A skilled real estate agent, or realtor, can be very helpful when it comes to home buying. They know the market. They have access to the most up-to-date listings. They understand the different pieces of the process. 

And they know the various signs of both good and bad houses. 

They are professional home buyers, and with one at your side, you can efficiently find the perfect home for you and your family. 

But Before You Talk to a Realtor… 

There are a few things you can do on your own. You certainly don’t have to do any of these things before talking to an agent. A good real estate agent can guide you through the process from start to finish regardless of your previous planning. 

For those who want the smoothest path to success, however, give some thought to the following. 

What’s Your Budget? 

When it comes to home buying, you shouldn’t look at the budget as “we can afford a $300,000 home”. Instead, your budget is determined by what you can afford for a down payment and what you can make in monthly mortgage payments. 

Assuming you’re taking out a mortgage, remember that you’ll likely be paying this amount for the foreseeable future. Make you’re able to maintain it, while also budgeting for the occasional maintenance, repairs, and upkeep around the house. 

In addition to the down payment, you’ll also want to set aside money for closing costs. 

What’s Your Credit Like? 

For some, checking into their credit can be very scary. But knowing this beforehand can be helpful for you and your real estate agent. Based on your credit, you agent can give a rough idea of what type of mortgage you may be able to secure. This in turn will help to filter your home-searching right from the start. 

What are Your Deal-Breakers? 

There’s often a degree of compromise when it comes to buying a home. Maybe it’s letting go of that extra bedroom or living a few miles further from work than you were planning. Unless you have excessive amounts of money, you’ll probably give on some minor wants. 

On the other hand, there are likely some features that your house must have (or in other cases, must not have). It’s very helpful for realtors if these are listed out beforehand. That way, they won’t waste your time with homes that you’ll never go for. 

Choose a Realtor You Can Trust 

Don’t simply contact the first real estate agent you see. And don’t use someone just because they’re your coworker’s nephew. Instead, choose a realtor with a proven track record. At Metro San Diego Realty, our experience speaks for itself. We’ve helped countless people find the perfect piece of San Diego real estate. 

We’d love to do the same for you. Contact us today. 

Posted by Jason Coriano on
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