Buying a house is a major decision. It’s critical to know what to look for when buying a house so you enter the process with clarity and purpose. Having criteria for your dream home and neighborhood could mean the difference between finding the right fit—or making a mistake. Criteria To Consider When Buying a Home Here are some key criteria to consider when buying a home: Price. What can you afford to spend on a property? The preapproval letter from your lender will include the maximum loan amount you qualify for. Consider your down payment and what you can afford in monthly mortgage payments coupled with recurring debts and household expenses (like daycare, groceries, utilities, tuition, etc.). You’ll also want to have savings set aside for home maintenance and major repairs. Location. The neighborhood, city, town, or state you want to live in is almost as important as a home’s amenities. Do you care about peace and quiet, or proximity to recreation or entertainment? What about being close to shopping, dining, grocery stores, schools, and job hubs? Commute time. How long would your commute to and from work and/or school be? Will you have easy access to public transportation and how important is…

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