- Unless Paying Cash, Get Pre Approved. Get a pre approval letter from a reputable mortgage company, preferably local, so you know your limitations. If you have a trusted source, this is often a good first step. Carrie Sanford at Bay Area Funding is a knowledgeable loan broker we recommend (925) 788-1029.
- Online Searches. Most home buyers go online to search for homes. When doing searches, consider rounding high with your price range, and low with things like bedrooms, baths and home size. We can explain in more detail, but to share a few examples: Searching for 4 or more bedrooms may eliminate some good homes that are 3 bedrooms and an office. Lowering the minimum square feet may result in homes that feel larger due to the floor plan or ceiling height. Single story homes often feel larger than 2 or 3 story homes with the same square footage.
- Must Haves. The minimum number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square feet of living space and lot size are often examples of this. But consider some leeway if possible to potentially include homes that can be altered. We can help with this.
- Bonus Features. A garden, a pool, a new kitchen and hardwood floors are examples of parameters that can reduce the number of homes on a home search. Some items on the wish list can be done after moving in.
- Educate Yourself. Online searches are a good way to educate yourself to prices and neighborhoods. With street views you can see surrounding homes in the neighborhood. Utilize the satellite view to see home positioning and what it backs to. Check the list price per square foot for the home, and check the lot size as well.
- It’s Still Location, Location, Location. But what’s a good location? A home with a view….. but it has freeway noise? A home near a great school…..but it has school traffic? A great neighborhood…..but the home backs to a busy road? Imagine the location as a vacant lot. Would you choose that site to build a new home?
- Choosing the Right Home. This is one of the reasons to use us. It is not about how many homes we can recommend, it’s how many we won’t. We can be patient and so should you, but when it’s the right one, moving fast is key. Other buyers may discover the same home, but being prepared, such as having a loan pre-approval, a proof of funds document, and having reviewed the disclosures and reports can bring strength to an offer.