Finding A House In California

If you’re moving to California for the first time, whether it’s due to a new school, a new job, a change of temperatures, or simply wanting a new scenery, California makes for a great place to be. With that said, have you considered the various aspects of California you may want to know beforehand?

WEATHER
California has a large range of temperatures that vary throughout, meaning you’re sure to find somewhere that has just what you’re looking for. Whether you choose more coastal, to be more inland with more weather extremes, or opt for Nor-Cal that tends to experiences the seasons, there’s a city with the weather you’re looking for somewhere in California.

CHOOSING A CITY
When it comes to cities in California, just like the weather, there are plenty of options depending on what you’re looking for. For those wanting to prioritize large-company jobs, Los Angeles or San Francisco area may be just where you need to be. If you’re looking for a more laid-back feel, cities in San Diego County may give you the work-life balance (and beach) you’re looking for. If you’re looking for smaller cities more inland, places like Bakersfield or the Antelope Valley offer smaller communities. You can also choose to prioritize city life, the beach scene, or a more serene and quiet environment depending on you and your family’s needs.

ENTERTAINMENT & ACTIVITIES
Another incredible benefit for California residents is the large variety of activities available. Another great news is you don’t necessarily have to settle. Depending on where you choose, you may be a short drive away from accessing other sceneries and activities you may not have access to when you’re at home. When choosing your city and home, ensure you like the neighborhoods around, the leisurely activities (such as hiking, skiing, surfing…), and shops, museums, and events you’re looking for.

UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU NEED
The last thing you need to do before making any final decisions is you need to know what you’re looking for and how the numbers look before proceeding. Figure out how many bedrooms and bathrooms you’d like if you’ll need room for extra storage or hosting additional guests, the ideal property size, your outdoor space requirements, and your ideal home style. All of these are important factors that contribute to your dream home.

5 Things To Consider When Buying A Home

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or not, purchasing a home is a stressful and tedious process. To ease the process, we’ve compiled 5 things we highly recommend you to consider when buying a home.

HOME SIZE
Many choose to buy as big of a space as their money can afford, but no matter how tempting it is to own a bigger space, it doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for you. In fact, a bigger space means you’re spending more in the long term as well because you’ll be spending more on utilities, more time and effort will be required to keep the space tidy, and you’ll have more empty spaces to fill out. Consider only buying what you truly need.

DIG THROUGH THE NUMBERS
Any realtor and lender will tell you that spending a bit of time to get pre-approved for a loan prior to your home search is incredibly beneficial. First of all, it lets you better narrow down how much mortgage you can realistically handle. It also allows you to figure out what kinds of loans you’ll be eligible for and what kinds of options for a downpayment you’ll have. Knowing these numbers before you hunt down a home will help you have a better idea of where you should be looking.

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Finding a home you love is incredibly important, however, studies show that finding a home in a neighborhood you love is almost more important. More people are willing to sacrifice a few things they’d like in their home if it means they get to live in a neighborhood they love. Make sure to look at the shops and parks available nearby, the vibe of the place, along with the schools and jobs available.

HOME ARCHITECTURE
One aspect that may seem random but can greatly affect your time in a home is knowing what direction the home faces. Depending on if you’re house faces the sun, stays rather dim, or is in constant bright light, this will change what your home needs. You may wind up using the AC or heater more depending on the light you receive. In addition, your lawn and landscape will have different care and water needs depending on the lighting as well. Think about if any of these are of importance to you and if you have any preferences.

KNOW THE COMPETITION
Another incredible tip is to have an idea of what other offers are currently placed on the house and what potential the house has. This may seem hard to find information, but a knowledgeable realtor will know this information to provide you a better idea when it comes to proposals and counteroffers.