Ten Pointers for First-Time Home Buyers for buying Real Estate in Monterey

1. Be realistic and don't be too picky. . It's hard to find a 'perfect home"

2. Be Prepared in Advance - Plan exactly what things you want most in a home and prioritize them. Prioritize them as you may not be able to find them all in one house in your price range.

3. Get your ducks in a row!. Pull your credit report Can you handle both your down payment and the costs to close escrow?You are also going to need a "reserve".

4. Get Pre-Aproved. Visit your lender, get all the paper work done in advance, no what type of loan is best for you.

5. Don’t drive yourself crazy asking for advice! If you need a 2nd opinion, then pick a couple of people you respect and trust and ask them for advice.

6. What date do you want to move? Do you have a lease? What are the rules for subletting? Is it easy to re-rent a property in your city?

7. Long term thinking is best - Do you want to remain in the home you buy or is it just a "stepping stone" to a bigger place later? The type fo mortgage you pick may be dictated by which choice you make.

8. Don’t over extend yourself - If you over extend yourself with your mortgage you many not be able to decorate or even do needed repairs and maintenance, much less to save for retirement.

9. Don’t be too trusting . Hire a Home Inspector. A Home warranty either paid for by the seller or yourself can be a benefit. (In the Monterey area the home inspection is often paid for by the buyer.)

10. Get expert help.Hire a REALTOR as a buyer’s rep..Listing agents 1st duty is to represent the seller.A buyer’s rep is working just for you. buyer’s representatives are paid from the commission payment for the house sale.