Even though you think you have found the perfect home, it’s best to look at the overall picture and confirm you haven’t overlooked anything that could be a deal breaker. When purchasing Arizona real estate, here are 5 questions you should examine before taking the plunge:

1. Do I Qualify For The Loan?

Many new houseowners will fall head over heels for a home, and then found they don’t qualify for the loan to buy. Before looking at Arizona homes, speak with a mortgage broker FIRST and find out how much your initial payment will be, the amount needed for closing costs and what type of home you are qualified to purchase. Just know about how much you qualify for from the get-go allows you to focus on homes in your price range and it makes you more appealing to the seller.

2. Is this the right community for me?

Researching particular community before looking at Arizona real estate is essential in the home buying process. Examining in-depth neighborhood profiles can be done online or by an experienced Arizona realtor. Factors to consider are property taxes, commute time for work and school, culture, crime rates and the amount of foreclosures in the community. It won’t matter how much you love a home, if the neighborhood doesn’t meet your quality of life expectations.

3.Can I afford it?

You shall be qualified for the loan and can pay the mortgage, but there are other expenses that sometimes first-time houseowners fail to consider. Details you should analyze include:

• price fluctuations with property taxes
• monthly utility costs
• condo or homeowners association dues

Failure to account for additional expenses can break the bank if you don’t plan for them.

4.Will my furniture fit?

There is nothing more disappointing that moving into a new home and discovering that your sofa is too big for the living room or your bedroom furniture won’t fit. When looking at Arizona real estate, always bring a tape measure and get the dimensions for each room. Comparing square footage and visualizing how your furnishings will look in a space may keep you from spending money on new furniture that wasn’t in the budget.

5.Are there any costly problems with the home?

It’s extremely important for homeowners to have a home inspection before the close of the sale. Many homeowners let emotions override sensibility and miss infrastructure problems that can cause potential heartache in the long run. If the inspector finds issues such as poor wiring, weak foundation, mold or termite damage, negotiate with the seller to see if they will fix the problems. If not, it’s probably wise to say goodbye and keep looking.