TIPS FOR BUYERS    So you decided to look for a new place to live or you are relocating because of your job. Let's start at the very beginning research the community, schools, transportation, recreation, shopping and medical facilities. A - MAKE A LIST    Everyone has a favorite looking house. On a sheet of paper write down what you want your house to look like and a list of features that you want included in your new home. Your list will change as you look at homes. One thing is for sure you will compromise on some of those features however, others will still remain a priority. How much do you feel comfortable paying for a new home? How will you finance your new purchase? Do you need to sell to buy?      And finally get a pre-approval from a mortgage broker. He or she will need to ask questions about your finances. This process will help you determine the amount you can pay for a new home. Today, seller's want to know that a prospective buyer has the financial means to purchase their home before they enter into negotiations. B - THE REAL ESTATE AGENT   The next step in the process should be locating a realtor that you can work with. Finding the right Realtor is much like a job interview. Have a frank discussion and let the agent know your needs and expectations. Are they possible? Let them educate you. Today computers allow you to visit a home, townhouse, condo or coop before you even step inside.   Give your agent the MLS numbers of listings you define as possibilities. I add to my clients list homes that I believe might be suitable based upon their criteria. Your initial meeting with your Realtor will begin with the agent reviewing disclosure forms with you. They define your working relationship. Do you want your agent to work for you as a buyers broker or an agent of the seller? Ask questions and read the forms for yourself.   So, you begin your tour. He or she pulls up to a house and you do not want to go inside. Remember you can't judge a book by it's cover. I have been amazed by customers that have actually disliked the outside of a home yet when they looked inside they fell in love. The opposite is also true. The one thing that experience has taught me is that sometimes the unexpected happens.    The moral is remain open at least when you begin your search. I always supply my clients with listing sheets of the homes they are about to tour. The listing sheet is a great place to note your likes and dislikes. Can you envision yourself living is the space? Ask questions, the more you know the better. Drive around the whole area where the listing is located. An experienced real estate agent makes learning about the community and the home buying process easier. C- Making an Offer To Purchase   You really like one of the homes you view. When you arrive back at the realtor's office take a few minutes to talk about the property. If you have any questions that relate to the home, ask her to call the listing broker and get the answers. Finally, ask your agent to supply you with comparables that have recently sold in the immediate neighborhood.   Comparable homes should be the same square footage, style, amenities and neighborhoods. Make another appointment for you to view the property again. A second visit will help you determine if you really want to move forward and bid on the property. I would like to make one suggestion always view property in daylight. Your written offer will include the following elements: The purchase price The down payment due at contract signing The amount you intend to mortgage Contingencies -inspection, mortgage are examples A list of inclusions The closing date Your attorney's name, phone and fax   The offer should present you to be the best purchaser for the property. A copy of your pre-approval will be attached at this time. Your offer will either be accepted or maybe the seller will begin to negotiate some of the terms. When entering into negotiations be aware that compromise is the word of the day. Successful negotiations result when both the buyer and seller feel happy with the deal. The offer is accepted, the lawyers have an initial conversation and the home inspection is scheduled. I can't stress the next thought enough, walk through the house with the inspector. He will point out items that may need repair and discuss useful life of important systems such as heating, air-conditioning units, appliances, roof and other good stuff.   An inspector's report is important, it should tell you everything you want to know about the home you are purchasing. Should something on the report be of concern to you the seller may repair the condition. That could be a point of further negotiation. The seller's attorney prepares the contract and your attorney reviews the document. He may ask for changes in the contract. When your attorney is comfortable with the wording of the document you will meet with him to review the contract. You will sign the contract of sale and give him a check for the down payment at that meeting.   Your attorney will send your down payment and the signed contract on to the seller's attorney. The seller will sign the contract and his attorney will send a fully executed contract back to your attorney. You need at least one original to be attached to your mortgage application. If you are making multiple applications you need an original executed contract for each application. Your real estate agent will be contacted by the lender to set-up and accompany the appraiser to the home that is under contract. D - The deed is almost done Preclosing - Closing   Congratulations, the bank approved you loan! When the closing date is almost a reality, your attorney will set the closing date. Your real estate agent will accompany you to walk thru your new home (not more than twenty-four hours before closing). During this walk-thru check and see if the home is in the same condition as when you had your inspector there. I encourage you to turn on the oven, air-conditioning, heating system, run the water and anything else you need for a final look before your purchase is completed.   Your attorney will advise you as to what checks you need to complete your purchase. Also, you usually need 5% - 7% of the mortgage amount for additional fees (Escrow for taxes and title insurance are some examples). At the closing you will have to show the bank proof of homeowners insurance. Also bring your driver's license for proof of identity. You attend the closing, checks in hand with your attorney. After an endless amount of papers are passed around the table and your checks are distributed to the seller you shake the hand of the seller and his attorney. Now the Deed is done. E - Epilogue   Congratulations on the purchase of your new home! Now you need to call the telephone company, electric and oil suppliers, the cable company and any other service you need. I hope that I have outlined the important points of the process of home buying and I wish you the best of luck with your new adventure!