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personal stories Personal Stories
James looked at several homes before he found one that fit his lifestyle and his budget. Read his story.
Module 4
Steps for Buying a Home
Shopping for a Home
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Eliminate Things You Could Live Without
Looking at your “wants” list, ask yourself if there are some things that you could do without. For example, many people “want” a garage, but unless you live in a cold climate it may not be a “need” and a carport may be enough. A fireplace always sounds nice, but houses come equipped with a furnace or heat pump so the fireplace is not really a “need.”

Finding a House You Can Afford
Now look at your priority list. Select the ones that are really the most important for you and your family. It’s often a challenge to get the house of your dreams with your first home-buying experience. Be willing to make compromises in order to find a house you can afford. Use your completed chart as a check-off list when you start looking at houses you may want to buy.

Heard on the Street: What are you looking for in a home? edge
Sharon, Age 36
“I’m a single mom, and I’d like a home in a neighborhood on a quiet street with sidewalks. Safety’s important. I want my son to be able to play in the yard and ride his bicycle. And I don’t want to worry about him when he’s catching the bus to school.”

Tim, Age 39
“We have three children, and we’ve been looking for a home with more space for our growing family. We’re also thinking about getting a dog, so I’d like our new house to have a bigger yard.”

Chris, Age 25
“I just accepted a new job in another city. It’ll be pretty demanding, and I may have to work on the weekends. I don’t need much space, so a condo or townhouse would be perfect. Maybe something downtown, close to my new office and places to eat.”

Responses are not real-life accounts and are provided for illustrative purposes only.

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