Pre-Approval: Sellers will be much more receptive to potential buyers who have been pre-approved. You'll also avoid being disappointed by not going after homes that are out of your price range. With pre-approval, the buyer actually applies for a mortgage and receives a commitment in writing from a lender. This way, assuming the home you're interested in is at or under the amount you are pre-approved for, the seller knows immediately that you are a serious buyer for that property. Types of Mortgage Loans

List of Needs & Wants: Make two lists. The first should include items you must have (i.e., the number of bedrooms you need for the size of your family, a one-story house if accessibility is a factor, etc.). The second list is your wishes, things you would like to have (pool, den, etc.) but that are not absolutely necessary. Realistically for first-time buyers, you probably will not get everything on your wish list, but it will keep you on track for what you are looking for.

Representation by a Professional: Contact a real estate professional to assist you in the home buying process, i.e, the home search, offers, counter-offers & negotiations, inspections, closing process, etc. - one who is working for YOU, the buyer, not the seller! As a buyer, professional representation costs you nothing, so there's simply no reason not to have it. It can save you thousands of dollars, time, and potential headaches in the long run. Also, an agent has access to more information about homes for sale than you can obtain on your own. In addition, your realtor may know of homes for sale which are not listed on the MLS (multiple listing service).

Location: Look at a potential property as if you are the seller. Would a prospective buyer find it attractive based on school district, crime rate, proximity to positive (shopping, parks, freeway access) and negative (abandoned properties, garbage dump, source of noise) features of the area?

Visualize the house empty & with your decor: Are the rooms laid out to fit your needs? Is there enough light?

Be Objective: Instead of thinking with your heart when you find a home, think with your head. Does this home meet your needs? There are many houses on the market, so don't make a hurried decision that you may regret later.

Be Thorough: A few extra dollars well spent now may save you big expenses in the long run. Don't forget such essentials as:

• Include inspection & financing contingencies in your written offer.

• Have the property inspected by a professional inspector.

• Request a second walk-through to take place within 24 hours of closing. You want to check to see that requested repairs, if any, have been made, and also no changes have been made that were not agreed on (i.e., a nice chandelier that you assumed came with the sale replaced by a cheap ceiling light.)

All the above may seem rather overwhelming. That is why having a professional represent you and keep track of all the details for you is strongly recommended. Please email me or call me directly to discuss any of these matters in further detail; or to provide me with your specific criteria and let me do the work of house hunting for you.

Read some of my free reports on the home buying process!

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