Want to Avoid Paying TOO MUCH for your Orange County Home? - Buyer strategies for obtaining the best deal in today's real estate market

Tips that will help you avoid paying too much for your Orange County Home...

• Shop for your mortgage before you start shopping for a home
• Know what you are shopping for, before you begin
• Let your Realtor know what you are looking for when you start and when/if your preferences change
• Pick a winning team to help you with your search
• Use your agent to help you narrow your prospective homes list
• While it can be difficult, shop with your head, not your heart
• Don't share your situation with anyone except YOUR Realtor, it can affect your negotiating strength
• Show some interest in everything you see
• DO NOT ignore any red flags you see when you are evaluating a home even if you have to take notes at each property
• Make sure to hire a professional home inspector
• Fixer-Uppers are NOT always the best buys
• Make sure to get written disclosure of all known defects
• Check for permits with the City
• Keep your emotions in check during negotiations
• Make sure you get a written CMA for the home(s) you are considering
• Go look at the comparables and DRIVE BY the closed and pending sales
• Don't be afraid to negotiate, it's part of the buying process
• Be clear about who your agent is
• Learn what you can about the seller's situation
• Use time and time-frames of the contract to your advantage
• Avoid bidding wars if you can
• Know your hidden costs by requesting a buyer's net sheet PRIOR to escrow
• Do not be pressured
• If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't
• When choosing a home, think ahead about what your future needs are
• Ask your agent to review the Purchase Agreement with you BEFORE you start looking at homes KNOW WHAT YOU ARE SIGNING!

If you would like help strategizing about your next real estate purchase in Orange County or Long Beach, contact Sandra Carlisle & Associates at (949) 278-4807.