Home » First Time Buyers Mistakes in Southern California
First time buyers should not feel intimated by the real estate market, however, they should know what to watch out for! Buying a home is a very exciting, but one mistake could take the wind right out of your sails.
Read below to see our list of the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make so you can prepare ahead of time!
Before you start your house hunting, take a good look at what you make, the bills you currently have and determine exactly how much you can comfortably afford. Keep in mind, you will own more than just a mortgage payment each month. There are also taxes and insurance costs to factor in. Your utility bills might be higher if you’re moving into a larger house. There is no point in buying a home if you struggle each month to make ends meet. Even if you are approved for more than you expected… just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
It’s great to shop around in other parts of town. You are much more likely to find your dream home if you don’t set your geographical boundaries too tight. That said, make sure you fully research the area before you move. Talk to locals. You can even flag down your potential new neighbors and find out what they have to say about the area. Try local restaurants, walk the neighborhood, and visit at different times of the day. You should also consider the commute time. You wouldn’t want to move into a new house, only to find out traffic now adds an extra hour to your time in the car.
As a homeowner, you will inevitably need to make repairs on the fly. Plumbing problems, heating issues, broken water heater… these things happen all the time. However, many people aren’t prepared for these expenses. You should always keep money set aside for the “unexpected” necessities. Don’t get blind-sided by repair work. Be ready to make a major repair if necessary.
You can learn a lot online. In fact, we encourage you to do as much research as possible. However, nothing can compete with the value of a knowledgeable professional by your side… especially if you are a first-time buyer. And don’t ever go to the listing agent directly. Remember, they work for the seller and will be trying to get the most money possible for their client. It is best to find a professional who has your best interest in mind. Read online reviews and get references. Find out who your friends have worked with in the past and how the experience was. Working with the right people will help you avoid making common, first-time buyer mistakes.
Some houses you see aren’t going to be all you have dreamed of… at least not yet. So many people are put off by bad wallpaper, or a cluttered entryway, that they stop considering the house as an option. Look past cosmetic issues, and instead focus more on the “bones” of the house, as well as location, yard, and price of course. A few small changes and a can of paint can go a long way!
There is nothing worse than finding the home of your dreams, only to find out you won’t be able to afford it. Sometimes getting approved can take a little work, and you want to get that out of the way before you start house hunting. It will save everyone’s time and make the buying process go smoothly. Being “pre-approved” is not necessarily a guarantee of funds until the lender has reviewed the property, however, you can set yourself up in advance for a smooth transaction by doing this FIRST.
As a first-time buyer, the process might seem overwhelming, but if you know what to watch out for, you can have peace of mind while shopping for your dream home. Remember to enjoy the process, this is a purchase you won’t soon forget!
ExcellentBased on 45 reviewsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Allen White2024-04-22SDS Homes took on a tile flooring project for me could not be happier with the results. Went above and beyond all trash was cleaned up after project. Would recommend for any home project you haveTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Rose work2024-03-15Sean / SDS and his team (shout to to Tom!) was great to work with. Prompt to give us a quote (his proposal was detailed), and prompt to start and finish. They didn’t cut corners and even suggested layouts that were better than ours. We are so in love with our bathroom and hope to work with them again with other projects in the future! Thank you Sean and Tom!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Lori Robinson2024-01-31We can't say enough about Sean and his team at SDS. We used them to remodel our brand new tract home: expanding a closet, painting, swapping out some doors, etc. Sean and his team gave us the utmost care. We had several contractors coming and going, and BY FAR, Sean's team was the most professional, clean, efficient and friendly. I loved working with Tom and Jorge and all the guys. They even assembled a couple of consoles I received from Wayfair for my parents. Now we are getting estimates for an epic backyard from Sean. Can't wait to get going! O! And when they said they would be here at 8am they were always right on time. Thanks guys!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Glenn Jones2023-09-10SDS Home’s did a complete remodel of the guest bathroom at my house. The crew that worked on my project was very professional and I’m extremely happy about the end results. I also think the project cost was very fair. I’m very happy that I hired SDS Home’s for this project.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.JJ Baddon2023-08-27I am very impressed with this company. When I called, I actually got to speak to the owner directly and he answered his phone. He was very informative about permitting, plans and city ordinances. He is always willing to go above and beyond. My colleagues have used him and WOW! He is really good! You will not be disappointed! Give him a call!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Gio Leonardo2023-08-26I have collaborated with Sean on a few projects and have seen first hand the level of quality SDS Homes provides. I highly recommend his services to anyone looking for top notch professional builder.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.ERIN QUINN2023-08-04I love SDS home construction. They always answer the phone. The owner Sean Coy is so amazing at what he does. I have a couple projects we’re working together. Sean is the real deal! My go to for sure!! Give them a callTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Emilio2023-08-02The best work in the valley, hands down! Would 100000% recommend
© 2023 SDS HOMES, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Website Designed & Optimized By Prime Media Consulting LLC | Sitemap