection.
2. If the house purchase is running into problem after problem after problem, and it's not a house you feel you'll regret for not buying in 5 years, WALK.  there are too many deals out there.
3. If you don't have 20% for a down payment, you'll usually have to finance your purchase with an FHA loan.  Be sure to keep track of all of the extra expenses like mortgage insurance and be very firm on your budgeting numbers to make sure you can afford this home.
4. Try to get the seller to agree on a closing date that falls within your last month of your rental lease, etc. that way you have 1-2 weeks to strategically move stuff without frantically packing it all and then taking the next 3-6 months to find where you packed your needed items.

Resources: Call the city you're looking to move to and verify property lines, property taxes, if there are any assessments, and what permits might be needed for pets, running a business out of your garage, etc. 

Jun 14, 03:45PM PDT | 0 comments | 2 cheers