Buying a Home in 2015: Getting Ready

It's the beginning of the new year, and we all know a lot of people like to set goals to achieve to better their lives. Do you set realistic goals, and can you stick by them throughout the year? If you've been thinking about buying a home but are intimidated by the process or don't think you're ready yet, it's time you sat down and really took the time to plan out what you want and how you'll get there. Buying a home can be one of the biggest purchases of your life, but it can be manageable by taking it one step at a time. You can investigate your options and get your ducks in a row without having to make a commitment to buy anything right now, although you may be surprised to find just how ready you may be while conducting your research.

Here is my general guide to understanding your options and getting ready to look for the home you've always dreamed of:

• Contact a trusted mortgage broker, they will be able to guide you through the financial information you will need to provide a lender in order for you to qualify for a loan.
• Get your pre-approval letter. This tells you how much you qualify for and gives you a clear budget for your new home.
• Decide which areas you would like to live in. This can be decided based on many factors, such as the community of people around you, schools, routes to work or other commutes, and even what type of home you're looking for.
• Find a real estate agent that best fits your needs. You'll be spending a lot of time working with your realtor, so finding someone you get along with and who you trust is crucial to finding the home of your dreams. Don't be afraid to interview, and don't feel pressured to use someone you don't feel is a good fit for you and your family. 

Remember to try and enjoy the process, because it's not going to be an instantaneous transaction. It can be stressful at times, but in the end your new home ALWAYS presents itself at the time its supposed to come to you. Trust the process.

The table above is a snapshot of how Marin County fared in Homes for sale vs. Homes sold.  As you can see in December 2014, there was not a lot of inventory for buyers to choose from, as compared to previous months. The Marin IJ is predicting a good year for 2015, will you be ready to jump into the housing market?

EXCITING NEWS!!! We are bringing back “THE MORROW REPORT”. Every Tuesday, starting tomorrow, my blog will be hosting a segment dedicated to Mortgage information.  Brian Morrow has been in the mortgage industry since 2001, and he specializes in conventional residential lending along with FHA, VA and first time home buyers. Follow Brian every Tuesday for your mortgage needs.

Have a great Monday!

~ Kelly Cranmer Valadez