3 tips for landing your dream home in SD | CA

The San Diego real estate market has been in the seller's court for a few years now. While there are still great deals to be had, buyers need to be more creative, savvy and educated about their local housing market to land the home of their dreams.

Housing inventory in San Diego is down 20 percent or more from two years ago in some areas, and that means stiff competition for the best houses. But there are methods to beat other buyers to the property you covet, some conventional and some more unusual...

1. Know what you need, and what you can live without

My number one tip is truly knowing what the most important is knowing the difference between what you want, and what you truly need to live. I refer to this as your 'wish list' and 'reality check.' Think of everything you want and separate it into categories, however many you need to determine what you can and can't sacrifice. It might be the perfect kitchen, a three-car garage, big backyard or a short commute to work. Now make a separate list of whatever you cannot live without. For example, you might love a four-bedroom home, but you absolutely need three bedrooms. Consider how long you want to own your home -- the longer, the better the value -- and what your future needs will be. If you want to have kids, buy enough house for the anticipated size of your family five to seven years down the road.

2. Get pre-approved for your loan

This is a vital step if you hope to land your dream home. Pre-approval will tell you the amount you can borrow, which can determine what you can spend on your future home. Armed with the pre-approval letter, you can assure potential sellers you have the funds to go through with the purchase. This sets you apart as an extremely strong buyer. But in today's market, it does more than that: Though their numbers are dwindling, investors are still swarming in many markets, and they'll offer to buy the same house you want for cash. Pre-approval is the next best thing to an all-cash offer!

3. Know the neighborhood you want to buy in!

Many buyers smartly rely on real estate agents to find the right neighborhoods. But before you buy, you should know your neighborhoods of choice well -- down to the block -- before you making a first offer. Though this can be tricky if you're new to an area or live a long distance away, research on location will allow you to determine whether the neighborhood offers the amenities that will make you happy.

*Contact me today for a free neighborhood search consultation & analysis*

DavidJohnstonRE@gmail.com or 858.774.8063