You’ve decided to buy a new home. Now what? Here is everything you need to know about searching for your next home or real estate investment in Orange County!
First of all… Discovering the right home should be an exciting event. As your Realtor, my commitment is to make your home search as stress-free and efficient for you as possible. Remember, the seller is paying for my fee even though I represent you!
Here are some tips that will help you know what you can expect, as well as what is expected of you!
Step 1. Get Pre-Approved! Identifying up front what is affordable will save time and frustration in the home finding process. It is important to consider the financing options available and to begin the mortgage pre-approval process as soon as possible.
Tip: Examine your finances, keeping in mind current and future expenses, and don’t exceed your means. It’s smarter to buy a home you can easily afford than one you have to stretch to get into.
Step 2. Set Your Priorities. We sit down and talk about your lifestyle and the needs of your family. By going over my special home-buyers questionnaire we will narrow down your criteria, as well as possible neighborhoods.
Tip: Visiting Open Houses without your Realtor? Be sure to let the agent at the Open House know that you are working with a Realtor. Most of the time the agent holding Open House is not the listing agent and he/she is there to meet new buyers.
Step 3. Touring Homes And Neighborhoods. From the multitude of properties currently on the market, I will select those that most closely meet your unique needs. Together we will choose homes to tour, and I will arrange for showing appointments with sellers and their brokers.
Tip: It is best to preview only a few homes at a time! I generally recommend no more than 4 or 5 homes at a time. Most people will seriously look at between 6 to 10 homes before finding the one the right one.
Step 4: Give Feedback. In order to help me find the right home for you, I will ask you to tell me your thoughts about each property you see —the positives and the negatives. As we continue to assess your needs, and you may find that your criteria have changed. This is completely normal! The more homes we look at, the better you will know what you do and do not like.
Tip: Aim for a home that can adapt to your needs as your life changes, say, if you have a new baby, or if Junior is moving out for college.
Step 5: Falling In Love. When you tour a great home for the first time, the excitement can make it difficult to focus on … well, anything at all. Have you walked through? Then go back to the beginning and start again. This time, pull out your clipboard and pen and take your time. Look more closely at the ceilings, walls, floors, trim, windows, exterior, roof and under the sinks,…
Tip: Open the closets and cupboards. Proper storage is really important. Note the number and size of cupboards and closets throughout the house, and don’t be afraid to peek inside!
Step 6: Envision How You Would Use The Spaces. Just because the second bedroom is currently set up for guests doesn’t mean you can’t use it as an office, a home gym or a nursery. Paint colors, trims and window treatments can be swapped out, so use your imagination.
Tip: Ask to take photos (or even a video). It’s amazing how quickly memory fades. Make sure you have backup by creating a floor plan -it will really give you a full picture of what the house looks like.
Step 7: Make An Offer. This is one of the most important parts of the purchasing process. Together we will look at recent sales activity and discuss the different offer strategies, in order to come to the best price!
Tip: You will want your agent to negotiate the best price and terms for you, which is why it is so important to have your own real estate agent. Thinking of making an offer directly through the listing agent? Remember that the listing agent’s first duty is to get the seller the best price for the property, not the buyer.
About Jaleesa Peluso, Orange County Real Estate Agent
Jaleesa and her real estate team specialize in South Orange County homes and neighborhoods, including: Dana Point, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach and San Clemente. Thinking of making a move in South Orange County? Call us now at (949)395-0960!