BUYERS
Home Buying Guide
Step-by-Step Overview
Pre-Approval
How to get pre-approved for a mortgage.
Home Search
Tips for narrowing down home searches and what to look for.
Making an Offer
How to make a competitive offer.
Inspection & Appraisal
What to expect during these stages.
Closing
Breakdown of the final steps before the keys are handed over.
Mortgage Calculator
Plan Your Budget with Our Mortgage Calculator
- Down Payment
- Loan Amount
- Monthly Mortgage Payment
- Property Tax
- Home Insurance
- PMI
- Monthly HOA Fees
Checklist for Home Buyers
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
- Knowing how much you can borrow helps you focus on homes within your budget.
- Gather documents (tax returns, bank statements, etc.) and contact a local lender.
Determine Your Budget
- Helps avoid looking at homes out of your price range.
- Calculate your monthly expenses and use a mortgage calculator to figure out a comfortable budget.
Make a List of Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves
- This helps narrow down your search.
- Identify key features (e.g., number of bedrooms, proximity to work, school districts).
Start Your Property Search
- Finding homes that meet your criteria saves time.
- Use the property search tool on this site or sign up for property alerts to stay informed about new listings.
Attend Open Houses and Schedule Showings
- Seeing properties in person helps you gauge whether it’s a good fit.
- Attend open houses or schedule private showings with your real estate agent.
Make an Offer
- If you find a home you love, you need to act quickly.
- Discuss your offer strategy with your agent and submit an offer.
Get a Home Inspection
- Uncovers potential issues that could be costly down the road.
- Schedule a home inspection and review the results carefully.
Secure Financing
- Finalize your mortgage to ensure funding is in place for closing.
- Work with your lender to lock in your interest rate and finalize loan paperwork.
Closing
- This is the final step before the home is officially yours.
- Review all closing documents, bring necessary payments, and sign the paperwork.
FAQs for Home Buyers
How much do I need for a down payment?
Most buyers aim for 20% of the home’s purchase price, but some loans allow for lower down payments (e.g., FHA at 3.5%, VA loans with 0%).
What is pre-approval, and why is it important?
Pre-approval shows that you’re serious about buying and helps you know how much you can afford, giving you an edge in competitive markets.
What’s the difference between being pre-approved and pre-qualified?
Pre-qualification is an estimate based on self-reported data, while pre-approval requires verifying financial documents and is a more accurate reflection of your borrowing ability.
How long does the home buying process take?
On average, it takes 30-60 days to close on a home after your offer is accepted, depending on financing, inspections, and other factors.
What are closing costs?
Closing costs typically range from 2-5% of the home’s purchase price and include fees for the lender, title company, inspections, and taxes.
Can I back out of a deal if something is wrong with the house?
Yes, if your offer includes contingencies for issues like a failed inspection or if you can’t secure financing.
How much are property taxes in San Diego?
Property taxes in San Diego County average around 1.25% of the home’s assessed value, but rates vary by neighborhood.
Should I buy a home with a homeowners’ association (HOA)?
HOAs can provide amenities and enforce community standards, but they also come with monthly or annual fees. Weigh the benefits against the cost.
TESTIMONIALS
Our Customers Say
John M.
“Working with Susan was an absolute pleasure! As first-time homebuyers, we had a lot of questions and anxiety, but Susan guided us through every step of the process. Her knowledge of the San Diego market was impressive, and she helped us find the perfect home within our budget. We couldn’t be happier with our new place and the incredible service we received!”
Maria G.
“We had been searching for a home in San Diego for months with no luck until we met Susan. Her expertise and connections in the local market made all the difference. She found us an off-market listing that was exactly what we wanted. Her negotiating skills also helped us get a great deal. We’re beyond grateful for Susan’s dedication!”
David K.
“I was relocating to San Diego for work and needed to find a home quickly. Susan understood my time constraints and found properties that matched my criteria right away. She was available whenever I needed her and made the entire process stress-free. Thanks to her, I’m now settled into a great home in a neighborhood I love!”
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