With prices in the Pleasant Hill real estate market being near their lowest points in years and mortgage interest rates being at all time lows, many are talking about buying real estate.
It may be time to jump in and buy your piece of the American dream in Pleasant Hill. But although buying a home in Pleasant Hill may be a great value in today's market — it sure isn't always easy.
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Here are four essential tips to prepare yourself to buy real estate in Pleasant Hill in today's market.
- Know Your Credit Situation - Having great credit is essential to getting the best rates and have the best loan programs available to you. If you are currntly having challenges with your credit history you can review the top nine tips to repair your credit.
- Get Pre-Approved First - Talk to a lender and get pre-approved you will have the ammo and knowledge that you can afford what you are shopping for. Having a pre approval letter in hand will help realtors see how serious and prepared you are too. Normally the process only takes a few minutes over the phone.
- Find a Good Realtor - Interview a few Realtors... after all you are hiring them to work for you. Get a referral or two from a few friends that you know bought a home in Pleasant Hill recently. I always say to trust your instincts and you gut feeling when you are hiring a realtor. Make sure you feel like you connect and can trust that individual.
- Know Your Lender - As a rule stay away from the big four lenders. Wells Fargo, Citi Corp, Chase, and Bank of America are widley known for very poor customer service, horrible communication skills and a nightmare loan process. Find a Broker or a Loan Officer that has a CA DRE license and an NMLS designation. A good Loan Officer will work hard for YOU and not for the bank.
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There you have it. If you're thinking of taking advantage of today's great real estate market you will never know if it's possible unless you ask a professional. Get connected and get educated. To learn about local lending in Pleasant Hill "like" our page on Facebook and follow us on twitter @JasonWheeler if you ever have a quick question about real estate or lending in Pleasant Hill California, don't hesitate to leave a comment in the blog or on our page. Education and knowledge is the key to success.
