Best French Toast: Brockton Villa on Coast Blvd. in La Jolla, the 'Coast Toast' is a delightful cross between French toast and a soufflé with the perfect touch of orange. The restaurant has a fabulous view of the La Jolla Cove.
A patient, experienced buyer’s agent will understand and guide you through the process of figuring out what you really want and need, but there are some actions you can take to make the home search process quicker and easier, saving you a great deal of time and trouble. Here are a couple of ideas:
1. Make a list of things you “Must Have,” “Can’t Stand,” and “Would Like,” then share this list with your agent. If you’re buying with someone else, exchange your lists and discuss the similarities and differences. Try to make compromises so that one of you isn’t looking for a condo in Clairemont while the other one is looking for a ranch in Ramona!
2. Every time you view a home in person, show and tell your agent what you like most and least about it. The vast majority of real estate agents are not gifted with ESP, so your honest feedback will be greatly appreciated!
3. Ask your agent to explain the short sale process and decide if you’re willing / able to hang in there for the long run. Many short sales have happy endings, but the waiting and wondering can be excruciating, and it can be too discouraging for some buyers to go through this type of transaction. Only you know your personal home-buying timeline and how much patience and stamina you can muster.
4. One common challenge is having “champagne tastes” on a “beer budget”. You may have to lower your expectations a bit and understand that your dream home may not exist in your price range (or it may not be in your chosen neighborhood). Keep an open mind and use your imagination—sometimes a “diamond in the rough” is truly the one that’s “meant to be” and, with the right remodeling and/or restoration, almost any home can be transformed into a treasure.
5. If you’re not seeing many properties you like on your home search results, try expanding your options. Consider a wider variety of neighborhoods, features, and/or home styles. You may even want to search for 2-4 unit properties, as it can be financially advantageous to have a “helper unit,” or, if you don’t want to deal with tenants, you can have a separate office, play room, or guest house.
6. Try to stay optimistic and hopeful. If your offers keep getting rejected, don’t take it personally—think of it as a sign that the right home hasn’t come along just yet (then get back in the saddle just as soon as you can!).
7. Hang on to your sense of humor—there are so many things about the real estate market that you and your agent simply cannot control. If you can laugh off at least some of the craziness, you will be healthier and happier in the end!
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