Ever get disappointed when shopping, after coming across an item you JUST GOTTA have, but then, you see the price tag and you slowly put it back down and move on with life? Ring a bell?
Well, its no different when finding that perfect house you have always dreamed of. Trust me, I have seen a lot of heartbreak and disappointment when dealing with buyers who are looking out of their price range.
While it may seem fun and the right thing to do by going out and looking at homes in person, but you really should take my advice here. If the time is right for you, and you are tired of renting & hearing your neighbors life as it unfolds through the walls...pick up the phone and speak with a lender. If you don't have a lender in mind, call a Realtor that you trust, and ask for a referral to one.
A reputable lender will ask you a series of simple questions over the phone, or in person, in order to arrive at a monthly payment you can afford and what type of home price range you should be looking at. Some people don't want to talk numbers, and I understand that. Sometimes it has to do with not really wanting to "know", and sometimes its because of their bad credit - which they don't want anyone to "know". Its kind of like going to the dentist, most people don't want to.
I know, but its an important step in the home buying process. Its the most important step actually. Any lender can issue you a pre-qualification for a home loan - normally this is done with a brief phone call, some questions regarding your income, credit, and expenses. It takes about 10 minutes! They can issue you a pre-approval after a more thorough look into your finances and credit worthiness, this requires actually running your credit, seeing your proof of income, and determining your expenses. A pre-approval is better, but in order to start looking for a home in THE RIGHT price range, all you really need is a simple pre-qualification from a local lender that knows what they are doing.
Start out on your home buying journey the right way, make a phone call to a lender to discuss current rates and get a pre-qualification. THEN - pick up the phone, call your Realtor, and let them know you are ready to start looking at homes on the market. Your Realtor will be very excited to hear that they have a proactive buyer who ALREADY knew what the proper 1st step in the home buying journey is - talking to a lender.
Whether buying or selling Santa Clarita real estate, I am always at your service...