Buying a home is typically the biggest financial investment that people ever make, so it is important to consider this purchase very carefully. While it can be a difficult and stressful process, there are ways to minimize your frustration and find the most ideal home for you and your family. Here are some home buying secrets and tips that can help you along the way.

Whether it’s your first time purchasing a house or your 75th, find a lender and get pre-approved before you shop around for that dream house. Pre-approval is different from pre-qualification, which simply gives you a general idea about how big of a loan you can afford and what types of mortgage options you might consider. Pre-approval is a longer process, but it means that the lender actually has approved a set amount for a mortgage loan in advance of you purchasing a home. This can be a great tool for negotiation as a seller might be more inclined to choose a pre-approved buyer in a multi-offer situation even if the bid is slightly lower. In addition, it makes the process easier when you get into escrow.

Don’t begin a home search without some serious thought as to what you need and want when selecting a home. You need to think about location, home size, amenities and associated costs such as dues from a homeowner’s association as well as the property taxes and insurance costs for a property. Buying a home needs to be a decision based on balancing the pros and cons of a home and should never be led by emotions. You might fall in love with a specific home and decide you want it at all costs, but it simply might not be a realistic or proper home to fit your needs. In addition, when you negotiate the purchase price and other details, you have less power when you react emotionally. There is always another home out there to consider, so be practical and know that no home is every truly 100% perfect, but many could be an excellent fit for your needs.

When you are ready to make an offer on a home, there are many items to take into consideration before you decide on a purchase amount. You need take into consideration the comps in the area, as well as the location and condition of the home. Comps are important, but they aren’t always showing the whole picture. For example, perhaps the home you like has a much better view than the other comps or maybe this home is completely upgraded and move-in ready. On the other hand, maybe the house you want needs some major updating while the competition includes mainly updated homes. Either way, you can certainly always ask less than the asking price, and you shouldn’t feel shy about asking for less. Obviously a ridiculously low number would be insulting, but there is no harm in asking for less.

If you cannot get the house for a good price or you find out through inspection that there are costly repairs that you are unprepared or unwilling to make, you need to walk away. Many times people are hesitant to step back and look elsewhere because they really like a house, but you should never be so attached to a property that you won’t walk off if it’s really what is best for you. Besides, this willingness to leave also sometimes empowers you when it comes to negotiations.

For people looking for homes in San Francisco’s East Bay and throughout Contra Costa and Alameda counties, it is a good idea to contact the real estate experts at 1stInSite.com before you begin your search. They can help you find Danville homes for sale, Orinda homes for sale, Walnut Creek homes for sale, Alamo real estate, Lafayette homes for sales, Moraga real estate and homes in all other East Bay cities.

Madeleine Glazier loves writing about the real estate industry. If you are looking for Alamo real estate agents, or to find Alamo homes for sale, please go to the 1stInsite website now.