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If you're ready to buy a home in Huntington Beach or Huntington Harbor - whether it's for the first time or the 10th, the manner in which you acquire property is still much the same. Huntington Beach homes are no exception. There are easily identifiable home buying steps that, if followed, will expedite a smooth move-in and insure that you negotiated a good deal for your new house.
- Are you ready to buy a home in Huntington Beach. This site gives you a look at beach city properties and home values along the coastal area of Orange County. Ask yourself - "Does owning a home in Huntington Beach make sense for you?" Things to consider are proximity to work, nearness to good schools and good school districts, shopping convenience, entertainment options, local property taxes, neighborhood regulations, crime rate, prevailing sense of "community" - and more.
- Know what properties are available that make sense for you. Develop a sense of how much interior and exterior you need and be sure to balance it with how much you can afford. Your real estate agent will be a big help here. Huntington Beach is a large and diverse area. Some neighborhoods have only multi million dollar homes while others are well within the reach of the average Orange County homeowner wanting to move to the beach area. All residential land areas in Huntington Beach have strong growth potential.
- Familiarize yourself with the current mortgage loan market. This would include not only mortgage lending rates and programs, but also loan process and qualifying requirements. Things change from one year to the next - and you may find that obtaining a loan for a Huntington Beach home is much different than obtaining a mortgage loan for a home in another state or even another county. Your agent, Mike Williams is a good resource to start with for learning about current lending rates and the latest mortgage loan process.
- Begin the application process by getting pre-qualified from a mortgage lender. Doing this first will significantly strengthen your offer when you find a home. Many mortgage lenders allow you to submit a quick application, and within 2 -4 business days you have several offers from lenders that you can compare terms and rates on.
- Get your financial profile organized and ready to go. You're familiar with the latest loan process - so get all of your supporting documentation in order and consider checking your latest credit reports as well. There could be something there you've forgotten or that doesn't even belong. Sometimes these "items" need supporting letters or documentation that might take days or weeks to get. Have them ready to go once your new home offer is accepted - so you don't waste time in escrow or jeopardize the offer you made.
- Review your new home budget with your spouse or partner. If you're not certain about local costs (utility, fuel, etc.), bring your real estate agent into the process. Mike is a homeowner and family man too. If you're new to the area - let him help out with this important step. You'll want to make sure that once you're moved in and a Huntington Beach resident - there is enough surplus in your budget to enjoy some of the great entertainment values the coast area has to offer.
- Once you've found a good property value, work with your real estate agent to prepare an offer. Make sure the offer includes those terms and conditions that will become part of the purchase contract. Again, your real estate agent is an invaluable resource for helping you formulate a property purchase at a price and under terms that are right for you.
- Check comps in the area.
- Arrange for whatever home inspections might be necessary to protect your investment. There may be some negotiating here as to who will bear the cost. Things you want to check for include but are not limited to:
- Foundation: Are there obvious cracks? Any apparent shifts in the foundation?
- Roof: Does it appear new, old, or of an indeterminate age? What is the overall condition?
- Evidence of leaks: Check inside as well as outside. Check all ceilings and areas around windows.
- Basement or crawlspace: Is there dampness? Is there adequate insulation
- Attic: How does the interior of the roof structure look?
- Quality and workmanship: In general and in any additions
- Apparent energy efficiency: Does the house appear tightly sealed
- Electrical: Any obvious malfunctions?
- Plumbing: Any unusual noises or malfunctions?
- Plumbing: Any unusual noises or malfunctions?
- Appliance condition: What is the age and condition of the stove, dishwasher, refrigerator (if included), etc.?
- Heating/cooling system: Does it seem to do the job heating or cooling?
- Exterior: Is the house going to need repairs or paint soon?
- Lot: Does the drainage appear good--and away from the house?
- Lot: Are there any trees encroaching on the roof or foundation?
- Determine what home warranties still exist, if any.
- Close the home sale. Be in attendance with your real estate agent for this most important step.
- Finalize the mortgage loan for your new home near the beach.
- Review your homeowners insurance plan and determine what changes need to be made for the new home.
- Make your moving plans and be sure you've laid out your furniture placement before the van arrives.
- Check with the local schools to make sure your children are properly enrolled.
Now you've taken a look at why buying a home in Huntington Beach is a good value... and how to maximize new home value during the home buying process. Review our Huntington Beach homes inventory currently for sale by calling Mike Williams, Realtor - at (714) 981-0267 for a personal tour.
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