Being prepared for a successful home purchase

Below are some useful tips you should consider when you begin the process of purchasing a home.

1 - If you are thinking of purchasing a home, start thinking about your credit. Don't make any new, large purchases with credit which would cause your debt to income ratio be too large to allow you to borrow for your new home.

2 - Speak to a Lender even before looking for a property. This step is usually over-looked by many buyers who think they know what price range they can afford.  Speaking with a Lender before you start looking, will allow you to look in the correct price range.

3 - Getting "pre-approved" by a Lender is very important in this current market.  Since it is harder to get a Loan these days, sellers and real estate listing agents want to know that you have actually been approved by a Lender to buy the home you are looking at and/or writing an offer on.

4 - If you plan to remain in your new home for any length of time, consider "buying down" your interest rate. Speak to a Lender about what interest rate you can afford.

5 - Listen to your real estate agent's advice about how quickly the market is moving. If it is common that there are multiple offers on most homes being sold, then why write an offer that is below the asking price?  Your real estate agent should provide you with a list of comparables, showing how long properties stayed on the market "for sale" and if they finally "sold" over the asking price.  Such information will help you decide what kind of offer you should write.  Remember, your real estate agent is on your side, and is out to help you purchase the home of your choice.

Should you need help in finding a home to purchase in the Santa Clarita Valley,
feel free to call my cell or contact me "Leaving A Comment" section below.

LeeAnn Bell ... 661-309-2364
DRE License #01260650

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LeeAnn Bell
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