You’ve decided that you’re finally ready to take that next step in the home buying process. Here are a few things you should do that will make the process that much easier for you and your agent.
Talk to mortgage brokers.
Many first-time home buyers don’t take the time to get prequalified. They also often don’t take the time to shop around to find the best mortgage for their particular situation. It’s important to ask plenty of questions and make sure you understand the home loan process completely.
Be ready to move.
This is especially true in markets with a low inventory of homes for sale. It’s very common for home buyers to miss out on the first home they wish to purchase because they don’t act quickly enough. By the time they’ve made their decision, they may find that someone else has already purchased the house.
Find a trusted partner.
It’s absolutely vital that you find a real estate professional who understands your goals and who is ready and able to guide you through the home buying process. As your agent, my biggest priorities are being there for you every step of the way and to have your interests and needs at the center of everything I do. Contact me to learn more about how I can help you find your dream home.
Make a good offer.
Remember that your offer is very unlikely to be the only one on the table. Do what you can to ensure it’s appealing to a seller. I will be sure to give you all the information you would need to trust that we are negotiating the best possible price. It’s also worth noting that sometimes, the potential buyer and seller can’t come to an agreement. If this happens, I will already have a list of new homes for us to look at to find that perfect fit.
Factor maintenance and repair costs into your buying budget.
Even brand-new homes will require some work. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate. Before closing, we’ll have a professional home inspector walk through the house in an effort to find any potential issues that can either be negotiated into the sale of the home or we can coordinate with trusted specialists that will fix the issues after closing. Either way, maintenance issues are bound to come about after you move in and should be budgeted for accordingly.
Think ahead.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in your present needs, but you should also think about reselling the home before you buy. In fact, sellers typically lived in their home for 10 years before selling according to the National Association of REALTORS 2022 Profile of Home Buyer and Sellers. There is a lot that goes into determining a home’s value and these elements change over time. If you partner with me, I can make sure the home you’re interested in has all the key elements that retain value over time.
Develop your home/neighborhood wish list.
Prioritize these items from most important to least. Looking to see what kinds of homes match your wishlist? Fill out my homebuyer wish list form or contact me to receive a list of active homes on the market that meet your needs.
Select where you want to live.
Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you’d like to live in, taking into account nearby schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety. Want to learn more about the Los Angeles neighborhoods? Visit my neighborhoods page to discover local schools, shopping and dining amenities, and more for each community.
Ready to start touring homes? Contact me to schedule a consultation where I’ll show you available listings that meet your needs, walk you through the process, and answer any other questions you may have.
Some of this content was generated by the National Association of Realtors.
