If you have been on the sidelines waiting to purchase a home, this year is beginning to look like best year to pick up a home at a great price. Interest rates are in the low 5’s, home prices are very reasonable and sellers are more than willing to negotiate their price and terms.
However, I strongly recommend getting pre-qualified before visiting open houses or the Internet looking for your dream home. By getting pre-qualified for a home loan up front, you are going to ensure your time is well spent viewing homes that fit your budget and needs. It is very frustrating to homebuyers to find their dream home just to realize they can’t afford the payment. It is equally frustrating to look for homes in a less desirable neighborhood when you could afford something better. Also, by getting pre-qualified up front, you will be able to address any issues in your credit report early in the home purchase process in plenty of time to address those discrepancies. Thus, guaranteeing you receive the best interest rate to which you are entitled. In many cases, I have assisted homebuyers increase their credit scores over 100 points in a short period of time.
Once you know your price range and type of loan that fits your needs, it is equally important to work with a reputable real estate professional who works well with your lender and who truly possesses great knowledge of the housing inventory in our community. When you work with a great real estate agent, he or she will take the time to find properties that fit your needs and budget. Moreover, great real estate agents have access to listings not available in the Multiple Listing Service.
In the past, I have found that buyers who get pre-qualified up front and who work with competent real estate professionals are more likely to find their new homes in less time and for a better price. If you are looking to purchase a home in 2008, I invite you to call me for a complimentary loan pre-qualification. This no-obligation call takes less than 10 minutes over the phone and will save you time and money. Also, since I work with some of the most professional, knowledgeable, and ethical real estate agents in our community, I would be more than happy to recommend any of them to you.
Heidi Rivas is the local lender Santa Clarita’s top real estate professionals recommend most! Please don’t forget to see our ad in this edition. For more information, please call Heidi Rivas of Crown Home Loans at 661-287-9888 or visit www.LoanGal.com .