First Home: What To Look For When Buying Your

Ask how old it is. If it’s over 15–20 years, you’re looking at a major expense soon.

To help you keep your head on straight, here is exactly what you should be looking for before you sign on the dotted line. 1. The "Big Three" Essentials what to look for when buying your first home

Don't fall in love with a house until the inspection is done. Stay clinical, stay patient, and remember: Ask how old it is

You can change a "hideous" carpet or "ugly" wallpaper in a weekend. You cannot easily move a kitchen to the other side of the house. Look past the staging and focus on the flow. Does the floor plan actually work for your daily life? 3. The Neighborhood Vibe You cannot easily move a kitchen to the

Some neighborhoods charge hundreds a month for "amenities" you might not even use. The Bottom Line

Before you worry about paint colors, check the bones. These are the expensive items that can break a budget: