Help!!!! First time home buyer in Cali

[cbsmokin]

Since this is your first house don't forget the importance of sweat equity. The place you buy (epically your first) does not have to be perfect and actually you can save a lot of money if you are willing to do some simple jobs yourself.

Be wary of the Realtors, a good one is very hard to find. With out having worked with one before it will be more difficult. They should prepare a file for you. It will educate you about area trends (with actual figures of sales in the area), schools, property taxes, grocery stores, emergency services, etc. Also, don't be afraid to overwork them. Make them show you 100 homes if needed.

FWIW FHA rates on a 30yr fixed are about 5% right now so your VA should be the same.

One last thing ... make sure the house has a place for you to smoke your cigars!

[MikeyC]

Originally Posted by cbsmokin

Be wary of the Realtors, a good one is very hard to find. With out having worked with one before it will be more difficult. They should prepare a file for you. It will educate you about area trends (with actual figures of sales in the area), schools, property taxes, grocery stores, emergency services, etc. Also, don't be afraid to overwork them. Make them show you 100 homes if needed.

On behalf of all Realtors . . . THANKS A LOT!



On a serious note, if your Realtor ever gives you the impression that they don't want your business or that you are inconveniencing them with your desire to find a house then you're probably not working with a good Realor. So, find a new one.