Are you in the market to buy a new home in Newport Beach? Buying a house is an activity that most people will only undergo a few times throughout their lives, making rookie mistakes easy. These mistakes can end up costing you money and time. Here are the top seven mistakes you should avoid.
What are the biggest mistakes to avoid when buying a home for sale in Newport Beach?
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Not Getting Pre-Approved for a Home in Newport Beach
Many people begin looking at homes for sale in Newport Beach only to find out that their price range is far different from what they expected. Going through the pre-approval process will ensure that you begin your home search with the correct expectations and do not waste any time. If you are already working with a realtor, ask them which mortgage lender they recommend getting pre-approved through. If you want to be thorough, you can get pre-approved with multiple lenders to shop the best interest rates.
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Failing to Set a Firm and Realistic Budget for a Home for Sale in Newport Beach
Buying and owning a home can be expensive. The final sales price of the home is just the beginning. Your budget should include mortgage, insurance, and taxes, as well as periodic expenses such as major repairs. There will also be costs associated with closing the deal, such as moving expenses, appraisal fees, escrow fees, and more. Do your research to understand what other homeowners in Newport Beach pay for these expenses, so there are no unpleasant surprises.
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Letting Emotions Have Too Much Weight
Getting too attached to a home keeps you from making rational decisions. Approach each home with as little emotion as possible. It is essential to focus on how the house meets your needs and is in your budget rather than just fall in love with its location and features. Don’t let yourself fall in love with a house before it becomes your home.
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Setting Expectations Too High
Many people have trouble finding a home because their expectations are too high. It is generally good to have high expectations, but they should be reasonable as well. Do not get caught up in small and easily fixed issues such as paint color. You will likely change many minor things about any home you buy, so these are not good reasons to reject an otherwise suitable property. Setting expectations too high is a common occurrence for buyers in Newport Beach because of all the great aspects of living here. Consider making a list of “must-haves” and “nice to haves” to determine what is essential in your new home and what can be compromised.
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Choosing Aesthetics Over Function
Home sellers will try to woo you over with aesthetics. They will spruce up the curb appeal, paint in a flattering color, and generally make sure their home pleases your senses. It is essential to like how a home looks, but this should not be the first consideration. Ensure your future home is in good repair and meets your primary needs before you worry about superficial things. Electrical and plumbing issues often get overlooked in the home but can be costly to repair. If and when you have an offer accepted on a home, ensure that the inspection includes these unseen but essential features of the home.
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Buying a Home for Sale in Newport Beach in the Wrong Neighborhood for You
Location is the most critical aspect of any home purchase. While every neighborhood in Newport Beach is desirable because of the wonderful features of the community. Still, the location within Newport needs to be right for you. What are the crucial features of the neighborhood for you? Do you want to be located in a good school district? Near the beach, or stores and restaurants? Considering the neighborhood is just as important as the roof’s quality, it will affect your home value more than any other factor in the long run.
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Doing It Yourself
Buying real estate is a complicated process. Do not try to do this alone. Get an experienced realtor on your side so you can find the home of your dreams in a price range within your budget.
If you need help buying in Newport Beach, we would love the opportunity to introduce you to our network of the Best Real Estate agents in Newport Beach. Using our 100% free service, you get access to the best Realtors in Newport and a Cash Back Bonus of up to $12,000 when you buy or sell a home through them.
