It’s easy to get caught up in all of the tiny things going on around you when buying a house, and lose sight of the bigger picture. Let’s go through 6 things homebuyers wish they knew before buying a home in Pasadena to help you keep your wits about you.
It Pays to Be Picky
Everyone thinks that their home search begins by going through the local listings and discovering what might fit their budget.
Sitting down and thinking about what you want and need out of your new house is a better way to get things started. Consider your daily routine, typical activities, and aesthetic preferences to help you make a detailed list of how you want your dream home to appear and function.
This list will help you understand which listings will work out better for you rather than trying to fit your life into a home that isn’t quite what you need.
Lay the Groundwork
Preparing your finances ahead of time will put you in the best position to get approved for a home loan through your chosen mortgage lender when buying a home in Pasadena.
Order your free annual credit report from each of the main credit reporting agencies and double-check each one for any errors. Make a formal request to get these inaccuracies corrected as soon as feasible.
The last thing you want to happen is a lender turning you down because they did a background check that turned up incorrect info.
Shop Around for Help
Instead of choosing an agent and a lender right away, meet with at least three of each. Take the time to explain your home’s unique features and strengths, as well as your homebuying objectives, to each of them.
Ask any questions you have of the agents and lenders, and judge their responses to determine if they seem really interested in assisting you to the best of their abilities. Ask an agent if they’re willing to negotiate their commission if you’re willing to go a step farther.
They may not get this question often, but it’s an entirely realistic question to ask. You may discover that their response leads you to a conclusion of if they are the right agent for you.
Inspections Could Save the Day
Depending on where you live, there could be few – if any – inspection requirements.
In any case, we strongly advise you to hire a professional home inspector to do a full home inspection. The inspection is an excellent opportunity to learn more about how the many utilities in a home operate together, as well as safety requirements that could help the home run more smoothly.
The inspector will also take a look at the condition of the entire home and advise on any repairs they think could be useful or even critical.
Be Assertive in Negotiations
Once your offer is being mulled over and negotiations are underway, don’t back down and feel you need to grovel in order to have the chance at buying a home in Pasadena.
When negotiating, it’s critical to be honest about your plans while also leaving some wiggle room. Maintain your position and fight to reach a compromise on contingencies, but don’t be so rigid that you don’t enable the seller to gain any progress.
Have a Plan B
The easiest way to handle the possibility of any real estate deal falling apart is to have a backup plan ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Always keep your backup house in mind as you pursue your more attractive possibilities, but don’t be afraid to walk away if things don’t seem to be going your way. Remember that you’re buying a house for your own use, and you should always strive to achieve your home-buying goals.
Help When Buying a Home in Pasadena
If you’re thinking about buying a home in Pasadena but need an experienced partner, contact us today at (713) 766-0442!