Hello from Bri Steel, Broker/Realtor® & Owner of Bixby Realty!

Buying a home may seem like a major ordeal, but with basic knowledge of the process and the right realtor, the approach can go smoothly and painlessly for everyone involved.

We have compiled a list of the top 10 things you should know before making an offer on a home.

By following these tips, you'll have the knowledge and guidance you need before jumping into something as big as buying a home.

1. Talk to a Lender!

The entire process of buying a home depends on money. We often hear from our clients that they will "qualify without a problem," and the good news is that they are almost always right! But even the most qualified buyers usually learn about their financial situation during the pre-approval process, as well as interest rates, closing costs and loan options. We consistently find that our pre-approval clients make safer decisions and have a smoother buying process. Do you need a lender? Ask us! We know some very knowledgeable and reliable lenders.

2. Find the Right Agent for You.

This is a big decision that usually involves significant financial and emotional components. It is important to embark on this journey with an agent that you can trust. We know we are great to work with, but you should make this decision yourself

3. Start with a Wide Search

It's best to consider all options at the beginning of your search and then narrow them down over time. We do not want you to miss out on great opportunities if you narrow down your options!

Bri Steel and Sohrab Gollogly in front of their Carmel Highlands home.

4. Take Notes

Write short notes on what you like and do not like about a property. A spreadsheet of strengths and weaknesses can be very helpful to a buyer. No matter how much you love granite countertops or hardwood floors, these are just two small items that will contribute to your decision-making!

5. Explore the Neighborhood

With your family or friends to walk or drive around the neighborhood. Check out the local parks, stores, public transportation access, and even the alleys. If you have the opportunity, say hello to a neighbor. You can learn a lot!

6. Homeowner's Association

The property you are interested in may belong to a homeowners association (HOA). Be sure to ask your realtor what that means because there are often fees associated with an HOA. This could affect your ability to buy the property. You will need to review many documents associated with HOAs as part of the contract.

7. Be Strategic with Offers

This means that offer offers can change. What is the market like? How long has the property been on the market? Do you know of other offers on the property? What can you afford, and what is your financing like? Your Realtor should be able to help you with a thoughtful, intelligent strategy to help you find the perfect home of your budget and dreams.

8. Know Your Contract

Before you sign a contract, you should understand it and what it binds you to. How does your good faith deposit work? How is it protected? What are the deadlines? It's not just the date you sign the contract that's important. We recommend you speak with a licensed Realtor so you understand your legal and tax obligations and risks.

9. Schedule an Inspection

An inspection will likely cost hundreds of dollars, but it's worth every penny. Not only can you find health and safety issues that you can then negotiate with the seller to fix, but you can also spend some time with an inspector and learn about some of the technical aspects of the home.

10. Keep Calm!

Whether it's your first home purchase or your 10th, the buying process can be stressful. There are resources (the first being your realtor) to help you get answers so you can make the critical decisions necessary to make a rewarding transaction.

Parting words!

Buying a home is an important milestone in life and should be treated as such.

We recommend that you take time to make emotionally and financially sound decisions. Make a list of all the things that are important to you about your new home and the things that are not to help you narrow down your options.

But most importantly, hire a realtor you feel comfortable with and who has the experience you lack to make you feel good about buying your home.

At Bixby Realty we bring a fresh and innovative “boutique” approach to real estate on the Monterey Peninsula. In the process, we make dreams come true.

Looking to sell? We will make your home SHINE. Listings like ours that are beautifully presented and professionally inspected sell faster and for more money.

Looking to buy? We help our clients write offers that WIN. We are competitors at heart and negotiators at work. We get results.

Call or email us to set up an appointment with our broker and owner, Bri Steel.

Bri Steel
Broker/Realtor® + Owner
Bixby Realty
831.200.6338
bri@bixbyrealty.com

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