Step 4: The Process of Finding the Right Home

You have now finished the first three steps to the home buying process and completed some very important items! 

• Step 1: You picked your Realtor 

• Step 2: You figured out how much you want to spend on a monthly basis 

• Step 3: You got pre-approved for a home that fits your budget 

Now that we have the loan pre-approval out of the way we can dive into the specifics of your home. Notice how it took this long to dive into property specifics. Looking at property without knowing how much it will cost you and how you are going to purchase it is counterproductive. 

During the first meeting with us we will get a basic idea of what you are looking for and we can set you up with an “auto email” which comes straight from our MLS. You will receive emails for new properties every day or as often as you would like. There are endless criteria options to choose from and set up your auto email with. Below is a list of just some of the options to consider. 

• Condo/Townhome/Single Family Home

• Cities/Areas/Neighborhoods

• Beds

• Baths

• Maintenance Fee Maximum (Condo) 

• Association Fee Maximum (Townhome or Single Family Home)

• # of Parking Stalls (Condo) 

• Covered or uncovered parking (Condo & Townhome) 

• Carport or Enclosed Garage (Single Family Home) 

• Interior Square Footage 

• Lot Size 

• View 

Other things to consider are things such as if you need a Pet Friendly unit or townhome as there are usually restrictions on the number of pets and size limit or if you need a single level home or a bedroom and full bathroom on the ground floor. There are endless ways to set up your search but everything still centers on your budget and pre-approval amount. 

 After talking with a loan officer we may have to adjust the search parameters of your auto email to stay within your “comfortable monthly budget”. If the number of properties that fit your search criteria is minimal we may have to expand your search area or adjust your search criteria. 

Previous, Step 3: Get Pre-Approved By A Lender

Next, Step 5: Schedule Time For Showings

Steps to Buying a Home

HAWAII STARTS HERE | JOE CASTANEDA (R)

Joe is a realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Advantage Realty. He majored in finance and has experience as a former mortgage loan originator. He has helped buyers both with new project loans and going through the process of applying and obtaining units in new projects. He uses his finance, mortgage, and real estate knowledge to help home buyers find the right properties to fit their needs. Contact Joe by phone or email at (808) 351-8394 or JoeC@BetterHawaii.com.