Buyer's Section
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to negotiating a great deal, noticing those things most
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For home buyers, buying a home will probably rank as one of the biggest personal investments one can make. Being organized and in control will contribute significantly to getting the best home deal possible with the least amount of stress. It’s important to anticipate the steps required to successfully achieve your housing goal and to build a plan of action that gets you there.
Before you can build a plan of action, take the time to lay the groundwork for your decision making process.
First, ask yourself how much you can afford to pay for a home. If you’re not sure on the price range, find a lender and get pre-approved. Pre-approval will let you know how much you can afford, allowing you to look for homes in your price range. Getting pre-approved also helps you to alleviate some of the anxieties that come with home buying. You know exactly what you qualify for and at what rate, you know how large your monthly mortgage payments will be, and you know how much you will have for a down payment. Once you are pre-approved, you avoid the frustration of finding homes that you think are perfect, but are not in your price range.
convenience for all family members
proximity to work, school
crime rate of neighborhood
local transportation
types of homes in neighborhoods, for example, condos, townhomes, co-ops, newly constructed homes etc.
There are also some sellers that you should avoid. Not every seller is as genuinely motivated as they make themselves to be. Some possible hints:
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Finding the Right Seller
The best seller is one who is highly motivated. A highly motivated seller is more likely to sell at a price that is less than his or her house is actually worth. And it matters that you find out why. Learning the reason why can help you get the price you want and help the seller get what they want: a timely sale.
When given the opportunity to meet with sellers, ask them why they are selling. The reason could be anything, such as a job change to a new location or financial problems. If you can solve their problem, whether it is cash related or time-related, do so. For example, if the sellers are highly motivated because they need to move quickly, give them a fast sale – and a lower price. If you can make an offer, even a low one, that gives them cash in a short time, they are more likely to accept.
There are also some sellers that you should avoid. Not every seller is as genuinely motivated as they make themselves to be. Some possible hints:
they stall on having the home appraised or inspected
they are unable to clear up liens against their property
they do not own 100% of their property
they push back the move-out date
they do not have a replacement property or back up plan
etc.
There are also some sellers that you should avoid. Not every seller is as genuinely motivated as they make themselves to be. Some possible hints:
NATIONAL RESCUE DOG DAY
National Rescue Dog Day: Celebrating Second Chances & Forever Homes 🐶🏡
by Cari Pelayo
Every Dog Deserves a Home
If there’s one thing that can instantly make your day better, it’s the love of a dog. 🐕❤️ But what’s even more special? The love of a rescue dog—a pup who has been given a second chance at life and is ready to be your loyal, tail-wagging companion.
National Rescue Dog Day (celebrated every year on May 20) is all about raising awareness for the millions of incredible rescue dogs waiting for their forever homes. From shelters to foster programs, these pups are just looking for a place to belong—and maybe a few belly rubs along the way.
Whether you’re already a proud rescue dog parent or considering adopting your first pup, this day is a celebration of second chances, unconditional love, and the incredible impact a dog can have on your life. Let’s dive into the world of rescue dogs, adoption success stories, and how you can get involved!
The Heartwarming Truth About Rescue Dogs
1. The Reality of Shelters: Why Rescue Dogs Need Us
Each year, over 3.1 million dogs enter shelters across the U.S. While many are reunited with owners or find loving homes, hundreds of thousands still face uncertainty.
Why do dogs end up in shelters?
Lost or stray: Many dogs are picked up as strays, never claimed, or abandoned.
Owner surrender: Some families can no longer care for their pets due to financial, health, or housing issues.
Breeding and overpopulation: Puppy mills and backyard breeders contribute to overcrowded shelters.
2. Why Rescue Dogs Are the Best Dogs
Every dog is special, but rescue dogs have something extra: gratitude. These pups often know they’ve been given a second chance, and they show it with endless love, devotion, and tail wags.
They’re incredibly loyal 🐾 – Many rescue dogs form deep bonds with their new families.
They’re trained (or trainable!) 🎓 – Many shelter dogs already know basic commands or can learn quickly.
They’re one-of-a-kind 💖 – Mixed breeds make up most shelter dogs, meaning you’ll have a unique pup.
🐶 Fun Fact: Studies show that owning a rescue dog reduces stress and improves mental health!
How You Can Celebrate National Rescue Dog Day
1. Adopt or Foster a Rescue Dog 🏡🐕
If you’ve been thinking about getting a dog, there’s no better time than now! Shelters and rescue groups have dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes—there’s a perfect match for every home.
Not ready for a lifelong commitment? Foster a dog! Temporary fostering saves lives by opening up space in shelters for more rescues.
🎯 Pro Tip: Visit websites like Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet to find adoptable dogs near you!
2. Support Your Local Shelter 🏠
Even if you can’t adopt, there are many ways to help rescue dogs in need:
✔ Donate: Food, toys, blankets, and funds are always needed.
✔ Volunteer: Spend time walking, playing with, or socializing shelter dogs.
✔ Share: Use social media to spread awareness and help adoptable dogs find homes!
🐶 Hashtag Challenge! Post a picture of your rescue dog on May 20 with #NationalRescueDogDay and #AdoptDontShop to inspire others!
I am always gathering blankets, towels and pillows when my clients are selling their homes and have extra. I take them all to my local shelter. It's easy!!!
Real-Life Rescue Dog Stories That Will Melt Your Heart ❤️🐾
1. Max’s Journey: From Stray to Service Dog
Max, a Labrador mix, was found as a stray and spent months in a shelter before being adopted by a veteran. Today, he’s a certified service dog helping his owner with PTSD. Proof that rescue dogs can truly change lives.
2. Bella’s New Beginning
Bella, a senior golden retriever, was surrendered to a shelter at 10 years old. A kind-hearted family took her in, proving that it’s never too late for a dog to find love.
🐾 Lesson learned? The right family is out there for every dog!
House Hunting? Find a Home That’s Perfect for You AND Your Pup! 🏠🐕
If you’re adopting a dog (or already have one), your home should be as dog-friendly as possible! Here are some must-haves when searching for your dream home:
✅ A fenced yard – Space for zoomies and playtime!
✅ Pet-friendly flooring – Hardwood or tile = easy cleanup!
✅ Nearby parks & trails – Daily walks = happy, healthy pups!
✅ A cozy dog-friendly layout – Room for a comfy dog bed and food station!
🐕 Thinking about moving? I can help you find the perfect home for you and your four-legged best friend! 🏡 Send me a message today!
Final Thoughts: A Dog’s Love Is Forever
National Rescue Dog Day reminds us that every dog deserves a chance at happiness. Whether you adopt, foster, donate, or simply spread the word, YOU can make a difference.
And remember…
🏡 If you’re searching for the perfect home (for you and your pup), I’m here to help! Let’s find you a home that welcomes all the belly rubs, wagging tails, and unconditional love.
📩 DM me today! Let’s find your dream home together—because every rescue dog deserves a forever home! 🐶🏡
Stay Connected!
Thank you for reading! Follow me on social media and YouTube for more tips, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments. Let’s stay in touch!
📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cari4homes/
📍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cari4homes/
📍 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cari4homes/
📍 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SanFernandoValleyHomes
Subscribe, comment, or send me a message—I’d love to hear from you!
Getting a Legitimate Lender and Getting Pre-Approved
It used to be that buyers could go house shopping and when they have found their dream home, then they go to get pre-approved. However, in today’s market, that has proven to be one of the least effective methods of landing the dream home.
Most lenders can pre-qualify you for a mortgage over the phone. Based on general questions about your income, debt, assets, and credit history, lenders can estimate how much mortgage you qualify for. However, being pre-qualified and pre-approved are different things. Pre-approval means that you have applied for a mortgage; you have filled out the mortgage application, received your credit report, and verified your employment, assets, etc. When you are pre-approved, you know exactly what the maximum loan amount will be.
A pre-qualified letter is not verified and in essence, does not count for much if you are competing with other buyers who are pre-approved. When you are pre-approved, you and the seller know exactly how much house you can afford. It gives you credibility as an interested buyer and lets the seller know immediately that you will qualify for a loan to buy their property.
In addition to being pre-approved, it’s important to be pre-approved with a legitimate lender. Legitimate lenders include banks, mortgage bankers, credit unions, savings and loan associations, mortgage brokers, and online lenders.
Some lenders to avoid: those who lose a form or misplace a file, those who gather information from you in an unorganized manner, those who are not informed about interest rates, points or costs, and those who cannot provide you with the right information.
Hot, Normal, and Cold Markets
Hot Market
This is an extremely competitive market and is advantageous to the seller. Sometimes, homes will sell as soon as they are listed or even before homes are listed. Typically, during a hot market, multiple offers will be made on each home and more often than not, homes will sell for more than the asking price. It is even more crucial to be prepared and to be ready as a buyer when the market is hot. It can be easy to get caught up in the bid for a home, but if you are prepared (preapproved, solid in price range, realistic about your needs), it is easier to remain focused on your housing needs and price range.
Normal Market
In a normal market, there is a fairly large number of homes available and an average number of buyers. This market does not necessarily favor the buyer or the seller. A seller may not have as many offers on their home, but he or she may not be desperate to sell either. Again, it is the buyer’s responsibility to be prepared. During a normal market, the chances to negotiate are higher than in a hot market. As a buyer, you can expect to make offers at lower than the asking price and negotiate a price at least somewhat less than what the sellers are asking.
Cold Market
In a cold market, houses may be listed for more than a year and the prices of houses listed may drop considerably. This market is advantageous to the buyer. As a buyer, you have the
Importance of Inspection
As a buyer, you are entitled to know exactly what you are getting. Don’t take anything for granted, not even what you see or what the seller or listing broker tells you. A professional home inspection is something you MUST do, whether you are buying an existing home or a new one.
An inspection is an opportunity to have an expert look closely at the property you are considering purchasing and get both an oral and written opinion as to its condition.
Beforehand, make sure the report will be done by a professional organization, such as a local trade organization or a national trade organization such as ASHI (American Society of Home Inspection). Not only should you never skip an inspection, but also you should be present with the inspector during the inspection. This gives you a chance to ask questions about the property and get answers that are not biased. In addition, the oral comments are typically more revealing and detailed than what you will find on the written report. Once the inspection is complete, review the inspection report carefully.
time to make an offer that works in your best interest. It is not uncommon to low-ball and to find that sellers are accommodating to meet your needs. Keep in mind that even though this market is a great time for buyers, you do not want to lose your dream home by being unrealistic. Your goal is to get your dream home at the best possible price.
Importance of Inspection
As a buyer, you are entitled to know exactly what you are getting. Don’t take anything for granted, not even what you see or what the seller or listing broker tells you. A professional home inspection is something you MUST do, whether you are buying an existing home or a new one.
An inspection is an opportunity to have an expert look closely at the property you are considering purchasing and getting both an oral and written opinion as to its condition.
Beforehand, make sure the report will be done by a professional organization, such as a local trade organization or a national trade organization such as ASHI (American Society of Home Inspection). Not only should you never skip an inspection, but also you should be present with the inspector during the inspection. This gives you a chance to ask questions about the property and get answers that are not biased. In addition, the oral comments are typically more revealing and detailed than what you will find on the written report. Once the inspection is complete, review the inspection report carefully.
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Use a Buyer’s Broker
It’s important that you choose an experienced broker who is there for you. Your broker should be actively finding you potential homes, keeping you informed of the entire process, negotiating furiously on your behalf, and answering all of your questions with competence and speed.
First, find a broker who represents you and not the seller. This is beneficial during the negotiation process. If you are working with a buyer’s broker, he or she is required not to tell the seller of your top choice. In addition, he or she is also focused on getting you the lowest asking price.
Also, when you use a buyer’s broker, you will see more properties. Not only are they plugged into their Multiple Listing Service, but they are also actively finding homes that are listed as FSBO, or homes that sellers are thinking about listing.
Why You Should Not Make Any Major Credit Purchases
Don’t go on a spending spree using credit if you are thinking about buying a home, or in the process of buying a new home. Your mortgage pre-approval is subject to a final evaluation of your financial situation.
Every $100 you pay per month on a credit payment could cost you about $10,000 in home eligibility. For example, a car payment of $300/month could mean that you qualify for $30,000 less in a mortgage.
Even if you have accumulated enough savings, you should consider not making any large purchases until after closing. The last thing you want is to know that you could have purchased a new home had you curbed the urge to spend.
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