🏠 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Home

by Dorothy Cushshon

🏠 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Home

Let’s be real—buying a home isn’t just touring cute kitchens and posting “Just Closed!” selfies. It’s a serious decision… with a side of chaos. So before you start mentally placing your couch in every house on Zillow, ask yourself these 10 questions. And yes, we’re giving you some real talk under each one.

1. 💳 Is my credit in good shape?

Translation: Will a lender greet me with open arms—or run for the hills?

What to do if it’s looking “meh”:

Check your score (don’t worry, we all have a credit skeleton or two).
Pay down those cards—Target doesn’t need all your money.
Avoid new credit (yes, even that tempting couch financing offer).
Fix any errors on your report faster than a contractor cancels a 3pm appointment.

2. 💰 Do I have enough saved for a down payment and closing costs?

Translation: Can I afford the house and afford to get into it?

What to do if the savings are… sad:

Set a savings goal and actually stick to it (no, really).
Look into down payment assistance—free money does exist!
Pause the daily lattes (just kidding… sort of).
Budget like you’re saving for Beyoncé tickets and a mortgage.

3. 📉 Am I financially stable?

Translation: Do I cry every time I open my bank app?

What to do if it’s shaky:

Make sure your income is consistent, not “freelancer one week, ghost the next.”
Lower your debt-to-income ratio (aka stop swiping the Amex).
Build an emergency fund, because water heaters have zero chill.
If needed, pause and get your money game tight before you buy.

4. 📍 Do I plan to stay in this area for at least a few years?

Translation: Is this home a commitment… or just a fling?

What to do if you’re unsure:

Think long-term: job prospects, relationships, secret dreams of moving to Bali.
If you’re likely to bounce, maybe rent—or buy something with resale/rental value.
No shame in taking your time. (Commitment is scary. Ask my houseplants.)

5. 🧰 Am I ready for the responsibilities of homeownership?

Translation: Are you cool with becoming your own maintenance crew?

What to do to prep:

Watch a few YouTube repair videos (then call someone anyway).
Budget monthly for “oh no” moments—roof leaks, rogue raccoons, etc.
Consider a home warranty. Like health insurance, but for your fridge.
Practice: fix a leaky faucet now, feel like a superhero.

6. 📋 Have I spoken to a lender or gotten pre-approved?

Translation: Are you ready to know what you really qualify for (spoiler: probably not that mansion)?

What to do:

Talk to a lender before you go house-hunting with champagne dreams.
Get your docs together (pay stubs, taxes, bank stuff).
Shop rates—just like jeans, not every mortgage fits the same.
Bonus: pre-approval = seller respect. They know you’re not just window shopping.

7. 💼 Do I understand what I can realistically afford?

Translation: Can you handle the payment and still afford tacos?

What to do:

Know your full monthly cost (mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA + surprise).
Use a mortgage calculator and play with worst-case scenarios.
Set a “comfort” number, not your max limit.
Don’t let the bank tell you what you can afford—your Netflix habit should have a vote too.

8. 🏘️ Have I explored different neighborhoods?

Translation: Are you buying a house—or buying into a lifestyle?

What to do:

Visit areas at night. Some places change real quick after sunset.
Check commute times (that 5 miles might take 45 minutes).
Google school ratings, crime stats, pizza delivery zones—priorities, right?
Talk to the locals if you can. Or eavesdrop on them at Starbucks.

9. 🤝 Do I have a trusted real estate agent?

Translation: Who’s going to help you survive this emotional rollercoaster?

What to do:

Don’t just work with your cousin’s roommate’s sister.
Find an agent who listens to your needs, laughs at your jokes, and knows how to win!!!
Interview a few. We’re used to it.
Or… just call me. Problem solved. 😎

10. 🧠 Am I making this decision for the right reasons?

Translation: Are you buying a home—or running from your landlord (again)?

What to do to reflect:

Ask: Am I buying to build wealth, for stability, or just for fun? (Please don’t say “fun.”)
Journal it out. (Yes, that thing with a pen and paper.)
Talk to someone who knows you—and isn’t afraid to call you out.
Make sure your “why” is about you, not social pressure or FOMO.

💡 Final Thought:

Buying a home doesn’t require perfection—but it does require preparation. Whether you’re already scrolling Zillow every night or just daydreaming about a yard, knowing where you stand puts you in control.

And when you’re ready to level up from “just looking” to “just closed”—I’ll be here, no judgment, only keys. 🗝️

– Dorothy

“No Place like Home”