There are so many things to consider as you prepare to start your home buying process. Here are a few things to keep in mind ahead of meeting with your agent. If you don’t have an agent yet, feel free to contact me for a free consultation.

Know that there’s no “right” time to buy.

If you find the perfect home now, don’t risk losing it because you’re trying to guess where the housing market and interest rates are going. Those factors usually don’t change fast enough to make a difference in an individual home’s price.

Don’t ask for too many opinions.

It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the wants and needs of the people who will actually be living in the home. If you’re still not sure whether now is the right time for you to buy, contact me to schedule a free consultation where we can go over your goals, needs, and timeline to identify all possible options.

Accept that no house is ever perfect.

If it’s in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go. Also, accept that a little buyer’s remorse is inevitable and will most likely pass. Haven’t figured out the best location yet? Check out my neighborhoods page to learn more about the different Los Angeles communities.

Don’t try to be a killer negotiator.

Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price or refusing to budge may cost you the home you love. The home buying process is already stressful enough so leave it to me to fight for your interests and ensure you get your dream home at the best price. Don’t just take it from me, visit my testimonials page to hear from my previous clients about their experiences.

Remember your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum.

Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself that you forget about important issues such as noise level, access to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life. Interested in what kinds of active home listings meet your criteria? Fill out my homebuyer wishlist form and I’ll send over a list of homes that could be a great fit.

Plan ahead.

Don’t wait until you’ve found a home to get approved for a mortgage, investigate insurance, or consider a moving schedule. Being prepared will make your bid more attractive to sellers.

Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation.

A home is still considered a great investment, but its most important role is as a comfortable, safe place to live.

Feel free to contact me so I can walk you through the home buying process, show you a few listings that match your criteria, and answer any other questions you may have!

Some of this content was generated by the National Association of Realtors.