365 Tips for First Time Home Buyers - in Stockton, CA (San Joaquin Central Valley): # 19

365 Tips for First Time Home Buyers - in Stockton, CA (San Joaquin Central Valley): # 19

As the tips go on and on, here is one that is very important to the viewing process. 

Know what to look at when viewing a property! 

Some properties are vacant (foreclosures), but with the market like it is and the Short Sales are basically taking the lead in many of the hardest hit areas - short sales are usually/ typically not vacant.  Short sales usually will have a full family still living in the home as if they are not selling it.  And while it is best to have families not moving out too soon when they are requesting a short sale (especially if they want to be considered for the HAFA program). 

So the family is in the home, including the dog(s) and cat(s) and furnishing.  Some people have more furniture than room for it and some are in the process of packing and things are everywhere.  Some people over the years are acquired allot of personal belongings and you have to know that having to short sale your home is not a grand old time - so you should expect to see almost anything going on in the homes that you view that are short sale listed.

Looking at the furnishings, the dog or things that will leave with the family and not taking a look at the floor plan, the condition of the house is not a wise move on your part.  Remember

• The furnishing are going with the homeowners
• imagine what your furnishings will look in this house
• picture you and your family in the home
• I always say - get a visual.  If you cannot visualize yourself in the home - - keep looking!

Tip of the day:  It may be difficult to look beyond a seller's carpet choice, room colors or big bulky over-loaded furniture, but keep in mind that all these are merely aesthetic and can easily be changed if they aren’t your choice. Look at the "bones" of the house like the size of the rooms, the location and the condition.  If you focus on a home’s aesthetics you could be missing out on a great Central Valley property.