Many are asking the question, "When do I jump in to purchase a home?" My answer is now! Rates are at super lows. Here are some tips so do your home work!

1) Get Pre-approved - A Seller will not entertain your offer without being financially pre-approved for home financing.. Pick a person that is skilled, qualified and experienced. Many companies do not require a mortgage person to have a license (I know - this should be changing soon). I a licensed by the DRE, though it was not required.

2) Choose a Real Estate Professional who you will make a connection with. Ask the Sales person how many escrows they have closed and how long they have been in real estate. Check their license for any discipline

3) Once connected and pre-approved, provide your real estate person with all of the criteria you are looking for (1 or 2 story, the area you want to live in, price range, number of bed rooms and baths, street or court, etc.) . Check out areas prior to choosing by driving the area. Check out crime levels with local police departments, schools (if applicable), city or county services (police, fire, etc.), distance to doctors and hospitals from your home,

4) Check out the specific home prior to making an offer: Check out the specific home visually for fit and finish, if any problems (structural, broken items, worn items, etc). Work closely with your real estate person to ensure that you are making the right offer (price) with solid comparable homes that recently sold in the neighborhood

5) Once in contract on a home - It's 'buyer beware!!!' Get inspections. I recommend at least a home inspection and pest report, however the world is your oyster. You can get many other reports, roof, foundation, soils, heater, sewer, to name a few. Your real estate person will help you with this.

Please call or email with any questions.

Roger Farah
Senior Mortgage Banker
(707) 303-2914