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Steps to Being a Prepared Home Buyer
Step 1: Get Pre-Approved
The first step in preparing to buy a home is to get pre-approved.
In selecting a loan officer, look for years of experience doing this full time. Time for the bank to complete the appraisal, time to complete initial underwriting, time to close escrow and their rate and fees for the loan program you are interested in.
Give us a call and we can refer you to experienced competent & competitive lenders.
Learn about:
Step 2: Prepare to Write a Winning Offer
(1) Understand why you are buying, and what you are looking for.
(2) Review with your agent neighborhoods where you think you'll find properties based on your criteria.
(3) Discuss current market conditions with your agent.
What's available to buy (Regular resales, REO- Bank owned, Short-Sales, Investor Flips, Probate)
Learn about recent transactions in area to understand how competitive the neighborhood is.
(4) Review a purchase contract and disclosures for any property in advance to gain familiarity.
Learn about what are the 3 big contingencies and how to get comfortable removing them.
Learn how to read disclosures efficiently.
(5) How we'll be working together.
on Alerts
at Appointments to See Properties
at Open Houses
Reviewing Comparative Market Analysis
Writing and Signing offers
Acceptance
Inspections
Appraisal
Post Closing help with Contractors
Step 3: Understand Neighborhoods
Neighborhood Demographics
Natural Hazards Reports
(Earthquake faults, Liquefaction, landslides)
City Permits
Crime Maps
Gas Pipelines
HOAs
Negotiation Advice
You already know your requirements, now before bidding always try to understand the seller's need. Do they prefer a fast close, a 30 day close or longer close? Do the sellers need to rentback until their new place is ready to move in? Are they interested in leaving behind some furniture? What items are specifically not included (curtains, a built-in shelf, ...). Are they doing a 1031 exchange.
In a Seller's Market
You'll have to decide, between giving the best offer upfront or if a second chance will be given to give it later. Where multiple bids are being presented, it's best to understand the seller's needs and wants, and present an offer that encompasses their overall objectives, to the extent you can.
In a Buyer's Market
Here a little back and forth probably won't hurt you, but again you need to know what the seller really wants and where they are willing to give.
Informative Regulatory Disclosure Pamphlets
Federal law and laws in many states mandate that sellers and landlords provide buyers and renters with booklets explaining various types of household hazards ranging from mold and asbestos to environmental and earthquake safety. Download these government booklets for FREE from the links below!
HOMEOWNERS GUIDE TO EARTHQUAKE SAFETY (2020 Edition)
California Seismic Safety Commission
ENGLISHRESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: Guide for Homeowners, Homebuyers, Landlords and Tenants (2011 Edition)
California E.P.A. & Department of Health Services
ENGLISH
A BRIEF GUIDE TO MOLD, MOISTURE, AND YOUR HOME (2012 Edition)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ENGLISH
PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM LEAD IN THE HOME (2021 Edition)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ENGLISH
CONSUMER'S GUIDE TO RADON REDUCTION (2016 Edition)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ENGLISH
HOME ENERGY RATING SYSTEM BOOKLET (2011 Updated Edition)
ENGLISH