Bloodhound Inspections LLC

Home buying is about compromises. Make sure you have compiled a list of must-have features for your next home and things you might be willing to live without. After the home inspection, you'll need to decide which repair items you'll handle yourself and which, if any, you'll ask the home seller to fix.

Expect your home inspection to last about one hour for every 1,000 square foot of space.

You may not think the color of your home is all that important. However, consider the fact that you will be driving up to the home for possibly many years and the color will be the first thing you notice.

Keep in mind, if you'll be buying a home in a homeowner's association, your colors for your home's exterior may be limited. In any case, you'll want to chose a color pleasing to you and your family. It may be a good idea to get color samples to help you decide!

A home inspection is not a pass/fail test.

The first step to buying a new home is saving money for your down payment. First of all, decide how much you want to spend on a home and get an idea of what your down payment will cost. The typical range of a home's down payment is 10 to 20 percent. Start saving on living expenses to help save up! You can skip eating at restaurants by cooking at home. You may even temporarily pick up a second job to help you save.

If you are buying a new home, you'll likely have a home inspection completed at some point. You can expect a thorough examination of all your home systems and the home's structure. The inspector will provide you with a detailed report of any findings including needed repairs and when to schedule regular maintenance.

Today's tip: Don't automatically skip a home that needs carpet or a fresh coat of interior paint — those are easy and inexpensive fixes. https://goto.sc/5lvM

It is finally closing day for your new home. You are very excited, but may also feel a little anxious. Make sure to bring all important paperwork with you such as your photo ID, insurance paperwork, and a way to pay for the closing fee whether it is by a certified cashier's check or some other means of acceptable payment. Check with your lender before closing to make sure you know what you need to bring to closing day.

If a home inspection reveals needed repairs, this gives you the power to negotiate the selling price.