Happy holidays! I hope everyone is taking advantage of the new Patch Deck The House contest this season so we can win $100,000 for our local Moorpark schools. This could be such a wonderful thing for our community!
Now, on to business…One thing I wanted to communicate to prospective buyers this month is the importance of planning and being proactive when it comes to buying your dream home. Here are the top four reasons to start your search early.
1) Get in the know about local real estate trends - Interview and find a realtor you trust, perhaps a year or so out from your actual purchase date. Finding a trusted realtor is the first step and then the rest falls into place with their guidance on how to be ready when the opportunity presents itself. As you work with them, the real estate trends will start to emerge as you see more or less in your price range.
2) Start your discussion with a mortgage broker - Realtors have the best referrals and can get you in touch with their trusted team of professionals, such as matching your situation up with the right mortgage broker. It is very important to have the right broker, as they can either make or break a deal when it comes down to the wire during escrow.
3) Get your financial house in order - If there are some challenges to overcome with credit, perhaps from a past short sale, the realtor can point you in the right direction and help you with a plan to get you back on track. Your mortgage broker can also be very helpful with your planning and set you on a path to get you in the best position possible!
4) Don’t be afraid to get out there and pinpoint your favorite areas - Your realtor, while working with your mortgage broker, can determine your price range and start introducing you to areas that fall within those parameters. Start to tour these areas early and get to know the individual neighborhoods, either by driving through to see local listings or with your realtor, or perhaps even renting there first. This will help make sure you buy in the area right for you. And, don’t forget, a Realtor can help you with rentals too!
I hope this helps, and I wish you luck in starting your search in the new year!
