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Buyer's Guide

A Step-by-Step First Time Buyer's Guide

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. To prepare yourself for this moment, you need to know what to expect during the process. This step-by-step first time buyer’s guide created by our team will help reduce the stress of buying a home and help you enjoy the journey as much as possible.

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Step 1: Research

Do you already know where you want to buy? If you want a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Which features do you like and dislike? What’s available on the market now? If you answered no to any of these questions, now is the time to start researching. In addition to looking for homes that interest you, also take note of any changes in asking prices. This could give you valuable insight into housing trends in specific neighborhoods and help you when the time comes to make an offer.

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Step 2: Decide on Your Budget

Notice we said to decide on your budget—not determine how much the mortgage company will give you. In many cases, a mortgage company will pre-approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending, which is why you need to determine the monthly payment you feel comfortable with before talking to a lender. This likely includes doing a full household budget and taking into consideration what changes other than a mortgage payment will occur once you move into your new home. If you’ve lived in an apartment or with roommates, you may overlook new expenses like garbage, water, or HOA fees that could easily blow your budget.

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Step 3: Get Prequalified

Just because you think you can afford a certain payment every month doesn’t mean the mortgage company will agree. Just as they may approve you for too large of an amount, they may also approve you for a lesser amount or deny you a mortgage altogether. Lack of time at a job, insufficient credit, past bankruptcies, or other financial issues can cause major problems when trying to secure a mortgage. Before you get your heart set on a home, talk to a mortgage professional to find out what amount you can qualify for. This will also be an advantage when you make an offer on a home, as some sellers won’t entertain offers from those who aren’t already prequalified for a loan.

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Step 4: Choose Real Estate Experts

Can you shop for, look at, and ultimately make an offer on a home without real estate experts? Technically yes, but why would you when it costs you nothing for agents like us to take much of the stress off your shoulders? Not only will we help identify properties you might be interested in, arrange showings, and ultimately handle the offer process, but we also have knowledge of the market that you don’t possess. Finding the perfect home can be a daunting task, this is where our expertise and wealth of knowledge come into play. Let us show you around some homes that meet your dream home criteria so you can find the one that's right for you.

Passion & Expertise

Our goal is to provide you with the most personalized service possible, meticulously designed to help you navigate the process of buying your dream home. We are dedicated to understanding your unique needs and preferences, ensuring that every step of the journey is tailored to achieve your ultimate home-buying aspirations.

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Step 5: Find the Right Home

This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in!). We will arrange showings of homes you’re interested in that are within your price range. Take notes about what you like and don’t like, and make sure to pay attention to details. Turn light switches on and off, open and close doors, and run the faucets in various rooms. Don’t limit your inspection to the home itself. Make sure to take time to explore the neighborhood and keep an eye on traffic at certain times of the day, the parking situation, and how close it is to necessities like schools and grocery stores.

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Step 6: Make an Offer

Once you have selected the perfect home, work with your agent to craft a fair offer based on the value of comparable homes on the market. Depending on what the home is listed at and whether the current environment is a buyer’s or seller’s market, your offer may be below, at, or even above the asking price. We will be able to help you negotiate if you receive a counteroffer and reach an agreement. At this point, the house will go into escrow.

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Step 7: Have the Home Inspected

In most cases, your offer will be contingent on having the home inspected to ensure there is no major structural damage or large repairs needed. We can help you arrange this, and you can schedule it within days of making an offer. If there are no major issues, the process goes to step eight. If there is, you can renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed, or you can withdraw it.

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Step 8: Select Your Loan

Now is the time to go back to the mortgage lender who pre-approved or pre-qualified you and choose your mortgage. You will be presented with various options based on your unique financial situation, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, 15-year, 30-year, or special programs such as VA loans or FHA loans. Work with your mortgage lender to select the option you feel the most comfortable with.

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Step 9: Get a Home Appraisal

Your lender will have your new home appraised so they have their independent value of it. The appraisal is to ensure that all parties involved are paying a fair price for the house.

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Step 10: Finish Paperwork

No one looks forward to all the paperwork involved in buying a home, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, everything will be arranged by your lender and title company and, when you’re finished, you’ll know you are the legal owner of your new home.

Congratulations!

After signing the final paperwork to complete the purchase, you are now the owner of a new house. It may take a few days for your loan to be funded once the paperwork has been returned to the lender, but once that check is delivered to the seller, you’ll be all set to move into the home of your dreams. 

Testimonials

"I was given their name by a friend who had used them. We hit it off right away. They got a feel for what I was looking for and were more than willing to check on properties. They actually found my place when I was out of state! Because of this, I had to rely on them heavily and they came through each and every time. They stayed in constant contact, even when there wasn't anything to report but just for reassurance. This is my 5th home purchase in over 30+ years and the smoothest by far. You will be happy you chose them!"
"I was given their name by a friend who had used them. We hit it off right away. They got a feel for what I was looking for and were more than willing to check on properties. They actually found my place when I was out of state! Because of this, I had to rely on them heavily and they came through each and every time. They stayed in constant contact, even when there wasn't anything to report but just for reassurance. This is my 5th home purchase in over 30+ years and the smoothest by far. You will be happy you chose them!"
Buyer
"I was referred to Josh Higgins almost 2 years ago by a co-worker. From the first interaction, there was no pressure,or rush sale and I got a great first impression that he valued his client's needs and I wanted to hire him as my realtor. My first request was if he could link me up with a mortgage broker. I needed help determining what price range I would qualify for and avoid falling in love with a home we could not afford. Fast forward over a year later, I called Josh and asked for the moon not to mention we were not on a "Balla" budget. He explained his company's philosophy on how they conduct business and gave me the game plan for moving forward. We were mimicking the Property Brother's TV show, Buying and Selling on HGTV. Many moving parts; Trying to sell a home in a transitional neighborhood and trying to purchase the dream home. Josh and Jamie are an awesome duo and I can see how they have been very successful in what they do. They were very flexible in shifting the focus every time I changed my mind. They helped me keep focused of what my newly blended family needed to live comfortably and easily picked up on our design style. They were awesome with dealing with me as a client cause I don't think I paid extra for them to deal with my nervous calls and lengthy emails to counsel and ease my nerves during the process, playing what this would cost if you were general contractor, interior design advice and even project management. Everything was seamless! Josh and Jamie previewed, made the recommendations and we went into pending sight unseen! We had complete trust and hit the nail on the head! We finally showed the kids the home and they are super excited! Thank you Josh and Jamie for your professionalism, thoughtfulness and really caring about what was going to be best for our family! We are excited to start our new journey! Can't wait to start again in a few years and you'll be my first call as should yours!"
"I was referred to Josh Higgins almost 2 years ago by a co-worker. From the first interaction, there was no pressure,or rush sale and I got a great first impression that he valued his client's needs and I wanted to hire him as my realtor. My first request was if he could link me up with a mortgage broker. I needed help determining what price range I would qualify for and avoid falling in love with a home we could not afford. Fast forward over a year later, I called Josh and asked for the moon not to mention we were not on a "Balla" budget. He explained his company's philosophy on how they conduct business and gave me the game plan for moving forward. We were mimicking the Property Brother's TV show, Buying and Selling on HGTV. Many moving parts; Trying to sell a home in a transitional neighborhood and trying to purchase the dream home. Josh and Jamie are an awesome duo and I can see how they have been very successful in what they do. They were very flexible in shifting the focus every time I changed my mind. They helped me keep focused of what my newly blended family needed to live comfortably and easily picked up on our design style. They were awesome with dealing with me as a client cause I don't think I paid extra for them to deal with my nervous calls and lengthy emails to counsel and ease my nerves during the process, playing what this would cost if you were general contractor, interior design advice and even project management. Everything was seamless! Josh and Jamie previewed, made the recommendations and we went into pending sight unseen! We had complete trust and hit the nail on the head! We finally showed the kids the home and they are super excited! Thank you Josh and Jamie for your professionalism, thoughtfulness and really caring about what was going to be best for our family! We are excited to start our new journey! Can't wait to start again in a few years and you'll be my first call as should yours!"
Rashaunda H.
"If I had to do it over again I would pick them. Very professional, very friendly, and could answer all my questions and offer advice. I even pushed them to speed up the house-buying process and they jumped through hoops to make sure I could move in by an earlier than agreed-upon date."
"If I had to do it over again I would pick them. Very professional, very friendly, and could answer all my questions and offer advice. I even pushed them to speed up the house-buying process and they jumped through hoops to make sure I could move in by an earlier than agreed-upon date."
Buyer
"We just closed, and I have to say — we were incredibly enthused about this process! Josh and his team are an incredibly savvy set of real estate experts who really took the time to get to know us. They focused on what we’d like in particular neighborhoods, even down to the culture and locale, and made the right recommendations. That already exceeded our expectations, but to top it off — their extremely deep construction knowledge and ability to determine which homes had the best value based on minimal costs to improvement made finding homes in this climate enjoyable! They ensured the confidence of certain homes and let us know when to walk away from hidden costs as we looked for our diamond in the rough! Many thanks, Josh and Kathleen for helping us find our perfect starter home! Cheers!"
"We just closed, and I have to say — we were incredibly enthused about this process! Josh and his team are an incredibly savvy set of real estate experts who really took the time to get to know us. They focused on what we’d like in particular neighborhoods, even down to the culture and locale, and made the right recommendations. That already exceeded our expectations, but to top it off — their extremely deep construction knowledge and ability to determine which homes had the best value based on minimal costs to improvement made finding homes in this climate enjoyable! They ensured the confidence of certain homes and let us know when to walk away from hidden costs as we looked for our diamond in the rough! Many thanks, Josh and Kathleen for helping us find our perfect starter home! Cheers!"
King M.
"I had to work and deal with 3 other real estate agents before I was introduced to Josh and there is no comparison. He really listened and cared about what we wanted. He also is truly an expert so when it came down to breaking down the numbers or consulting a potential renovation he was able to make it simple. Most agents just are not that good. They say 10% to 90% of the deals and now I understand why. I can't say enough good things about this guy! I'll just end with, if you're looking to buy in San Diego then Josh is the best you'll find."
"I had to work and deal with 3 other real estate agents before I was introduced to Josh and there is no comparison. He really listened and cared about what we wanted. He also is truly an expert so when it came down to breaking down the numbers or consulting a potential renovation he was able to make it simple. Most agents just are not that good. They say 10% to 90% of the deals and now I understand why. I can't say enough good things about this guy! I'll just end with, if you're looking to buy in San Diego then Josh is the best you'll find."
Eric B.
"Josh was absolutely wonderful to work with. He went above and beyond in helping me and my kids find our dream home. He listens and genuinely cares for his clients. He is patient, responsive, smart, honest and knowledgeable. His rolodex is extensive and he can connect you in minutes with any service provider you could possibly need and they are all truly quality introductions. His assistant Kathleen is a superstar as well! Added bonus - his wife, Kathryn (and partner Donna) are wonderful if you need some help after your purchase with home reno projects and interior design. I could not be happier with the service I received and I am forever grateful!"
"Josh was absolutely wonderful to work with. He went above and beyond in helping me and my kids find our dream home. He listens and genuinely cares for his clients. He is patient, responsive, smart, honest and knowledgeable. His rolodex is extensive and he can connect you in minutes with any service provider you could possibly need and they are all truly quality introductions. His assistant Kathleen is a superstar as well! Added bonus - his wife, Kathryn (and partner Donna) are wonderful if you need some help after your purchase with home reno projects and interior design. I could not be happier with the service I received and I am forever grateful!"
Farha C.
"I cannot say enough about how Josh and his team made my home purchase process so easy. From day one they were very professional, always responsive and just easy to work with! Josh explained every step of the process along the way. Josh and Kathleen are extremely knowledgeable from the home buying process to the neighborhood to remodeling. Really made this so easy for me and started to finish in less than 30 days in this market. Unbelievable! Thank you for making this so easy for me. I wouldn't be in my new home without you! Cannot wait to start making memories in our new home!"
"I cannot say enough about how Josh and his team made my home purchase process so easy. From day one they were very professional, always responsive and just easy to work with! Josh explained every step of the process along the way. Josh and Kathleen are extremely knowledgeable from the home buying process to the neighborhood to remodeling. Really made this so easy for me and started to finish in less than 30 days in this market. Unbelievable! Thank you for making this so easy for me. I wouldn't be in my new home without you! Cannot wait to start making memories in our new home!"
Cyndy M.
"He is amazing and so easy to work with!"
"He is amazing and so easy to work with!"
Maria K.
"As a new buyer to California, I shopped the market for an agent and interviewed a few people, until calling Josh. We found our guy, Josh had the expertise, network, and turnkey service we were looking for to buy, upgrade, and sell a house! It was a pleasure working with Josh! I would, and have, recommend him to friends and family!"
"As a new buyer to California, I shopped the market for an agent and interviewed a few people, until calling Josh. We found our guy, Josh had the expertise, network, and turnkey service we were looking for to buy, upgrade, and sell a house! It was a pleasure working with Josh! I would, and have, recommend him to friends and family!"
Cory R.
"Josh was absolutely wonderful to work with. He went above and beyond in helping me and my kids find our dream home. He listens and genuinely cares for his clients. He is patient, responsive, smart, honest and knowledgeable. His rolodex is extensive and he can connect you in minutes with any service provider you could possibly need and they are all truly quality introductions. His assistant Kathleen is a super star as well! Added bonus - his wife, Kathryn (and partner Donna) are wonderful if you need some help after your purchase with home reno projects and interior design. I could not be happier with the service I received and I am forever grateful!!"
"Josh was absolutely wonderful to work with. He went above and beyond in helping me and my kids find our dream home. He listens and genuinely cares for his clients. He is patient, responsive, smart, honest and knowledgeable. His rolodex is extensive and he can connect you in minutes with any service provider you could possibly need and they are all truly quality introductions. His assistant Kathleen is a super star as well! Added bonus - his wife, Kathryn (and partner Donna) are wonderful if you need some help after your purchase with home reno projects and interior design. I could not be happier with the service I received and I am forever grateful!!"
Farha Chowdry
"My husband and I were reluctant to work with an agent while buying our first home. I figured I had ample experience as an attorney to handle the process solo. Then we met Josh and Jamie. They “redefined” our perception of agents in a very positive way. They are an exceptional team. Both Josh and Jamie are down-to-earth, responsive, genuine, experienced and smart. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to buy or sell their home."
"My husband and I were reluctant to work with an agent while buying our first home. I figured I had ample experience as an attorney to handle the process solo. Then we met Josh and Jamie. They “redefined” our perception of agents in a very positive way. They are an exceptional team. Both Josh and Jamie are down-to-earth, responsive, genuine, experienced and smart. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to buy or sell their home."
Amie & Kevin S.
"I had to work/deal with 3 other real estate agents before I was introduced to Josh and there is no comparison. He REALLY listened and cared about what we wanted. He also is truly an expert so when it came down to breaking down the numbers or consulting a potential renovation he was able to make it simple. Most agents just are not that good. They say 10% do 90% of the deals and now I understand why. I can't say enough good things about this guy! I'll just end with, if you're looking to buy in San Diego then Josh is the best you'll find."
"I had to work/deal with 3 other real estate agents before I was introduced to Josh and there is no comparison. He REALLY listened and cared about what we wanted. He also is truly an expert so when it came down to breaking down the numbers or consulting a potential renovation he was able to make it simple. Most agents just are not that good. They say 10% do 90% of the deals and now I understand why. I can't say enough good things about this guy! I'll just end with, if you're looking to buy in San Diego then Josh is the best you'll find."
Eric Broida
"As a new buyer to California, I shopped the market for an agent and interviewed a few people, until calling Josh. We found our guy, Josh had the expertise, network, and turnkey service we were looking for to buy, upgrade, and sell a house! It was a pleasure working with Josh!! I would, and have, recommend him to friends and family!!!"
"As a new buyer to California, I shopped the market for an agent and interviewed a few people, until calling Josh. We found our guy, Josh had the expertise, network, and turnkey service we were looking for to buy, upgrade, and sell a house! It was a pleasure working with Josh!! I would, and have, recommend him to friends and family!!!"
Cory Rogge
"I cannot say enough about how Josh and his team made my home purchase process so easy. From day one they were very professional, always responsive and just easy to work with! Josh explained every step of the process along the way. Josh and Kathleen are extremely knowledgeable from the home buying process to the neighborhood to remodeling. Really made this so easy for me and start to finish in less than 30 days in this market... Unbelievable! Thank you for making this so easy for me .I wouldn't be in my new home without you! Cannot wait to start making memories in our new home!"
"I cannot say enough about how Josh and his team made my home purchase process so easy. From day one they were very professional, always responsive and just easy to work with! Josh explained every step of the process along the way. Josh and Kathleen are extremely knowledgeable from the home buying process to the neighborhood to remodeling. Really made this so easy for me and start to finish in less than 30 days in this market... Unbelievable! Thank you for making this so easy for me .I wouldn't be in my new home without you! Cannot wait to start making memories in our new home!"
Cyndy Marin

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