BeHomeReady.com · Jason Helling, Fireside Realty · (920) 450-6249
Buyer Roadmap & Printable Checklist
A practical Northeast Wisconsin path from early planning through keys and move-in. Check off each item as it is completed, and bring questions to your lender, inspector, attorney, or real-estate professional.
1. Plan the purchase
- Choose a comfortable monthly housing budget—not only the maximum approval amount.
- Review credit, savings, down-payment options, and expected closing costs.
- Speak with a qualified lender and obtain a current preapproval when ready.
- Keep funds for inspections, moving, immediate repairs, and an emergency reserve.
- Tell Jason your preferred areas, timing, priorities, and deal breakers.
2. Search with purpose
- Separate must-haves from preferences.
- Compare commute, taxes, utilities, schools, services, and resale considerations.
- Take consistent notes and photos at each showing.
- Look beyond finishes to roof, foundation, drainage, electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, windows, and signs of moisture.
- Review seller disclosures and available property records before deciding.
3. Offer and inspect
- Review price, earnest money, financing, inspection, appraisal, and other proposed terms.
- Understand every contingency and deadline before signing.
- Schedule appropriate inspections and specialty testing within the allowed time.
- Review findings carefully and decide whether to proceed, negotiate, or use available contingency rights.
- Respond promptly to lender, title, insurance, and real-estate requests.
4. Prepare to close
- Do not open new credit or make major financial changes without consulting the lender.
- Confirm homeowners insurance, final loan conditions, title work, and required funds.
- Review closing documents and ask questions before signing day.
- Complete the final walkthrough and verify agreed-upon items.
- Arrange utilities, moving, address changes, and secure transfer of keys or access devices.
5. Move in wisely
- Change locks or access codes and test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms.
- Locate the main water shutoff, electrical panel, gas shutoff, and fire extinguisher.
- Keep inspection reports, warranties, receipts, manuals, and contractor records together.
- Create a seasonal maintenance calendar for filters, gutters, exterior checks, heating, cooling, and winter preparation.
- Address safety and moisture concerns first, then prioritize improvements.
This educational checklist is not legal, lending, tax, insurance, inspection, or construction advice. Requirements vary by property and transaction. Confirm current facts and deadlines with the appropriate licensed professional or official source. Equal Housing Opportunity.