Buying a home in today’s market is a tall task; there’s much to prepare for and know. Purchasing a home in a major city like Oakland further complicates things, throwing higher prices and more competition into the mix. Don’t fret over the complicated homebuying process, however, as we’ve created a comprehensive guide that can help you secure the best Oakland houses for sale. So what do you need to know before you enter the Oakland real estate market? Let’s take a look.
Mortgage Lenders
One of the most important parts of the homebuying process in Oakland is finding a good mortgage lender. Home prices are skyrocketing, and major markets like Oakland can have massive costs. A good mortgage lender can get you low-interest rates, allowing you to spend less overall on your mortgage. While it may not seem like much in the immediate moment, a slightly better interest rate from a local mortgage lender can end up saving you thousands of dollars down the line, giving you a lot more financial flexibility as you get closer to retirement.
Location
The location of your Oakland home will have a major effect on its cost, so it’s important to figure out what general location you want to live in early on. Proximity to amenities like shops and restaurants is important, as the closer you are the more expensive a property will likely be. Additionally, homes in areas with low crime rates will and good school districts will be more expensive, while homes in less developed areas will be cheaper. The house itself is not the only thing you need to look at, as what’s around your potential future home is arguably just as important. It doesn’t matter how nice a home is, if you feel isolated or don’t feel safe, you likely aren’t going to enjoy living there.
Size
Size is another huge factor in your search for a home. Are you looking for a house that has plenty of garage space? How many bedrooms and bathrooms are you looking for? Questions like these will play a huge role in what homes are available to you and how much they will cost. If you’re looking for a small home and are flexible with amenities, you’ll have a lot of options to choose from, including some budget ones. However, home buyers specifically looking for large homes to start a family in, may have to splurge in Oakland.
Real Estate Agent
While it may be tempting to try and find your dream home all on your own, a real estate agent can be a huge boost to your prospects. Real estate agents have an intimate knowledge of the local market, allowing them to identify great deals and places to avoid. Additionally, these real estate agents have strong networks of connections, allowing them to easily negotiate with agents representing home sellers. Some home buyers will seek to represent themselves as a way to lower costs during the home buying process. However, when you see how much value a real estate agent can offer, it’s well worth the price, especially in a competitive market like Oakland.
