Before You Buy

Before you even think about buying a home make sure you know exactly what you can't live without and what you can sacrifice. Below are a few questions to get you thinking about what kind of house you would like, what features are must haves and what kind a atmosphere you would like to live in. Go ahead…find the home of YOUR dreams.

The Basics

• 1. What part of town (or country) do you want to live in?
• 2. What price range would you consider?
• 3. Are schools a factor and, if so, what do you need to take into consideration (e.g. specific school system, wanting your kids to be able to walk to school, etc.)?
• 4. Do you want an older home or a newer home (less than 5 years old)?
• 5. What kind of houses would you be willing to see (One story, 2 story, split foyer, bi-level, tri-level, townhouse or condo, mobile home...)?
• 6. What style house appeals to you most?
• 7. How much renovation would you be willing to do?
• 8. Do you have to be close to public transportation
• 9. Do you have any physical needs that must be met, such as wheelchair access?
• 10. Do you have any animals that will require special facilities?


• 11. What amenities would you like to have at your new home (e.g. large yard, fenced yard, garage, pool, shed/barn, patio/deck, outdoor spa...)?
• 12. How many bedrooms must you have? How many would you like to have?
• 13. How many bathrooms do you want?
• 14. How big would you like your house to be (square feet)?
• 15. What features do you want to have in your house (e.g. air conditioning, ceramic tile, carpet, hardwood floors, family room, fireplace, workshop, basement, etc...)?
• 16. Do you want to live in an area with a Community Association?
• 17. What else do you want in your community (e.g. community pool, basketball courts, tennis courts, gated community, clubhouse, etc...)?
• 18. Are there any other special features or needs that you must consider when you're looking for a home?

  Back to the Veterans' Loan Handbook Table of Contents.