It's summer, the market is hot - prices are down, interest rates are down; you've got the homebuyer's fever and you're wondering when or even if you should consider jumping in to this uneasy market. You love Rancho Cucamonga and know you want to live here.  This is where I can help!  Here are four tips for buying in Rancho Cucamonga in today's market. This advice may seem a little old school, but perhaps old school is the best school of thought!

1. Save for a good Down Payment- You may be leery of putting a big down payment on a mortgage in a declining market. But, as the market continues to stabilize, a 10%-20% down payment could pay off! Lower payments and better interest rates could benefit you up in the long run.

2. Buy within Your Budget- It may be tempting to "go big" when you find out how much your lender can approve you for. However, the best advice is simply: buy within your means. There are a ton of Short Sales and Foreclosures out there these days reminding us of all the buyers that decided to bite off more than they could chew. Be smart- plan for the long run and set up a realistic budget.

3. Buy for the Long Haul - Even though the market seems to be improving, this is not the market to buy and flip. The chances of making a fast dollar in real estate in today's market are slim to none. Devise a long term plan and make a smart buy.

4. Understand the Rancho Cucamonga Market- The national averages are just that- averages. Every market is unique. Feel free to ask me any questions about Rancho Cucamonga and the surrounding foothill communities! I can give you insight into our housing market, job market and community statistics.

As always, I'm here to help! I'd love to talk with you more about the Rancho Cucamonga area. There are a lot of great Rancho Cucamonga homes on the market, and my goal is to help you find the right place that fits your budget and your family's lifestyle!