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Dirty Little Secrets for Buying a Home Series

Buying a home for the first time can feel like navigating uncharted waters. That’s why our 8-week series is here to guide you, offering practical tips and a “behind the scenes” look at what you should know when starting your home search.

For many first-time buyers, the excitement peaks when it’s time to step into those listings you’ve been dreaming about online.

By now, you’ve tackled what feels like the hardest part—pinning down your wants and needs, chatting with lenders, getting pre-approved, shuffling through paperwork, and narrowing down neighborhoods. (Hemet or San Jacinto Valley, anyone?)

Now, it’s time for the fun part: house hunting!

But even though it’s exciting, it’s important to have a strategy. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and enjoy a smoother home search process. Here are 2 things you should never do and 2 things you absolutely should do.

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1. DON’T overload your schedule.

House hunting is not like shopping for shoes—you can’t just try on dozens of options in one day! For starters, it’s best to limit yourself to 4 to 5 homes per outing.

Why? Because seeing too many homes at once can leave you feeling overwhelmed and confused. It’s easy to forget what you liked or didn’t like, and narrowing down your options becomes much harder.

If you start feeling frazzled, go back to basics: revisit your budget, fine-tune your criteria, and focus on neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle.

And unless your agent is helping you understand market trends, don’t waste time on homes in areas you wouldn’t actually consider living in.

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2. DO take notes and photos.

Even with just a handful of homes on your list, it’s easy to mix things up. That’s why I always recommend snapping photos and jotting down notes for each property you visit.

Capture the front and back of the house, unique interior features, or standout amenities. Then, write down your impressions, like:

• What you liked or didn’t like about the layout.
• The vibe of the neighborhood (proximity to parks, schools, or shopping hubs in Hemet and San Jacinto).
• Anything that caught your attention, good or bad.

Reviewing your notes and photos later will help you feel more confident when it’s time to compare options—or put in an offer!

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3. DON’T take advice from everyone.

Here’s the thing: buying a home is one of the most personal decisions you’ll ever make. While everyone seems eager to offer advice, not everyone’s opinion will be helpful.

Stick to listening to trusted friends or family members who understand your goals. Remember, your financial situation, lifestyle, and future plans are unique.

Say a polite “thank you” to well-meaning friends or family members whose advice doesn’t quite apply—and focus on what works best for you.

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4. DO schedule a second visit.

If you’ve found a home that checks most of your boxes, schedule a second showing!

It’s amazing what you might miss on the first walk-through. A second look can help you validate your feelings about the property—whether you’re loving it more or spotting potential deal-breakers.

In competitive markets like Hemet and San Jacinto Valley, it’s not always possible to take your time. But when you can, that second visit might just make all the difference.

Take these four house hunting tips to heart, and you’ll be one step ahead of the competition!

Ready to take the next step? Don’t forget there are down payment assistance programs available to help you buy your first home in Hemet or the San Jacinto Valley. These programs can make homeownership more accessible than you might think.

Stay tuned for next week’s article: Answers to Our Buyer’s Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)—and as always, feel free to reach out if you have questions or need guidance. I’m here to help!