Tehama Country Real Estate

Tehama Country Real Estate – The Five Biggest Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make G Real Estate Spotlight By Alex Mason ood advice is to never set your foot to house hunting unless you have your wits about you. Though most of us have a solid plan of attack in mind, it's easy to get carried away and sidetracked. Plan your work and work your plan to secure the best house your budget can buy. Too many house hunters stray from the ideal piece of real estate and leave their common sense at the front door. Follow these simple steps for a safe and sane buying adventure. 1. The Right House Size Bigger is not always better when you have to pay off a mortgage. A smaller square footage home on a good-sized lot does not necessarily mean you are stuck between those walls. Always keep your mind open to real estate possibilities. A smaller home with a large backyard leaves you plenty of room to grow. To keep your monthly payments under control, you may wish to pay cash for a future room addition or add a cost-efficient sun room to expand your horizons. Find a bargain property and grow your dream home slowly. Home additions are fun, affordable and allow you to mold the home any way you want it to be. to have them should research the area's school systemfor educational advantages and convenient proximity. Information such as scholastic awards and community accolades should play an important role when choosing a home. Most neighborhoods use mandatory zoning restrictions that will dictate which school your little ones must attend. Private schools are always an option, but they usually come with a hefty price tag. 4. The Commute Many bargain homes are situated away from the city center and offer more bang for your buck. However, the commute back and forth to work should be well planned out and provide a time line you can live with. To save money on gas, train and bus schedules are posted online and make your detective work a piece of cake to find yourself a route. Public transportation is excellent in many parts of the country, and using them can rack up some serious monthly savings. When mapping your driving time, be sure to allow for traffic and take into consideration the time of day you will be traveling. Buying a home on the fringe of the city may save 2. Choosing the Best Communities you significant dough, but can you handle the daily Your dream home might be priced just right, but if commute with a smile? it is located smack in the middle of a costly community, you will be shelling out big bucks for every5. Finding the Right Mortgage thing. Finally, when you have found your dream home Shopping, dining and entertainment generally and the price is right, it's now time to sit at the table cost more in an affluent community, so take all city and talk money. amenities into consideration before you sign on the Your mortgage payments should offer you peace dotted line. of mind and keep to a regularly monthly payment. Adjustable rate loans are ideal if you do not plan to 3. School Districts stay in the home for long. The downside is that Home buyers with children or who are planning when the rate adjusts, it will be a mystery if your payments will go up or down. The 30-year fixed loan is a real crowd pleaser with dependable monthly payments that always remain the same. Yes, you will pay slightly more for the fixedrate loan, but the stability and predictability are worth every penny. Alex Mason is a former real estate agent and mortgage broker living in Los Angeles. 3

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