Questions to Ask Your Significant Other Before Deciding to Buy a Home

Buying a home can be stressful. Grab your beverage of choice and answer these 15 questions to get on the same page before starting the process.

This conversation should result in a clear action plan with agreed-upon priorities and timelines.

1. Why do we want to buy a home?
2. How much are we comfortable putting down as a down payment?
3. How much can you save per paycheck or month without falling behind on monthly expenses?
4. Do we want a new build or a pre-existing home?
5. What is our ideal price range, and how flexible are we? Use our Home Affordability Calculator to calculate a range of Home Prices.
6. What is our plan for financing? Check out the Mortgage Application Checklist to know what documents you need before applying.
7. Are there any delinquent accounts on your credit that would delay or disqualify us from being pre-approved?
8. Which three areas or neighborhoods are most appealing to us, and why? Consider school ratings and community amenities.
9. What three features are non-negotiable in our new home (e.g., number of bedrooms, yard, garage)?
10. What is our ideal move-in timeline, and what factors influence it?
11. What type of home best suits our needs (e.g., single-family, condo, townhouse)?
12. How important is proximity to work, schools, or other amenities?
13. How will we divide responsibilities, like attending showings or communicating with the agent and lender?
14. What are our next steps to start saving for our down payment?
15. What is our plan if we face disagreements or compromises during the process?

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» NEXT: Learn what to expect when buying a home from beginning to end with our Free Comprehensive Home Buying Guide.