Click San Diego Real Estate.com provides links, helpful information and resources to help make the buying or selling of Real Estate in the San Diego, California area a simpler and more rewarding process. We provide a directory of agents, brokers and realtors, details about neighborhoods and general information about San Diego real estate procedures.

TIPS TO HELP YOU AVOID PROBLEMS IN THE WORLD OF REAL ESTATE.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON PITFALLS.

You didn't know what homes really cost.
The best way to determine if you're getting a fair deal is by comparing the cost of the home you're interested in with similar homes in an area. You can do this easily by having your Realtor provide you with a CMA (that's short for Comparable Market Analysis). A CMA lists such things as addresses of recently sold homes, prices, date sold, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and -- ideally -- such things as the home's condition, its size and extra features.

You Used A Bad Real Estate Agent
Don't make buying a home more difficult by choosing the wrong agent. You want a buyer's agent who works for you and understands your needs and financial limitations.
References from friends can help you find a good pro. Interview three, and ask to see their activity lists, which reveal every property the agent sold (or whose clients bought) in the past year. Look at sales prices. Make sure the agent has significant experience in the area where you want to live and the price range that you're looking for. You never went back to check on the neighborhood. If you're like most homebuyers, you probably spend many weekends looking for a new dwelling. But what happens to the neighborhood on weekdays or after dark? Is the house that's "convenient to town" sitting on a main thoroughfare that fills up with cars come commute time?

What About Resale?
It's easy when you're house hunting to forget what it's going to be like to sell your home down the road. But as you tour homes, put yourself in the perspective of the sellers. You may be drawn to a home that has quirky features or no closets or just one, tiny bathroom (You can use armoires. Share showers.) But others may not be as enthusiastic. When you buy, think about the day it comes time to sell.

Did You Sign With A Fully Qualified Agent?
As a buyer in real estate you don't pay a real estate commission directly to your agent, this is typically taken care of by the seller out of his proceeds at the closing. But in the long run a REALTOR® with experience and many closed transactions will cost you much less than someone who is inexperienced or unknowledgeable!  A top producer's business is built on repeat clientele and referrals because they have proven they know how to select a great home for their buyers and negotiate the best price and terms. Your agent is not your best friend; your agent is your financial advisor for what may be the largest single transaction in your life!

You Are Going To Be There A Long Time,
How Does The Neighborhood Look To You?
Location! Location! Location! You've heard that over the years and it still holds true. You can always change a home's decor and some of its structural features, but nothing can ever change its location. Buying a home in a poor location guarantees minimal (if any) appreciation and it will be hard to sell in the future. Your broker or salesperson should be up front about the character of the neighborhood. This "character of a community DOES NOT refer to the ethnic make-up of the area, only the condition of properties and any possible planned or present industry in the area. But the final responsibility is yours. If you have some doubts. Contact local law enforcement. You are not out of line to ask about your new neighborhood. Ask about safety of children, car thefts, break-ins and street crime.

Not Having A Home Inspection
Not hiring a fully qualified home inspector. Or. hiring the wrong Home Inspector can be a major mistake. You and your broker could end up in nasty court battles. Try to hire an inspector of long experience and possible an engineer or general contractor.
A home inspector can literally save you thousands of dollars! They will check all structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and heating and air conditioning systems for defects the homeowner may even be unaware of. They will help prevent you from purchasing a home with a major defect or one, which requires too much corrective maintenance. At the very least; your inspector should be a member of one of the major Home Inspection Organizations. It is always a good business practice to ask for proof of liability insurance.

HOUSE HUNTING TIP: It's a good idea to establish a relationship with a Home Inspector before searching for a house to buy. Clients should ask friends and of course their trusted Realty professional for recommendations. When an inspector is found, clients should find out how far in advance they need to make an appointment and how long it will take to receive a written report. As soon as there is a decision to make an offer, try to make an appointment for an inspection. Some inspectors won't make an appointment until there is a ratified contract. Read Part 2 of this article... >>>