5 Tips On Buying A Home In Paso Robles, CA
Written By: Suzanne Martin, Local Agent, 805-296-9005
Are You Getting Frustrated With The Current Real Estate Market??
Did you finally see a home you like online only to find out it has multiple offers?

As a Realtor® I have been helping buyers purchase homes for 12 years and I know what buyers go through when they are not working with a great agent. So I am going to pass along to you 5 tips on buying a home in Paso Robles CA or where ever you are looking to buy a home.
1. Get Pre-Approved
Time after time I hear the same thing from buyers who are looking to buy a home. "Oh...I will talk to a lender once I find something I like. We're just looking right now". Well, in this market, you may not have enough time. There are so many buyers looking for that same home who are prepared to write up an offer and attach their pre-approval letter. Don't let that happen to you! Be prepared to write up an offer and have your letter ready!
2. Have A Diligent Agent
In today's online listings availability, buyers get online and search for homes. It's great, and I think it's an excellent tool. However, if you really are interested in finding a home, get your own buyer's agent to represent you! The right agent will be able to give you more than just 5 tips on buying a home in Paso Robles CA -- Your agent will be able to listen to what you want, search through all listings, inform you on the status and whether it's an REO, Short Sale, etc and give you all the new listings within hours of it being listed. Get the advantage of knowing about a listing as soon as it hits the market and be the first to decide if you want to put in an offer. Having your own agent saves you time and money and it doesn't cost you anything! Be prepared.....select a great agent to work with!
3. Make A List Of Have To Have's and Can't Stands
Searching for a new home is a process. What I see is that what buyers first start wanting, changes as you see homes. Write down a list of have to have's and can't stands so you will be able to eliminate certain types of properties. Many times what you first think you want changes as you see homes, the prices, the neighborhoods, etc. Your agent will walk you through the home buying process and will be patient. Everyone goes through it and that's what a good agent does ---- we advocate for you!
4. Choose the Location or Neighborhood
It really helps if you can define an area that you like instead of being all over the board. Many people in the beginning stages say "I would like to look for homes in Templeton, Atascadero and Paso Robles". Well......these are very distinct areas and it's very confusing to compare homes, schools, amenities, etc. Try to hone in on a certain city or better yet, a neighborhood.
5. Don't Get Discouraged
These 5 tips on how to buy a home in Paso Robles CA will give you a few ways to help, but it's really all in the process. In this market that we have these days, it does get a little difficult to navigate through the process. Maybe you already saw 15 houses, but 10 didn't work for you and the rest had multiple offers. Maybe you didn't have your financing in order and you weren't ready to put in an offer. Maybe you didn't see anything in your price range that you like. There are so many variables. Just stick with it and keep an open mind! You will find something that you love if you work on it with your agent daily. Your agent is a key component to finding and purchasing your new home and will be there to support you throughout the process.
I hope these 5 tips on buying a home in Paso Robles CA helps you in getting prepared to purchase your new home!
For more tips on buying or selling real estate in Paso Robles or the surrounding area call Suzanne Martin or visit my website.
5 Tips On Buying Homes In Paso Robles CA
Why Buy Real Estate In Paso Robles?
See all real estate in Paso Robles for sale!
Downtown Paso Robles just right across from the park.
The Central Coast of California is becoming more popular every day and there are many reasons why people would want to move here. Lets talk about Paso Robles today. Paso Robles is located in the North County of San Luis Obispo County about 40 minutes north of San Luis Obispo. Many people choose to live in Paso because the real estate in Paso Robles is less expensive for one. You get much more for your money! The general rule of thumb is, the further away from the "city" ---in this case it's San Luis Obispo---the less expensive the real estate. Paso Robles is a small town of about $30,000 people and has many beautiful wineries, shops and restaurants.
If you like wine, you'd love it in Paso. With over 200 wineries you can taste wine every week and never get through them all! At least, I haven't yet. I love wine and have fun going wine tasting on the weekend with friends. It's fun! Here's a list of wineries for you to check out.
As a local Realtor, I see all of the real estate in Paso Robles that is on the market and compare it to other cities. For example, here's what you can buy in Paso for $400,000:
Here's what you can buy for the same price in San Luis Obispo:
Some of the considerations when deciding to live in Paso Robles, North County versus South County would be that the North County gets a lot warmer in the summer and can get colder in the winter. The shopping is limited to Kohls, JCPenney, Target and Ross but if you're not a big shopper that's fine; otherwise, a trip to San Luis Obispo is in order!
If you are considering buying (click on...) real estate in Paso Robles to see all that is on the market, but feel free to call me at 805-296-9005, text me or email me. I would love to chat with you about homes, the area or just the general market here in Paso and the surrounding area!
Thanks for visiting my blog!
Real estate in Paso Robles - the North County Great Housing Value City!
Tips on Buying a Home in Paso Robles
Are you a First Time Home Buyer or an Investor who is buying a home in Paso Robles or the surrounding areas? If you've been searching and looking at properties, you are probably noticing that there is a lot of competition and a lot of homes that need rehabbing badly! Anything under $325,000 is the fastest moving part of the market because there are more buyers in this price range. So, when you or someone you know is thinking about buying a home in Paso Robles ---or anywhere in San Luis Obispo County, pass these tips on to them. It will increase your chances of finding a home and getting your offer accepted.
1. First, select a Realtor who knows short sales, REO's, HUD properties, and the different types of loans available. Why? Because you can still buy a rehab home using FHA by getting a 203K loan to pay for the rehab work.
2. Get pre-approved for a loan by an experienced loan officer. A good loan officer will ask you the right questions about your personal situation and will recommend a specific type of loan for you. Be sure to ask him or her about USDA loans (100% financing), FHA, FHA 203K loans and about conventional as well.
3. Ask yourself if you are interested in buying a home in Paso Robles that is in move-in condition or if you want to get a fixer and do it yourself. Since 1/3 of the market are short sales , 1/3 are REO's or bank owned properties (foreclosures), many of these homes are NOT in move in condition and have NOT been kept up.
4. Keep an open mind. Buying a home in Paso Robles is a process. You may find a great home right away or it may take weeks for you to see something you want. The key is to be flexible and know what your options are, and because it is a process, you may find that your needs and wants change as you see what's available in your price range. We all want to save money, but don't skimp on your home. You will be living in it for years, so you should be happy.
5. Make sure your agent checks for new listings, price reductions, and homes that come back on the market ---EVERY DAY! You want to be the first one to see an opportunity!
6. Understand how buying a short sale or foreclosure affects you. Purchasing a short sale could take several months and may never close. A REO/Foreclosure can close in 45 days!
7. Be ready to move quickly. When buying a home in Paso Robles, have all your ducks in a row for financing, etc. so when that house does come on the market, you can put in an offer quickly. Your agent will be able to tell you additional things about the house that will effect how you will put in an offer.
8. When in a multiple offer situation, write a CLEAN offer! That means, don't ask for concessions such as closing costs, home warranties, etc. You may have to increase the purchase price, too. It depends on the situation, the type of home and if it's listed under market value. Your agent should know all of this, and make sure you discuss strategies on how you can be the offer the bank or seller selects.
I hope these tips on buying a home in Paso Robles helps you in your pursuit of your home! Please feel free to call me at 805-296-9005 or email me anytime! I'd love to help you.
Click on the links below to view Things to do in Paso Robles downtown. Paso Robles Downtown Main Street Association is dedicated to cultivating community in the downtown area of Paso Robles.
February Events
Valentine Movie Night at Park Cinemas, February 12, 2012
March Events
Wedding and Special Events Expo, Sunday, March 4, 2012
April Events
Vintage Sidecar Rendezvous, Recycled Treasures, and Bicycle Bonanza, Saturday, April 28, 2012
May Events
Festival of the Arts, Saturday, May 26, 2012
June Events
KidsDay in the Park, Saturday, June 2, 2012
Concerts in the Park, June 15, 2012
Concerts in the Park, June 22, 2012
Trading Days and Kid's Flea Market, Saturday, June 23, 2012
Concerts in the Park, June 29, 2012
July Events
Concerts in the Park, Friday, July 6, 2012
Concerts in the Park, Friday, July 13, 2012
4th Annual Lavender Festival, Saturday, July 14, 2012
California Mid-State Fair, July 18, 2012 to July 29, 2012
Concerts in the Park, Friday, July 20, 2012
Free Pancake Breakfast in the Park, Thursday, July 26, 2012
August Events
Concerts in the Park, Friday, August 3, 2012
Concerts in the Park, Friday, August 10, 2012
Pre-Olive Festival Social Mixer, Friday, August 17, 2012
Concerts in the Park, Friday, August 17, 2012
9th Annual Olive Festival, Saturday, August 18, 2012
Concerts in the Park, Friday, August 24, 2012
September Events
Pajama Party Movie Night, (Fund Raiser) Sunday, September 9, 2012
Taste of Downtown & Arte de Tiza, Saturday, September 15, 2012
October Events
Pioneer Day Parade, Saturday, October 6, 2012
Golden Oak Festival, Chili Cook Off, & Battle of Garage Bands , Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012
Safe & Fun Halloween Downtown, Wednesday, October 31, 2012
November Events
Elegant Holiday Evening Downtown, Saturday, November 10, 2012
Paderewski Festival, Saturday, November 10, 2012
Holiday Craft Bazaar in Downtown Park, Friday, November 23, 2012
Holiday Downtown Lighting Ceremony, Friday, November 23, 2012
December Events
Santa's Holiday House Schedule - December 9 - 24, 2012
Downtown Christmas Light Parade, Saturday, December 1, 2012
Vine Street Victorian Showcase, Saturday, December 8, 2012
Victorian Teddy Bear Tea, Saturday, December 15, 2012
I hope this blog of Things To Do In Paso Robles helps keep you current on activities. If you are a local resident who is either in the market to buy or sell a home in Paso Robles or the surrounding area, please keep me in mind! I would love to give you a Free Market Analysis! If you are thinking about Relocating, I'd love to assist you in providing any information about the area, school information, or discuss the market in general
Visit Downtown Paso Robles website for more information and Things to do in Paso Robles!
Suzanne B Martin --805-296-9005
How To Buy Paso Robles HUD Home
A HUD home is acquired by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
If a foreclosed home was purchased with a loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the lender files a claim for the balance due on the mortgage. The FHA pays the claim, and then transfers ownership to HUD, which sells the home.
Tips on how to buy a Paso Robles HUD Home:
*You must use a HUD registered real estate broker. My broker, Platinum Properties is a registered HUD broker.
*You must be pre-approved for a mortgage. Get pre-approved/pre-qualified.
*Owner-occupied bidders receive first priority.
*HUD offers three types of properties: FHA insurable homes, FHA insurable homes with a repair escrow (203K)and homes that are not insurable with an FHA loan.
*You do not have to finance a HUD home with an FHA loan.
Buying a HUD home is similar to buying a bank owned/REO property but because it is owned by HUD, there are different contracts and methods to submit an offer. Usually you can get a great deal on these properties, but patience is a must! There may be days before we know if HUD will accept or reject our offer and the offer is actually submitted electronically. This is why the broker must be registered in order to assist home buyers in putting in offers. Visit the HUD Homes website for more information
If you would like to find out more on how to buy a Paso Robles HUD home or HUD homes anywhere in San Luis Obispo County, email Suzanne Martin or visit my website to search for HUD homes or to get pre-qualified for a home loan.
Thank you for reading my blog on How To Buy a Paso Robles HUD Home!
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