If you’ve set your sights on buying your first house in Pleasanton, CA, you’ve set the bar high, and have chosen one of the best places in California to set up home. Close to San Francisco, this affluent neighborhood in Alameda County has all the modern amenities you could need, great schools, wonderful landscape, and some fantastic homes.
However, you’re probably aware that homes here come with premium prices. If this is your first foray into homebuying you’ll want to make sure that you’re doing everything you can to secure the best home in the best location and at the best price.
Here are some things to keep in mind and consider.
- We cannot state strongly enough that it’s more than worthwhile partnering with a reputable real estate professional when buying or even looking for homes for sale in Pleasanton, CA.
Having an experienced and trusted real estate agent in your corner will make the whole process from the beginning to the end much easier, smoother, and likely, more successful.
A real estate agent intimately knows the area and the state of the real estate market. This is important for areas like Pleasanton which is very much a seller’s market and homes sell often for over their asking price.
They bring a network of industry professionals such as lenders, lawyers, and builders, many of whom you will probably need during the process of buying a home.
They’ll look after all the paperwork, making sure all the details are covered and all the documentation is in place.
However, one of the most important, and often underrated benefits of having a real estate agent is that they provide a strong pillar of objective support in a time when you can easily be derailed, disheartened, and disillusioned. They keep you on track of the goals they can help you to set.
- Before even looking at homes, get your finances in order. It can be a real downer, looking at homes in the area only to realize that they are beyond what you’re able to buy. Getting your finances clear from the start provides a clearer path toward buying a home that’s right for you that’s within your budget.
- Once your finances are clear and you’re prequalified for a loan, you can start house hunting. It’s generally a good idea to create a list of what you absolutely must have and what would be good to have, a needs and wants list. This will help you narrow your search which is now much more targeted and objective. Yes, it is important to have a connection with a home that stands out, but it’s also important to entertain only those that fall within what you need and can afford as well as having some of your wants.
- Once you’ve found just the right home, it’s time to make an offer. Remember, Pleasanton is a seller’s market. The median prices have risen considerably in the last 3 years, and many homes sell for or over their asking price. A lowball offer is very unlikely to impress and may even hinder any attempt to come in with a more reasonable bid later. At the same time, you don’t want to overshoot. Here’s where a real estate agent becomes invaluable in helping you pitch just right.
- Don’t overlook having the home inspected. Even if a home is relatively new, you need to be sure that everything is in good working order or if there are any issues, that you’re willing to take them on. If not, then this isn’t the right home for you and it’s best to move to the next.
Home inspections may unearth flaws that you may be comfortable dealing with and they may also be used as leverage during any negotiations with the seller.
- Once any contingencies have been satisfactorily dealt with, it’s time for your lender to pay the amount and for you to take possession of your Pleasanton home.
Of, course this is a very rudimentary outline of what can be a complicated process. But bear these tips and stages in mind and you’ll be part of the way to achieving a major milestone and buying your first home.