5 Tips to Get You Started on Owning a Home in North County San Diego

Whether I am gazing at the beautiful sun setting over the ocean, walking the pier, or enjoying the fresh produce from the farmers market, I feel so lucky that my family and I live here in Oceanside. What a dream to own a home in one of the beautiful cities of North County San Diego! 

It is possible to even buy a home here and have your mortgage payment less than cost of rent.  Investor Warren Buffett told CNBC that buying a home today is a great investment; historically low interest rates on a 30-year fixed loan make it an ideal time to buy.

Top 5 tips to consider when buying a home:

1)Location! Location! Location!   Apply this principle to your home purchase
whether you’re looking in Oceanside, Fallbrook, Vista, or Carlsbad. Where is
the growth in the city? Where is best value? Some of the best real estate advisors say it’s all about location.  You’ve got step one done since you live in North County San Diego, what’s a better location than that?

2) PRICE! What can you afford?  Falling in love with a home and overstepping your means is very easy to do.  Be sure to select a home you can afford.  Select a home you like and one that makes sense for your investment.   It’s nice to have a completely remodeled home, however small upgrades and design touches can be done later.  Watch for the expensive items, such as roof and termite work, that need to be done right away.

3) Schools -If you have kids, be sure to research where they will go to school in the neighborhood you choose.  You can find school boundary lines for elementary, middle, and high school on the cities local school district website.  Also, be sure to check out any private and charter schools in your area that can become an option for you.

4) How will my home sell in the future?  When it’s time to move, will your home be desirable? This is where your decision on location is put to the test.  Evaluate the city’s plans for development when you select a home.  For example, if there is open space behind your home, you want to make sure you know that there are not plans to build there. Your city planning department will answer those questions for you

5) What is my Commute?  In the neighborhood you select, be comfortable with the drive to and from work, as this is your time.

Jot these ideas down and workshop them.

Now you have the 5 criteria to take with you when shopping for your first dream home.  Apply these ideas to your top home list and you will be good to go and feel great about your home purchase and your investment.  This is probably one of the biggest investments in your life, so make it a good one and do your research!

Liz Saldana is a Realtor with Harcourts Prime Properties and is an expert in North County Real Estate.  Keep up with Liz on Facebook and email her at Elizabeth.saldana@harcourtsusa.com to subscribe to her newsletter. She can also be reached at 760-450-7119.