Are you ready to buy a Central California home this spring or summer? Are you ready to buy your first home ever? Now is the time to switch from renter to homeowner! Rents are increasing at a faster pace than home prices, and mortgage rates are still historically low. Now is a great time to make the switch to homeownership in Central California.

As your Central California real estate agent, I want to help you understand the important steps of the home-buying process. While there are numerous small steps along the journey, it’s important to at least understand the big steps before starting out. Here’s a summary of the five biggest steps, according to Yahoo Homes:

1.  Find the right Central California real estate agent. Remember all those small steps I mentioned? Having an agent helps you stay on track with the whole home-buying process so you don’t leave anything out. Working with the right agent also ensures that you’ll see all the homes in your price range, with the features you desire, and you have a professional to negotiate on your side and to help you make decisions from a neutral standpoint.

2.  Find the right lender. Many Central California homebuyers don’t shop around for a mortgage, but it’s ideal to meet with numerous lenders until you find the one with the best rates and offers. When considering lenders, consider interest rates, points and additional costs you’ll have to pay at closing. Also consider how busy the lender is with other clients. As a Central California real estate agent, I can make some suggestions!

3.  Get preapproved. Once you choose the lender that you’re going to work with, get preapproved for a mortgage. Central California home sellers want to work with a buyer who has proof that they can afford the home. Most sellers will require a preapproval letter with your written offer. Plus, it’s helpful for you and me to know what you can afford, so you don’t fall in love with any Central California homes outside of your price range.

4.  Search for homes. It’s smart to search online and in person. This is the fun part! Keep in mind what you can afford and what features are most important to you, and then with the help of your Central California real estate agent, you can check out listings online and visit homes in person. When choosing a home, don’t forget to research the neighborhood, community, schools, public transportation and local attractions as well.

5.  Make an offer. Once you find the home of your dreams, get ready to make an offer and to act fast if it’s accepted! As your Central California real estate agent, I can help you draft the letter and come up with an offer price. This is also where you would mention any contingencies you want to include, and state what your earnest deposit will be.

6.  Close! You’ll need to provide important documents, and you’ll need a certified or cashier’s check the day of the closing. There will also be lots of documents to be signed, which your lender and agent will help you with. Once that’s all done, the Central California home is yours!

As you can see, there is a lot involved in buying a Central California home. After all, it may be the biggest investment you ever make! When you’re ready to get started, contact me, your Central California real estate agent. I’ll lead you through the process as smoothly as possible!

From Grace Borzini
grace@oakshoresrealty.com