If you’re looking for real estate in Encinitas, California, we don’t blame you! Who doesn’t want to live in this gorgeous area? But the homebuying process can seem intimidating and complex. Here at Caspersen Group, we want to make it as easy as possible. Here’s a guide to buying your dream home for sale in North County SD.
Check Your Credit Score
You need to take a look at your credit report and score before applying for a mortgage. Make sure there are no mistakes on your credit report. Credit scores are based on payment history, debt, duration of credit history, types of credit, and new credit. Your credit score will give you an idea of what mortgage rates and loan opportunities you can expect. Do this well before you begin the next steps so you can take steps to improve your score if necessary.
Determine How Much You Can Afford
Next, you’ll need to know what you can afford or how much you want to pay. Here are the median sales prices for Encinitas homes from October 10, 2018, to January 9, 2019:
- 1 bed: $356,500
- 2 bed: $682,000
- 3 bed: $1,060,500
- 4 bed: $1,149,750
Compare your budget with the homes you’re looking at to figure out your financial ability.
Find the Right Agent
Having an experienced and connected real estate agent will make all the difference in your pursuit of a dream home. Our agents at Caspersen Group have the home-buying knowledge, negotiating skills, familiarity with Encinitas, and connections to make the process as efficient and beneficial to you as possible.
Get Pre-Approved
Once you find a lender, he or she will give you a pre-approval letter. This may give you a leg up on other potential buyers if you end up in a scenario with multiple offers. Pre-approval is a necessary step if you want to buy a house in San Diego, California.
Tour Multiple Homes
Here’s where the fun begins. Tour various homes in your price range. Go to ones that you may not be in love with at first. You may never know what you’ll fall in love with until you walk through the door.
Make an Offer
Once you find your dream home, you’ll work with your agent to create an offer. Keep in mind that the listing price is just the beginning–your agent can help you make a good offer.
Talk to Several Lenders
You do not need to go with the lender who sends you a pre-approval letter. When it’s time to apply for your mortgage, you can shop around for estimates from numerous lenders. Applying to multiple lenders will give you an idea of which one is going to be beneficial in terms of fees and interest rates.
Get an Inspection
Your offer should include an inspection requirement. The home inspector will determine whether there is any structural damage or anything that needs repairs. This gives you an opportunity to negotiate or withdraw your offer if there is anything significantly wrong with the home.
The Appraisal
Here’s your last chance to make sure you’re paying a fair price for your Encinitas dream home. Your lender will provide you with an appraiser who will give an independent estimate of the home’s value. Appraisers are not associated with lenders–they are from independent, third-party companies.
Handle the Paperwork
When you buy a house in San Diego, California, there are a lot of documents involved. You may need to sign various documents with your agent.
Close the Sale
The next step is sealing the deal! On closing day, you’ll sign any last pieces of paperwork. This usually takes place with the seller. Even though signing papers during closing can be tedious, it just means you’re almost to the finish line.
Move In!
The sale contract will stipulate when you can move in. Perhaps it’s when the seller receives your check, which can take a few days. Maybe it’s after a certain time on the closing day. When that time comes, you’re free to move into your dream home in Encinitas!
Once you dive into the process with the right people, it’s not as scary as it may seem. Learn how Caspersen Group can help you find the home of your dreams.
