If homeownership on the Central Coast is the next step coming to your relationship, allow me to offer you some tips before you begin your search. As a Central Coast real estate agent, I know that there are a few key things that couples should discuss before buying, so that they can work out disagreements now, and find common ground. Let me lay them out for you:

• Location – When buying a Central Coast home, it is likely that you will stay in that home for many years. Therefore, it’s important that you both agree on the location! Discuss your long-term goals, like how long you’ll stay at your current job, where you might want to look for a future job, if you want to grow your family and what type of schools you would like your kids to go to, what type of amenities you’d like nearby, distance you’d prefer to your family and friends, and so forth.

• Space requirements – Discuss what type of general layout you’d prefer, and what your square footage requirements are. Make a list of your needs and wants within a home. If you work from home, you’ll need office space. If you host a lot of parties, you’ll want an open floor plan with a big kitchen. If you plan to have kids, you’ll need extra bedrooms and bathrooms, which will up the price. Be ready to compromise! Determine what is essential and what would just be an added bonus.

• Hidden expenses – Determine your budget for a home by meeting with a Central Coast real estate agent or a mortgage lender. When determining what you can afford, don’t forget to include hidden expenses, such as closing costs during the home-buying process, and costs once you are living in your new home, such as utilities, water, HOA fees, property taxes, repairs, insurance and so on. As a Central Coast real estate agent, I always recommend buying a little under your budget, so that you always have more to lean on when you need it.

For more home-buying tips for couples, check out this RISMedia article, or contact me with questions or for professional assistance! This is a big step for your future, so it’s wise to discuss your needs and wishes ahead of time, to make the process that much smoother once you begin. The process should be fun and memorable! The sooner you work out kinks, the better.

When ready to begin searching for your first Central Coast home as a couple, contact me!

Grace Borzini

Your Local Lake Nacimiento Real Estate Expert
Oak Shores Realty

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Oak Shores Realty specializes in Oak Shores at Lake Nacimiento properties. Please contact us today to get more information on Lake Nacimiento lake homes. Oak Shores Realty can also provide you an insiders “Lake Nacimiento Buying Guide” with great information including maps and market information.