12 Questions (A conservative approach to buying a home during a recession)

By Michael Hughes January 30, 2010

Make sure your finances are in order.

• Do I have a solid finances and/or Job?
• Do I have solid credit and a great FICO score?
• Do I have a decent down payment or cash?

Buy for living, not investing:

• Am I buying this because I want to live in it and enjoy it?
• Am I going to be okay if the market declines further?
• Am I planning on staying here for a long time?

Buy conservatively:

• Am I going to go over 35% of my collective gross monthly income?
• Will this feel like a struggle?

Still a buyers market:

• What concessions are most important to me? (closing costs, homebuyer warranty, credit for an inspection item, etc.)
• Am I asking too much potentially alienating the seller?

Look at Foreclosures:

• Would I be willing to consider a foreclosure?
• Do I know an experienced foreclosure Realtor?

If you have questions or need help with a real estate transaction I can help.  Give me a call at 303-359-6627 or visit my website.