Thoughts to have when buying a house

1. Have it inspected. The cost of having a home inspection could save you a lot of trouble and money down the road.
2. Look at your options. The first place you see might seem absolutely amazing, but don't say yes just yet. Check out other options to make sure that you can get what you want. If after looking around you find yourself drawn back to the first house, then go for it.
3. What do you need in a home? Now, make a list of things that you would like in a home. While looking at your options, remember that your first list of needs should have a higher priority then the list of wants.
4. Don't be afraid of DIY projects. There are a lot of things that you could do to make a house your own. If you have the knowledge and skills to do something well, then don't be afraid to do it.
5. Know when to hire professionals. There are things which are best left to specialists. Electrical, plumbing, or anything that could be a costly repair shouldn't be tackled on your own.
6. Where is it located? The places you frequent should be kept in mind while looking at all houses. It wouldn't be good to fall in love with a place that is so far from your usual haunts that the commute becomes a hassle.
7. Have a cushion. Whenever making an investment like buying a house, it's best not to spend all of the allotted funds at once. Keep some to the side to use on unexpected expenses, so that you don't need to dip into your savings.
8. Be open to different styles. You might be set on a certain style home, or even an older home. But if you give other possibilities a chance, then you might be pleasantly surprised.
9. When purchasing a house, be aware of the surroundings. Is there a busy highway? Do the neighbors have long parties on weekends? Is there anything in the area of your potential house that you don't like?
10. Does it welcome pets? Having the space for and being allowed to have pets is important to know when looking at possible houses.