Getting Prepared to Buy Your Home

First, you should write down why youre looking for a home. For example, are you currently renting and would like to have a home where you can begin building equity? Maybe you have outgrown your existing home or changed jobs which required you to move to a new city. These factors will all have an impact on how you approach your home search.

It is important to identify what you envision your home to look like and what features it should have. Writing this down helps to avoid ambiguity later in the home search process. You should make at least two lists: one should describe everything you would ideally like and the other should list the features of the home that are an absolute must. It is most likely that you will blend the two lists into one as you progress through the homebuying process. This is a natural and evolutionary process that becomes clearer as you determine what you want and what is available.

Last, but not least, tell your Realtor what your dream home looks like. If you decide to work with me, I will ask you to tell me everything that you are looking for in a home. Even if you think you cant get it tell me anyway. Because the more you tell me about what you want, the better the chance we have of finding you more of what you want.

I will then take you on The Grand Tour and I will show you every area in your price range. You can eliminate the areas that dont work for you and we will then focus on the areas that you like best. We will find the home that you want to buy and get it at the lowest possibile price. So lets get started!

Posted by Mary Aguilar on July 05, 2009 at 07:10 PM

About Mary Aguilar
Driving down the picturesque Monterey/Carmel Coast, I sometimes have to pinch myself to make sure that I am not dreaming! I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York (You see why I pinch myself!). I have had a 30 year career as a Civilian in the Human Resources field for the Department of the Navy, first in Virginia and at the Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland, and then as the Human Resource Director at the Naval Postgraduate School right here in Monterey. I began my Real Estate Career with Century 21 Scenic Bay Properties and then in 2006 I moved to the prominent Real Estate Company, John Saar Properties in Carmel. I was one of the 4 top producers for the company in 2007. Having found my way to Monterey and applied my talents to achieve my own dreams, I find great satisfaction in focusing my efforts to help others achieve theirs. My almost 3 decades of managerial HR experience in public service provided me with in-depth knowledge of contract intricacies and well-developed skills in structuring win-win negotiations which is vital to real estate transactions. I also bring strong interpersonal and communications skills to the table - I understand that Real Estate is more about people and their dreams than just property. My marketing plan for buyers and sellers alike is focused on the client. I begin by bringing the client's property to as large a market segment as soon as possible. The most important part of any marketing plan though isn't marketing, it is execution. That means showing up, returning phone calls promptly, follow-up on showings and making sure that I am representing my client's needs professionally throughout the process. It is hard work that wins the day! Education, as well as understanding the market are also important. I have earned three important real estate designations, GRI, ABR and e-PRO. I hope that these certifications demonstrate my dedication to my clients in providing them with the most up-to-date information on contracts, top-notch marketing plans and top negotiation skills. Not only does the ABR Designation help me to provide buyers with expert insight in knowing what to look for when buying a home, it also allows my sellers to know what buyers are looking for and helps sellers to work on items that may cause a sale to fall out of escrow. Finding ways to prevent possible pitfalls during the transaction allows for many more successful transactions in which everyone is satisfied. More that 78% of prospective buyers use the internet to search for homes. I have been certified as an Internet Professional (e-PRO). Many Agents are not e-PROs and do not even know what they are supposed to do on the internet to attract buyers. On a more personal note, I am married to the love of my life, Peter who is a retired general contractor. His knowledge of the housing field has been a tremendous asset to my business and my clients. I have 4 grown children and 8 grandchildren, who live in the States of Nevada and Washington. I adore being a "Nana". I am also in love with my loyal companion, Chuey, a 2 year old Miniature Schnauzer. I enjoy music of all kinds, I love to travel (Pete and I visited China in 2007 which was a trip of a lifetime for us), camping and reading. I am on the Board of Directors for Easter Seals of the Central Coast. I am also very involved with my spiritual group and lead meditation service once a month. If you are looking for a Realtor and think that my dedication and passion for Real Estate would optimize the sale or purchase of your property, please give me a call at 831 277-1073 or send me an email at Mary@MaryAgularHomes.com. Mary Aguilar DRE# 01341966 Making Dreams Happen




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