The Six Secrets of Home Buyer Happiness

Buying a Laguna Beach home isn’t like buying a veggie juicer. You don’t just return the merchandise if you’re dissatisfied with the purchase. Known as buyer’s remorse, dissatisfaction with a real estate purchase can darken even the juiciest deal. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid buyer’s remorse after purchasing a Laguna Beach property. First, team up with a knowledgeable real estate professional who can corral problems long before they rear their ugly heads. And second, grab tremendous foresight with these Six Secrets of Home Buyer Happiness.

Take Stock of the Block.  The media is bursting at the seams with expert opinions about the real estate market. But the gurus are covering a general stretch of the marketplace. Every community, every block, and even every Orange County home plays by its own set of economic rules. Get well-acquainted with the specifics of your chosen destination. Believe me, what’s happening in Laguna Beach is a far cry from what’s going down in Cleveland.

Telescope Beyond the Purchase Price.  Buyers must factor in the complete cost of a home, not just the purchase price. Know what you’ll be paying in interest every month, and every year. Then tally up the numbers and ask yourself  – Can I really afford to borrow this much? Will I have cash left over for food, clothing, and yoga classes? Also, know your options for paying down the mortgage ahead of time, as advance payments can save you a small fortune over the long haul. 

Inspector Insurance. You don’t just Google-find a home inspector. As with other professionals, the quality of these service providers varies, sometimes greatly. Do some reconnaissance and select an inspector with a rock-solid reputation and glowing credentials. Remember, sloppy inspections happen. And if they happen to you, you’ll likely be paying for errors and omissions with your earnings.

What Must-Haves Must Have. Just because fluorescent walls and embossed kitchen counters are the current rage doesn’t mean they belong on your must-have list. Trends vanish quicker than a cup of espresso – and so does their value. Your must-haves must have staying power. Something that keeps them relevant beyond the springtime.  The leading must-have is and probably always will be, you guessed it, LOCATION. Strong runners-up include style, view, side of street, and orientation (west-facing, south-facing).  

Square Footage Fallacy. Many buyers don’t realize that square footage is derived from measuring a home’s exterior, not interior. Therefore, roominess based on this calculation is only an educated guess at best. The only way to know what you’re literally getting into is by entering each room and getting the answer from a tape measure.  Then imagine your furniture fitting into these newly-measured domains. If you can still walk without bumping the mahogany dresser, your worries are over.

Don’t Fall in Love at First Sight. Even if your chosen home has you weak in the knees, go back for a second glance. And bring the whole gang – contractors, charming realtor, home-stagers. Anyone qualified to help you uncover the home’s little secrets. And include snacks.  Sure as the summer sun, your buyer radar will catch things missed during your first foray. But don’t assume these will be negatives. You may well discover new enticements that shout – this is the one!

If you’d like to learn more about avoiding buyer’s remorse and increasing home buyer happiness, we’ll be delighted to assist you. Just drop us a comment or reach out to our team any time. We’ll reply in a flash!

And, of course, if want to discover your best opportunities in the Orange County real estate market, contact the caring professionals at The Coastal Property Experts to schedule your complimentary consultation. We promise you’ll get what you want in the Laguna Beach real estate and Orange County real estate market…much sooner than you think.

The Coastal Property Experts

Transforming Integrity Into Results