How Early Should I Plan to Buy A Home? ~ Fridays With Fred

Are you thinking about buying a home in the future? If so, you’re not alone! Owning a home is something that many people list as a priority and the reality is that it’s never too early to start the planning process for buying a house regardless if it’s your first home, second home, or investment property.

The More Time You Have to Plan, The Better

Since a home will most likely be the most expensive financial transaction in your life, it makes sense to start planning for that purchase now instead of having to deal with all of the details involved with buying a home later.

Taking the time to start planning to buy a home now also means that when you’re ready to buy, you are going to have more confidence. You will also be positioned to get a better deal or opportunity because you did the hard work in advance and are ready to buy a great home that has exactly what you’re looking for.

When Should You Start Planning?

When it comes to buying a home, especially in California, there’s never a better time to start planning to buy a home than right now. 

For many homebuyers, it’s not uncommon for them to start planning 1-2 years in advance, especially if they are self-employed, because lenders will require at least two years-worth of income tax returns and bank statements before approving a mortgage loan.

It’s also smart to start planning on buying a home in California as far in advance as you can because unless you plan on financing a home with an FHA loan, you’re going to have to save money for the down payment and that’s going to take time plus commitment.

Planning for buying a home doesn’t just include paying down debt or getting your credit score ready to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan, it also encompasses finding out what you’re really looking for in a home.

During the planning stage, you should be thinking about the type of home that you want to buy, where you want to live, what school district you want to be a part of (if you have kids) and what your goals for the home are.

“He who fails to plan, is planning to fail” – Sir. Winston Churchill 

Contact the Fred Sed Group

If we can assist you in any way when it comes to planning for buying a home, or to view properties for sale in Southern California, contact us today by calling (800) 921-9231 or connect with us online.