If It’s Your First Time Buying A Home, Read On
First time home buyers don't fret. With the right mindset and understanding, buying real estate for the first time can be a wonderful experience . B...
First time home buyers don’t fret. With the right mindset and understanding, buying real estate for the first time can be a wonderful experience . By understanding a few basic principles of what to expect, you will give yourself the edge you need to so you have no regrets making that big home purchase.
1) Contact a Realtor. There are a lot of real estate agents out there, but what you’re looking for is a Realtor that specializes in working with buyers. A Realtor is different than a real estate agent in that they have certain guidelines and codes of ethics that may not apply to just real estate agents. You may not want to call the listing agent for a property you’re interested in. Remember that they have the seller’s interest in mind, not yours.
2) Get pre-approved. It is very difficult to start your search without knowing your purchasing power. This is affected by your income, your credit score, down payment, and loan programs that are available to you. It’s a good idea to work with a direct underwriter that understands your budget and your goals.
3) Know What You Need. Do you know what you need versus what you would just like to have. Your wants and needs are important to consider when looking at real estate. It is very easy to lured in by your wants and forget what you really need. Some of your needs may be proximity to work, certain number of bedrooms or baths or being in a specific school district. Common wants would be granite counter tops, pool, stainless steel appliances. It’s possible to change your wants over time, but your needs should be your primary focus.
4) Understand real estate in the neighborhoods you’re looking. Real estate is like the weather, it is very different throughout the nation, or even throughout a county. Having a good grasp of what type of market you’re in will give you an advantage in negotiating and getting your ideal home. There are certain markets in San Diego County that are experiencing a seller’s market. This means that there are more qualified buyers looking for properties than there are homes for sale within their market segment. When you’re in a seller’s market you will most likely have competition when you make an offer. It’s good to know this beforehand so you don’t miss out on what could be your ideal home.
5) Focus on your location. Location is the most important factor in purchasing a home. You probably knew that already, but remember it next time you are wooed by the granite countertops, the stainless steel and the extra 1,000 square feet. You can upgrade your home but you can’t upgrade the location of your home.
6) Make an offer and discuss negotiation strategy with your agent. Talk with your real estate consultant about your motivation to purchase a specific home. There are some properties that are not worth losing for what would be a small savings that is negligible in the long run. Your negotiation strategy should be based on your motivation so you get what you want, in the time you want. Have your agent be proportionately aggressive to how willing you are to lose the home.
7) Caveat Emptor, Buyer Beware. Always do your due diligence to make sure you know what you’re buying. Hire a home inspector to do a physical inspection of your property, and follow his recommendations for any further evaluation of the home. Regardless of how handy you may be or how much money you want to save, get a home inspection.
Time to move. This is what you’ve been waiting for. You are now a home owner, master of your domain, and you don’t have a landlord. It’s time to enjoy being a home owner and all of the benefits that come with it.
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