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Module 4
Steps for Buying a Home
Shopping for a Home
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Step 2: Determine Your Wants and Needs
Before starting to look for a home, determine what you would like to have in your new home (wants) and what you must have (needs). If you try to look at every property for sale that it is in your price range, you may waste a lot of time. One place to start is with the real estate section of your local newspaper to get an idea about prices in the areas you are considering. Web sites such as REALTOR.com are another convenient way to find homes in your area. You can also work with a local real estate agent to select properties that match as closely as possible to your “wish-list.”

Remember, when shopping for your first home, you may not be able to find or afford everything you want. But, if your needs are met, you can make this home the first step to getting your dream home either by remodeling over time, or by selling this home in the future to buy a “bigger and better” one.

Prioritize Your "Needs" Over Your "Wants"Use the following printable chart to organize and check off whether each item listed is a “need” or a “want.” Then indicate whether this is a number one, number two or number three priority for you (number one being the highest).

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Home Features Checklist
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