1. Be choosy, but realistic.
You may never find the perfect home. But if you tell me what is really important to you I will show you homes that only have those features or meet that criteria.

2. Do your homework before looking at homes.
Figure out a wish list of what you really want, want you need, and what you desire but can live without. A basic wish list has how many bedrooms, baths, single or two story, all age community or senior, location, location, location. But you can start looking at new listing directly from mls everyday. I can set you up free. Email me at menifee11@gmail.com  .

3. Get your finances in order.
You may be better off than you think. You only need 3 to 3.5 % down to buy an fha home. There are programs where they will give you 20% down to buy a house. If you have credit problems--who doesn't these days---work with your lender to let the lender teach you for free how to improve your credit to qualify for a loan or loans that accept your credit as it is.  For homepath lender see homepath.com. The lender we use in this list is Guild Mortgage-- their phone is 951-894-8203.Ask for Cynthia. But feel free to select any lender. Very often credit unions can offer you great rates. If you belong to a credit union ask the loan officer. Banks often have tighter lending policies but if you prefer check your bank lender. If you want other loan programs you can call me for a list of lenders that handle those types of loans. Most things can be done by email and fax so you do not have to be in the same general area as your lender.

4. Get pre-approved for a mortgage.
Talked to a lender NOW--call both of us the same day. A lender can give you a pre-approval within one day!! Yeah then you can begin your online search and start snooping in houses.

5. Figure out when you want or need to move.
When does your lease end? Don't start your search 30 days before you have to move and panic because you do not have time. The lenders in this market are slow. It is rare for an escrow to close in 30 days. Figure 60 plus days. Unless you are buying with cash. Then call me right away and I will find you a house quickly. (real estate humor).

6. Think long term.
I know right now you only need a one bedroom. But your needs may change and I think bigger is better. Moving is expensive and stressful. Try to think where you would like to live for at least the next 5-7 years. Newly weds remember you may be a family of 4 in 4 years.

7. Don't become house poor.
Just because you own a home you don't want to not be able to eat out or go to the movies. You deserve at least one great vacation a year. Plan your home purchase so you can still have a life.
You want to work to have a great life. Not live to work. And a great life involves play and spare money.

8. Don't take chances.
Get a home inspector. Also a home warranty.
I will tell you about these. A home inspector is about 350 and really worth it. You do it as soon as you have an accepted offer. They will check all systems, plumbing, crawl under stuff and give you an online report with photos. If it is a normal sale we can ask for repairs. Bank owned and short sales very rarely will they do any repairs. Some loan programs offer you money for repairs. We often can get seller to pay for a warranty. During the first year appliances or plumbing that breaks--you pay 60- for repair or replacement. You can extend this warranty.


Look it is scary buying your first home. I will be here to help. Text me a million times (often not a million please--) a day. I will help and make it fun, profitable and find you the home you really want.

       An example of a wish list. 

How much do you want to spend or are you approved for?


How many bedrooms and baths? 3/4 bath means just a shower, toilet and sink, 1/2 bath is toilet and sink, full bath is tub/shower usually but some builders are only having showers.

Where do you want or need to live?

What else is really important? 
examples:
garage
pool
spa
granite
stainless
near a certain school
a certain recreation area or community


Lots of other items--whatever you need.

I sell Menifee, Wildomar, Sun City, Quail Valley, Canyon Lake, Murrietta, Temecula

Daisy the real estate lady  
  Have a great day!
 
Daisy Heidmiller
C21 Cal Oaks

DRE #01405229
Direct --1-800-400-3226
Cell 951-282-0994
Fax 951-246-5018
 
Websites
http://temeculalife.com
http://sellingsuncity.com
http://realestatemenifee.com