3 Secrets to Buying a Home

Buying Secret #1: Take A Drive 

Schedule time with your real estate agent to see multiple homes and neighborhoods. The most important part is pre planning and sharing as much as you can with your agent about what you're looking for in advance. Visiting neighborhoods, schools, parks and distance from freeways and the nearest grocery store are just as important. All of these can affect the value of your home as much as 20 percent.

Buying Secret #2: The Secret Science of Bidding

In a highly competitive market, you may find yourself bidding at asking price or higher. Of course we all want a good deal, however finding a home you love and building new memories has long term value. Check with your real estate agent about the market and compare what other homes have sold for and their average price per square foot. Many buyers think they should bid low the first time, however it may not be the wisest decision in a sellers market.

Buying Secret #3: Get Pre-Approved for Your Home Loan

There’s a big difference between a buyer being pre-qualified and a buyer who has a pre-approved mortgage. Anybody can get pre-qualified for a loan. Getting pre-approved means a lender has looked at your financial information and advise you on how much you can afford and how much they will lend. Being pre-approved will save you time and energy so you are not looking at houses you can't afford. It also gives you the opportunity to find the perfect home at a fair interest rate.