Are you a first-time home buyer looking to purchase the “American Dream”, your own place to call home?
Hi, I’m Tanja Odzak, eXp Realty, I help people sell and buy homes right here in the East Bay!
As a first-time home buyer having a checklist before you begin your search can take a major weight off your shoulders and help eliminate some unwanted stress you may feel during the process.
Yes, homeownership is a big decision and a big step. That is why it’s important to have all your ducks in a row. So what should be on your checklist:
First and foremost, find yourself a good and experienced real estate agent. A good agent is going to guide you through the process and have your best interest when negotiating the contract. This could save you thousands of dollars in your purchase.
Talk to a mortgage Lender. As a buyer, your goal is to get preapproval from a lender first before you start shopping. This way you know what you can afford and the price point of your home search. Most lender pre-approvals are good for 90 to 120 days so there is plenty of time to shop for that perfect home. A good mortgage lender is going to help you determine the best loan type for your financial situation.
Improve your Credit. Once you meet with a lender, you will know what your credit score is and where you may need to improve. Having a good credit score will help you financially in the long run by allowing you to obtain a good interest rate.
Make a list of all the places you would like to live. Maybe there is a cute neighborhood you have been eyeing that checks off all your boxes. If you don’t have a particular neighborhood in mind, think about what areas are best for you with commuting, school requirements, proximity to family and friends, and your overall lifestyle.
Finally, do not damage your credit during this process. The loan process does not get fully approved until the very end of the transaction. To keep your credit score stable, avoid big purchases. Do not go out and buy all the new furniture you have been dreaming about for your new home. You need to avoid taking on new debt, opening new credit cards and falling behind on credit card payments. With all these checklist items in place, your home search will be more seamless and stressful.
If you would like more information on the current inventory and prices here in the East Bay, Call me today, and let’s talk about it. I’m a seasoned East Bay expert with a 5-star rating. I’ll help you navigate the market and make it happen, whether that’s selling or buying, or both!
And if you or someone you know needs to sell a home, ask me about my home-selling plans… I took the pain out of negotiating with a Realtor and made it SUPER simple. Really! Choose Silver, Gold, or Platinum- Pick your Plan and Pick your Price. Terms do apply. I’m Tanja and I sell homes. Let’s get you going, Call me today!
I’m a Top Producing Realtor® in the OAKLAND / BERKELEY / EAST BAY AREA. I’ve been in the San Francisco East Bay Area since I came up to do my undergrad at UC Berkeley (a long time ago!), with a short stint at UC Davis while getting my Master’s. I take my duties as a Realtor® and Fiduciary very seriously, I enjoy educating my sellers and buyers along the way. Putting People, Before Profit.
Why not check out one of my no-obligation, online, On-Demand, virtual Real Estate Seminars?
Click here—> I WANT TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE *HOME BUYER* SEMINAR NOW
Click here—> I WANT TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE *HOME SELLER* SEMINAR NOW