As an undeniable step in the traditional American dream, purchasing a home is something many hard-working professionals look forward to. In fact, according to research conducted by NerdWallet, 36 percent of citizens intend to fork over a down payment on a house and sign on the dotted line for a mortgage in the next five years, a figure that’s grown by 4 percent since 2017. But while the idea of having an address to truly call your own is a major milestone, it’s a process that few truly understand until, well, they’ve done it, with or without the help of a home buying checklist!
So what should you know?
You can’t put a price on a great realtor – With any industry, reading reviews and asking for recommendations is vital to finding a quality realtor.
You have to set financial limits yourself – It seems like a perk for being approved for a huge mortgage but that can actually be a downfall if first-time home buyers don’t manage their finances. After all, you don’t want to be stuck with a mortgage that, ultimately, you can’t afford.
You have to be prepared to move fast – The law in the Golden State dictates everything has to happen in a 30-day escrow window. “This means getting all inspections done the second our offer was accepted—appraisal, termite inspections, mold inspections, and foundation inspections—in addition to getting the mortgage officially approved.
If you see something, say something – Why is this so important? Once you sign those papers, these problems are now yours. And if you don’t want to fork over more cash when you move into your humble abode.
You have to be ready to walk away!!
You have to listen to your opinion above all others – Most of the time, family and friends have kind intentions, but once you sign on the dotted line for your mortgage, that’s it. It’s yours—and your responsibility.
Thank you for reading!
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JUDY HA
Blackrock Investments and Finance, Inc.
direct (951) 963-4023 | cell (626) 731-4485 |fax (626) 529-0850
email realtorjudyha@gmail.com | web www.realtorjudyha.com
CA DRE: 01884583