Tips on Finding the Right Home or Property

• Once you make the decision to buy a home, take the time to prepare before you go on your home search. For example, much of the information on this Web Site should be very familiar to you before you go looking for homes. Yes, it is very tempting to rush out and actually look at houses, but to do so without full preparation can be both disappointing, time consuming and expensive. 

• Get your financial house in order first! We can't stress this enough--it will save you an enormous amount of time and aggravation.

• Determine what your budget will comfortably allow and stick to it. Don't spend yourself into a "house poor" situation.

• Get pre-approved not just pre-qualified for a mortgage. This will not only give you a clear idea of how much a lender will approve  you for, it will also enable you to move quickly in a fast moving competitive market. 

• Familiarize yourself with the mortgage process with a qualified lender / mortgage broker.

• Choose a Realtor you feel comfortable with, who understands your needs and will treat you with care and professionalism.  

• A good, experienced  Real Estate Agent, will expose you to all resources available in looking for homes: advertisements, internet, open houses, multiple listing service (MLS), pocket listings, etc.

• Get familiar with the various neighborhoods available in your price range to narrow your search.

• Determine your minimum required needs as well as any desired additional features--your "wish list".

• Take note of any items that you don't want in a house.

• Determine the desired location (schools, work, commuting time etc.)

• Don't just buy a home for your present needs. Make sure to take into account future considerations and resale value - very important!

• As you are previewing homes, use a scorecard to compare them. A scorecard is a great tool when it comes time for comparisons (and for remembering which home had what features!)

• Get familiar with the inspection process so that you can weed out unacceptable houses quickly.

• Maintain your perspective--and your cool! You may find an acceptable house on the first day--or the tenth. The important thing is to purchase the home that is best for you!

Call Lea & Leon Johnson today for a complimentary consultation and a showing appointment. Let's find you the home of your dreams!

 Welcome To Malibu!