7 Ways to Make Sure You Choose the Right Home
So, you have been saving money, keeping your credit clean, and your score up. You have done your research, picked a mortgage representative and a loan that works for you, and taken your pre-approval letter to a reputable and knowledgeable Real Estate Agent that you trust. In a competitive South Bay market, once you start touring Hermosa Beach or Manhattan Beach homes you want to be confident you are choosing the right one. Here are 7 ways to make sure!
Hopefully, you are not in a pinch having to buy quickly. Try not to obsess about anticipating the market to figure out the perfect time to buy. Real estate is cyclical, it goes up and it goes down, and it goes back up again. The best time to buy is when you find your perfect house and you can afford it.
Do a little research or ask your agent which types of homes are available. For instance, here in Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach, the most common are condos, townhomes, and single-family residences. Each has its own benefits according to the needs of the homeowner. You want to pick the right home for you.
When you are looking at homes, think about tomorrow. Do you want to get a dog? Are you planning to have children? Will the home you are looking at suit you, or will you have to move or make big changes to accommodate your plans?
In an ordinary market, you would take advantage of open houses. Since Covid 19, things are a little different, but the principles are the same. Look at many homes. Watch many videos. Take many 3D Tours. Your agent can send links with your specific parameters straight to your email or phone! This is a great way to educate yourself on styles and floor plans and what is available to you. When you have narrowed it down, your agent can get you inside for a live viewing.
Remember, bigger is not always better. Your home is only going to go up in value as much as the other houses around you. Pick the home that is right for you and the lifestyle you will live.
One of the drawbacks to not frequenting live open houses is that you are not walking the neighborhood. 80% of buyers commit because of the community. You want to know about the community.Research. Visit. Drive Around. Ask Questions. Check it out. If you have chosen a seasoned agent, they will know a lot about it and can help you find out anything you need to know. Then, ask yourself if it is a place you would like to live and be a part of.
Go with your gut! You do not want to make the wrong decision, but you also do not want to lose that perfect home. Along with having an agent you trust and having your financing in order, ask yourself these questions - Are you excited to go inside? Does the home embrace you when you walk in? Does it suit your current and future needs or more? Can you envision your colors on the walls and your furniture where you want it? Do you want to show it to your friends?
It is a big decision. Take your time and make sure your ducks are in a row, but do not sit on a good match for too long in a South Bay market that moves quickly. If you would like a second opinion from someone who has both a broker’s and a general contractor’s eye, Levine Homes Real Estate & Construction is happy to walk a Hermosa Beach or Manhattan Beach property with you before you make an offer.