Make room for what's next.

Complicated situations

When the situation is complicated

You can start with a conversation, even if you do not know what comes next.

• Write down the decision you are facing and any dates you have been given.
• Make a list of the people already involved, such as an attorney, lender, or family representative.
• Note what you know about the property and what still needs to be confirmed.
• Keep legal notices and financial documents private. Ask about a suitable way to share them before sending.
• Bring your questions. Autumn can discuss the real estate side and help identify where a qualified professional is needed.

Investing

Questions for a potential investment

Use these prompts to prepare a conversation, not as a return forecast or investment recommendation.

• What do you want the property to do for you, and over what time period?
• Which costs and property records have you verified, and which are still estimates?
• Who would handle maintenance, management, and unexpected repairs?
• What questions will you take to a qualified tax, legal, or financial professional before making a decision?

Renting

Before you contact a property manager

A short list helps you keep your search focused on your everyday needs.

• Write down your preferred move date, locations, and essential features.
• List questions about the total monthly cost, deposits, application fees, and lease length.
• Ask about pets, parking, accessibility needs, and maintenance contact procedures that matter to you.
• Verify who you are dealing with before sending money or private documents.

Financing

Questions to bring to a lender

Curious about conventional loans or something described as “creative financing”? Start with clear questions. This is preparation, not a loan offer or advice to use a particular arrangement.

• What are the total upfront and ongoing costs, not just the advertised payment?
• Can the payment change? Is there a large payment due later?
• What eligibility requirements, deadlines, and conditions apply?
• Who holds title, what agreements would you sign, and who can independently review them?
• Ask a licensed lender to explain the options and provide written terms. Bring legal arrangements to a qualified attorney.

For independent education, see the CFPB guide to comparing loan offers.

Buying

Before you start looking

A little clarity now makes every walkthrough more useful.

• Write down three must-haves and three nice-to-haves. Include the everyday things: commute, stairs, storage, and space to work.
• List the neighborhoods you want to explore and the questions you have about each.
• Note your ideal move date and any lease or moving deadlines.
• Write down your financing questions and whether you already have a lender. Keep financial documents off public forms.
• Bring links to a few homes you like, and a note about what caught your eye.

Selling

Before your first seller conversation

No need to stage the house before we talk. Start with what you know.

• List recent updates, repairs, and anything you want Autumn to see during a walkthrough.
• Gather the home records you already have: appliance manuals, service dates, and renovation notes.
• Think through your next move, including whether you will also be buying.
• Write down your timing, showing preferences, and questions about pets or work-from-home schedules.
• Make a separate list of projects you are considering so you can discuss priorities before committing.

Moving

Keep the moving pieces together

One place for the details you don’t want to lose between homes.

• Keep a running list of moving dates, appointments, and the people to contact.
• Label boxes by room and write a short contents list for the ones you will need first.
• Set aside a first-night bag with chargers, toiletries, medications, and everyday essentials.
• Make a list of keys, remotes, manuals, and service contacts to organize before handoff.
• Note utility and address-change tasks, then confirm timing with the relevant providers.

A few things you may be wondering.