Central Coast California Real Estate » home ownership

Buying Central Coast California Real Estate – Part 2

Central Coast California Real Estate — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:23:21 +0000

In Part 1 we talked about your home being a lifestyle investment matching the qualities of the Central Coast California real estate market. We talked about doing all your financial homework first, finding help when necessary, to learn about interest rates, mortgages, down payments, closing costs, additional home expenses, loans, etc., – because the secret to any successful home buying experience is being well prepared. Then you’ll be ready to start seriously searching the Central Coast for your favorite California homes for sale!

The internet is where 80% of all home searches begin! Online are hundreds of home listings, neighborhood aerial views, latest selling prices, video tours, and photos of homes from every angle – inside and out. Real estate brokers, agents, and even some FSBO (homes for sale by owner) maintain informative user-friendly websites that make the internet not only a great tool for finding Central Coast of California real estate, but also for finding qualified California real estate agents (if you don’t already have a referral from family or friends). By following the suggestions listed here, when you do contact an agent your home ownership will be only a few steps away!

When scheduling a day of home walk-throughs be well rested and lay off the junk food so your memory and judgment will be at its best. Take digital photos, starting each series with a view of the house number for cataloging. Write down notes of special features that are important to you, including the home’s surroundings and location. Immediately rate each home from 1 to 10. After a few days of this, sleep on it, and then choose a couple of your top rated picks to go back and look at anew. At this point, you’ll be surprised how well the right home for you is going to stand out!

Buying Central Coast California Real Estate – Part 1

Central Coast California Real Estate — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 02:18:38 +0000

Home ownership is part of the American Dream – how much more so for those searching the Central Coast California real estate market! What an exciting opportunity to make the investment of a lifetime in one of our nation’s best-valued coastal locales. Yet, no matter where one buys a home the process can, at times, seem overwhelming – especially for the first time homebuyer. Buying a home is usually the single biggest purchase most of us will ever make, and it’s a decision we’ll have to live with every day! The secret, whether you’re a first timer or seasoned home buyer, is to be well prepared.

For starters, don’t think of your home as a financial investment, but rather a lifestyle investment. Think about what you want to accomplish most in life and how your home will fit in that picture for, at least, the next five or ten years. Being sure of what you value most in life will guide you in picking your perfect home. If the laid-back country and beach lifestyle of the Central Coast speaks to your heart, as it does to mine, you’re going to love the real estate in Central Coast California!

Of course, you’ll need to be sure you’re financially ready to own a home and figure out how much mortgage you can afford. You need to know your credit rating and make a working budget of all your income and obligations. For most loans, your total monthly debt should not exceed about 37% of your gross monthly income, and your monthly housing costs (including taxes and insurance) should not exceed about 28%. You’ll be at a great advantage if you can get pre-approved for a home loan. Consider using budgeting software, doing plenty of online research, and talking to a financial planner or housing counselor, as well as experienced family and friends.