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Buyers Checklist

Here is a handy checklist that you can use as you start the process of buying a home. Each step takes time and consideration, I recommend beginning the process around (or before) 3-4 months prior to your estimated move in date.

Sellers Checklist

If you would like to print this helpful list, please click here.

Here is an estimated moving schedule that you can use to help you plan your home purchase.

Prior to house hunting

  1. Speak with a lender and get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will help you to know what price range you want to search in, as well as giving you a stronger position when making an offer on a home.
  2. Select a Realtor to help you begin your search for a home.

6-8 weeks prior to anticipated move date

  1. Find a home, and make an offer to purchase it.
  2. Arrange for home inspections, closing, etc. Your Realtor will assist you with all of this.
  3. Arrange for your home owners insurance, provide this information to your lender.
  4. If you will be using a professional moving company, begin looking now. When you have found one that you are comfortable with, book your moving date. Be sure to keep all records of written estimates. Most local moves are charged on an hourly basis.
  5. If you are moving yourself, book your moving van now.

4 weeks prior

  1. Go through your belongings. Anything that you do not want to move can be placed in a garage sale, or donated to a charity that accepts items (many will even come and pick items up).
  2. Notify the post office of your change of address, and forwarding dates.

3 weeks prior

  1. Begin packing. Do a little at a time. Set aside old sheets to protect mattresses during the move, or purchase plastic/cardboard covers.
  2. Arrange disconnect/connect/transfer dates with local utilities, both at you current address, and your new one. These include phone, electric, gas, cable, water, and possibly security systems.
  3. Develop a floor plan of your new house to show movers where to place items. This also comes in handy if you are moving yourself, to help plan where you would like furniture/boxes to go.

24 hrs prior

  1. Empty and defrost you refrigerator, freezers. Let the appliances air out for 24 hours (be sure not to have them sealed, and to not let pets/small children have potentially dangerous access to them.).
  2. Pack an overnight bag of clothing and personal items to tide you over while you are unpacking. Be sure to have any favorite childrens items available to help with the transition.
  3. Pack all last minute items.
  4. Go for a final walkthrough on the home you are purchasing.
  5. Obtain final amount from lender that you will need to bring with you for closing. Set aside any documents you will need to take with you.

Moving day

  1. If using a mover take them on a walkthrough of the house to get an inventory of things to be moved. Confirm delivery address and delivery time with movers.
  2. Load all items you plan on moving yourself.
  3. Close all windows, lock all doors, turn out all lights
  4. Move into your new home.

If you are moving out of state/country you will also need to

  1. Get copies of all medical, dental records for all family members.
  2. Make arrangements for the transfer of school records for all children.
  3. Make arrangements for the transportation of all pets.