Checklist for Homebuyers
When buying a home, there are many important factors to consider. In addition to the location and size of the property, you’ll also need to think about other things like your budget and any special features you might want in your new home. But even with all these considerations, it’s easy to make mistakes when buying a home. Here are 14 of the most common mistakes people make when purchasing a property.
- Mortgage - Knowing your financial situation - Before you start looking at homes, it’s essential to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you an idea of how much you can afford to spend on a property and help you narrow down your search.
- Down payment – What is the down payment amount - To get a good mortgage, most lenders will require that you put down a certain percentage (e.g., 10% -20%) of the purchase price as a down payment. Make sure you have enough to make a down payment, or else you won’t be able to get the home loan you need.
- Other Expenses – Numbers count. In addition to your mortgage payments, many additional ongoing costs come with homeownership, such as property taxes, maintenance, and repairs, homeowners’ insurance, etc. It’s important to factor these expenses into your budget to avoid being caught off guard.
- Community & Neighborhood – Check them out. Overlooking what neighborhood you want to live in. There are many things to think about before buying a home. Before you start your search, you also need to think about the surrounding neighborhood. Do your research on things like the crime rate, schools in the area, and the overall quality of life to make sure you’re moving into a place that you’ll be happy with.
- Inspections – Need to know. Know what you are buying - It’s essential to have a professional inspect the property for any hidden damage or potential problems. This can save you from many headaches – and expenses – down the road. If you are thing about it, very likely you should do it!
- Residential Purchase Agreement – Yes, you need to read it. The contract seems long - Buying a home comes with much paperwork, so make sure that you take the time to read through everything carefully. Be sure to ask any questions you might have about the terms of your mortgage or any other agreements so that you fully understand what you’re signing.
- Appraisal – The Peddle meets the metal. Skipping the home appraisal - In addition to a home inspection, you should also get a professional appraisal of the property’s value. This will ensure that you’re not paying more than the fair market value for the home.
- Negotiate – Let's make a deal. The price you see listed on a home is not necessarily set in stone. In this market, many sellers are expect more for the home even though we are in a balance real estate market. Nevertheless, there may be some wiggle room when it comes to negotiation, so don’t be afraid to try and get a better deal.
- Check yourself – Feeling emotional; sometimes you may want to step back - When buying a home, it’s important to stay level-headed and avoid making any hasty, emotional decisions. After all, this is a major financial investment, so you need to be sure that you’re doing it for the right reasons.
- More Money – Always. Do you have any reserves? When you own a home, it’s essential to set aside some money each month for unexpected repairs and maintenance costs. So, even if everything is going smoothly at the moment, make sure you have some money set aside in case something goes wrong down the road.
- Planning – I don't have a crystal ball. It’s important to think about your long-term plans when buying a home. If you think you might want to move within the next few years, for example, you might want to opt for a more flexible home loan or include a clause in your purchase contract that allows you to back out if you need to.
- Insurance – Homeowners’ insurance, is it a must. Homeowners’ insurance is an important safeguard against the potential risks associated with owning a home, so make sure you have adequate coverage. This will help protect you financially if something happens to your property.
- Time Close – Let Close the deal or not . When comes to closing escrow and recording the home as yours, it’s important to make sure that you have everything lined up and ready to go! This includes having your down payment funds in place, as well as getting all of your paperwork in order. Beware, if there are any last-minute issues or conditions from the lender preventing you from closing on your home, you could end up losing your deposit.
- Representation – Get the Best. Look for an agent who actually has track record of success. Who knows the ropes. It is always a good ideal to interview them first, check their reviews/references, see them action, find out they have knowledge base in your area you're looking to buy in, make sure they have excellent reputation and rapport with other agents; this big difference in helping in closing the deal, plus know if they have very good in follow up and follow through skills including verbal and writing, and make sure they are not too sale-ish, you’ll find out. They should also be able to advise you on things like the best time to buy, what kind of homes are available, and how to get the best deal.
Buying a home is exciting and daunting at the same time and requires careful planning and consideration. There are some important points to keep in mind before deciding to buy a home – very likely the biggest purchase you have ever undertaken. The Tessellation checklist is your guide from creating a budget and to researching neighborhoods. It's the key to understanding your must-haves and staying well-informed and organized while searching for your ideal home, regardless of its size.
Speaking honestly; even with all this good information right at your fingertips, it can still feel overwhelming. That's where Tessellation Real Estate comes in – my team of experienced professionals is here to guide you every step of the way. With our extensive knowledge of the housing market and dedication to finding your dream home, we are committed to making this journey as smooth as possible for you.
So, whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to upgrade to your forever home, look no further than Tessellation Real Estate for all your real estate needs. Experience the ‘Best. I would invite you to visit Tessellation Real Estate website, Tessellation.homes or follow us on social media or call/text me, Tess at 925.856-4292 to learn more about our services and how I can help you find your perfect home, sweet home!
