Determine How Much You Can Afford
Determine How Much You Can Afford
Figuring out how much home you can afford starts with understanding the size of the mortgage you can comfortably handle. Our mortgage calculator is a great tool to help you get started, but even better—give us a call! We’ll connect you with a pre-qualification expert to get the process rolling ASAP. We always recommend getting pre-approved for a mortgage before you begin house hunting. This gives you a clear budget and speeds up the closing process.
Being pre-approved also makes you a more attractive buyer to sellers. They’ll know you’re serious, and they won’t have to wait weeks for your financing to be approved.
But remember, buying a home is about more than just the mortgage and property taxes. You’ll also need to budget for closing costs, which may include:
- Earnest Money: A deposit (usually 1-5% of the home’s price) showing you're serious about your offer.
- Down Payment: Typically 10-20% of the home price, paid at closing.
- Mortgage Insurance: If you can’t make a 20% down payment, you'll need PMI.
- Closing Costs: Typically 3-4% of the home’s cost, covering the paperwork and processing fees.
In addition to these, don’t forget your monthly living expenses, like utilities, HOA fees, and property taxes. Planning ahead will give you a clear picture of what you can afford and set you up for success.
Shop for a Home
Your Home Search
Made Easy!
House hunting can be both exciting and overwhelming. To make the process smoother, I recommend seeing at least 10 homes before making your decision. Start by browsing properties on my website to get a head start! Just click the "Search For Homes" link, and you’ll have access to the same real-time data that Realtors use, from Burbank to Thousand Oaks in Los Angeles County. For Ventura County listings, just click the “Here” link on my homepage. The information is always up-to-date—other sites may lag behind!
The internet is a great way to quickly assess whether the available properties meet your key criteria: the right location, the right features, and the right price. If you’re not finding much that fits, consider adjusting your search parameters, whether that’s location, price, or features.
If you need help, I’m always here for you—homes can hit the market fast, and I’m your go-to resource for the latest listings. Once you’ve narrowed down what you want, where you want it, and what fits your budget, it’s time to take the next step: finding the right Realtor to help you tour homes.
Before you start visiting properties, I suggest creating a checklist of your must-haves, such as:
- Is there enough space for your family to grow?
- Is the house structurally sound and in good condition?
- Is it move-in ready or does it need repairs?
- How close is it to essential places like grocery stores, schools, or work?
- Does the neighborhood feel safe and welcoming?
- Do the included appliances work properly?
- Is the yard suitable for your needs?
- Does the floor plan work for your lifestyle?
- Is there ample storage space?
- Will you be happy in this home year-round?
Taking photos of the homes you visit—inside and out—can also help you keep track of the pros and cons of each property. Let me know how I can assist you along the way!
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Find the Right Real Estate Pro—
That’s Where I Come In!
While it's not required to use a real estate professional to purchase a home, it's definitely a smart move. As an expert in the field, I bring a wealth of market knowledge and a network of contacts to the table, helping you find the perfect home faster and more efficiently.
But my role doesn’t stop there! I’ll work with you to structure your deal in a way that saves you money, negotiate the best terms for you, and walk you through the complexities of mortgages—explaining the pros and cons of different options. Plus, I’ll be with you every step of the way, ensuring the paperwork is clear and manageable.
Let me help you make your home-buying journey as smooth and successful as possible!
Researching Different Mortgages—
Let's Find the Right Fit for You!
When it comes to mortgages, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The right option depends on factors like how long you plan to stay in the home, the current financial market, and your income potential. Let’s break down some of the most common options:
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Fixed-Rate Mortgage: The most popular choice, offering stability with the same interest rate and payment throughout the life of the loan. Most people choose either a 15 or 30-year term.
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Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM): This option typically starts with a lower interest rate and lower monthly payments than a fixed-rate mortgage. However, your rate—and payments—can fluctuate based on market conditions.
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Government-Backed Mortgages: If you’re a first-time homebuyer or don’t quite meet the qualifications for a conventional loan, there are several government programs like FHA loans that could be a great fit.
Choosing the right mortgage can be tricky, and that’s where I come in. Let’s talk through your options, and I can even refer you to a trusted mortgage broker who will provide you with up-to-date financing packages that match your needs.
Make an Offer
Make an Offer
Once you’ve found a house you’re excited about, it’s time to make your move! The offer you submit will depend on a few key factors, and I’ll be right by your side to guide you through the process.
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Is the asking price fair? You’ve done your homework, and now it’s time to evaluate if the price aligns with the market. We’ll use “comparables” to check out what nearby homes have sold for recently, so we can make sure your offer is on point. If the seller is asking for more than the market suggests, we’ll have the data to negotiate.
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What’s the condition of the home? Is the house in pristine condition, or does it need work? If repairs or improvements are required, we’ll factor those costs into your offer.
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How long has the house been on the market? If a house has been sitting for a while, the seller may be more open to a lower offer. On the other hand, if homes are flying off the market, we may need to act quickly to be competitive.
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Is it a seller’s or buyer’s market? In a seller’s market, where homes are in high demand, we may need to offer closer to asking price. In a buyer’s market, you may have more room to negotiate.
Once we’ve determined your offer price, I’ll help you prepare all the details for a smooth submission, including:
- The full, legal description of the home
- The earnest money you’ll be providing
- Down payment and financing details
- Proposed move-in date and closing date
- The price you’re offering
- The length of time your offer is valid
From here, the seller can accept, counter, or reject your offer. If there’s a counteroffer, I’ll work with you to craft a strategy for negotiating the best deal possible.
This version is focused on both the technical aspects and the emotional excitement of making an offer, all while positioning you as a supportive partner in the process. How does this sound?
Your Contingency Period—
Ensuring Peace of Mind Before the Big Move
Once your offer is accepted, we enter the contingency period, an essential phase that allows you time to finalize important details like financing and property inspections. Think of this as your opportunity to double-check everything and make sure your future home is ready for you!
Here’s what happens during this period:
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Securing Financing: This is when we’ll finalize your loan approval, which typically includes an appraisal of the property. The appraisal ensures the property’s value matches the amount you plan to pay for it.
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Down Payment Prep: You’ll need to prepare your down payment, which is typically due a few days before closing, so be sure to have this ready to go.
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Scheduling Inspections: Now it’s time to schedule a professional home inspection. This is one of the most valuable steps you can take to protect yourself before moving forward with your purchase. A thorough inspection will check all the major systems of the house, including:
- Electrical system, plumbing, and waste disposal
- Water heater and water quality
- Foundation, walls, and roof
- Doors, windows, and ceilings
- Insulation and ventilation
- Pest problems
The inspector isn’t there to give you advice on whether you’re getting a good deal, but to provide an expert opinion on the condition of the home and any repairs that might be necessary.
If any issues arise during inspections, we’ll go over them together to decide how to proceed—whether it’s negotiating repairs, credits, or even re-evaluating the purchase.
You’re taking all the right steps to ensure your future home is just as you expect—and I’ll be here every step of the way to guide you!
Secure Your Homeowner’s Insurance—
A Crucial Step Before Closing
Before you can officially close on your new home, a paid homeowner’s insurance policy is required. This is a vital part of the closing process, and I’ll ensure that your insurance provider and title officer are fully coordinated to make sure your policy is in place by the time escrow closes.
Here’s a helpful tip: Getting your insurance agent involved early in the process is a smart move. Not only can they help secure the right policy for you, but they may also provide valuable tips to lower your premiums—saving you money in the long run.
I’ll be here to guide you every step of the way, helping you navigate these final preparations with ease and confidence!
The Big Day: Finalizing Your Purchase
Once the inspections are done and you’ve completed your final walk-through to confirm all contingencies—like any final repairs made by the seller—it's time to tackle the paperwork and make it official. You’ll be signing loan documents, closing papers, and settling up the remaining balance of your down payment and closing costs.
And just like that... it’s move-in day! 🎉
This is the day you get the keys to your new home—your new chapter begins. Congratulations! I’m so thrilled to have been a part of your journey, and I can't wait to see you settle into your new space.