Buying
a residence can be a hair raising experience. You will
experience a roller coaster of emotions while finding
the right place, securing the loan and finally moving
in. For most of us, the first time home purchase is
the largest investment we’ve ever considered.
The emotions of purchasing something so expensive and
personal can often cloud our business judgment.
Most home purchasers do little or no research before
they invest their nest egg. Doesn’t it make sense
to become as completely informed as possible before
you buy your first home? This special report is designed
to help you avoid 10 common and crucial mistakes. The
right real estate professional can help you make good
sound business decisions based on your personal situation.
1. Inspect, Inspect and Inspect. Go
over the inspection report with a fine tooth comb. Make
sure the report was done by a professional organization.
For condo purchases go over the CC&R’s, By-Laws,
and Association Fees. Don’t take anything for
granted... inspect everything!
2. Imagine the Property Vacant. our
furnishings and decorations will be the ones filling
this new residence. Don’t be swayed by beautiful
furniture; it leaves with the owner.
3. Income + Lifestyle = Mortgage Payment. Sit
down with your professional real estate agent and honestly
discuss your income level and living expenses. Take
into account future considerations, children, add-ons,
amenities, and fix-ups. Your dream home is certainly
worth a sacrifice but don’t mortgage your entire
future.
4. View Several Homes. See at least
7-10 properties. Don’t move too slowly but don’t
move on the first property you see. With your agent’s
help you should be able to view enough properties to
get a good overall perspective of the home market. When
you find the right property all the leg work will be
worth it.
5. Utilize Your Team. By aligning yourself
with the right real estate professional you will have
an entire team at your disposal. Utilize your lender,
title rep and agent. Each of them should work hand in
hand for your benefit. Explore all the options before
you sign.
6. Be Columbo. Check out all costs
and expenses before you sign. Utilities, taxes, insurance,
maintenance and home owner dues, if applicable. Make
sure all utilities (gas, electricity, and water) are
on during your walk-through so you can inspect everything
in working order. Ask lots of questions and be very
detail conscious.
7. Do a Final Walk-Through. Visit the
property after all furnishings have been moved out to
be sure there are no surprises. Be absolutely positive
the property was left exactly as you had agreed upon
in the contract. Things that could have been spotted
in a final walk-through are often unintentionally overlooked.
8. Plan For Flexibility. Closing dates
are not written in stone. Allow for contingencies and
have a back-up plan. If you or the sellers need a little
more time to conclude the final arrangements, don’t
let these delays upset or frustrate you. These types
of circumstances are not uncommon in a real estate transaction.
9. If It’s Not In Writing, It Doesn’t
Exist. All promises and discussions should
be in writing. Don’t make any assumptions or believe
any assurances. Even the best intentions can be misinterpreted.
Have your professional keep an ongoing log in writing
of all discussions and get the seller’s written
approval on all agreements.
10. Loyalty Breeds Loyalty. Be open,
honest and up front with your team. Hard feelings and
disloyalty will cause head aches, delays or may even
keep you from getting into the home you worked so hard
to locate. Take the time to select the right team in
the beginning and your first home purchase will be a
pleasing and memorable experience.
We sincerely hope these tips and ideas are of value
to you. If there is any way we can be of service, please
contact us. We would consider it a privilege to be of
service to you!
Contact
us for more info on how to buy your San Jose California
home...
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Finding a San Jose Realtor 
My
Promise
Benefits
of a Buyer's Agent
Buying a San Jose Home

Should
You Own
Stop
Paying Rent
Ways
to Save Buying Your Home
Ways
to Hold Title
First
Home
Getting
Prepared
First
Time Buyers
Renting
vs. Owning
How
Much Do I Need?
What
Can I Afford?
Income
vs. Debt Ratios
Estimate
Your Buying Power
Understanding
Credit Scores
Examining
Credit History
Getting
Pre-Approved
Ways
To Save
Finding A Property

Ready
To Find A Property?
Online Property Search
Identify
Your Points Of Interest
Visiting
San Jose Open Homes
Property
Checklist
Other
Considerations
Making an Offer

Basics
Of Making An Offer
Purchase
Agreement
What
You Need To Know
Negotiating
How
Much Should I Offer?
Finding a Home Loan

What
Is A Mortgage?
Typical
Mortgage Providers
Choosing
A Mortgage
Fixed
Rate Mortgages
Adjustable
Rate Mortgages
Common
Questions
Loan
Applications
Loan
Application Checklist
The
Underwriter
Included In My Mortgage Payments?
Your
Rights As A Consumer
Closing The Deal

What
Is Escrow?
The
Sale Process
Your
Responsibilities
Disclosures
101
Ways
to Hold Title
The
Loan Process
Closing
Costs
Who
Pays What?
The
Escrow Process
Property
Tax and San Jose Tax Calendar
Misc

Understanding
Foreclosure
Secrets
Lenders Don't Want You To Know |