Readiness Score0 of 8 complete
Checklist
Your Buyer Readiness Assessment
I have a stable source of income
Lenders typically want 2 years of employment history
I know my approximate credit score
Most conventional loans require 620+. FHA loans can go lower.
I have some savings for a down payment
You may need less than you think — programs exist for 3–5% down
I've thought about how long I plan to stay
Generally 3–5+ years makes buying smarter than renting
I have a general budget in mind
Even a rough number helps narrow your search significantly
I know what area or neighborhood I prefer
Schools, commute, lifestyle — these shape your search
I understand renting vs. owning costs
Mortgage, taxes, insurance, HOA, maintenance — I want to compare
I'm ready to talk to an agent to learn more
No commitment — just a conversation to see what's possible
Not sure where you land?
Most people are closer to buying than they think — and the ones who aren't yet just need a roadmap. Either way, a 15-minute call with me will give you a clear picture of exactly where you stand and what your next step should be. No pressure, no obligation.
Overview
The Home Buying Journey — Simplified
1
Get Pre-Approved
Before you fall in love with a home, a lender needs to confirm what you can actually borrow. Pre-approval tells sellers you're serious — and tells you your real budget. ⚡ I can connect you with trusted lenders who won't waste your time.
2
Define Your "Must Haves"
Bedrooms, location, schools, commute, yard, garage — we get specific so you're not wasting weekends on the wrong homes. ⚡ Most buyers discover their real priorities change once we talk through it.
3
Start Your Search
I set you up with a custom search that alerts you the moment a matching home hits the market — before most buyers even know it exists. In a competitive market, speed matters. ⚡ The best homes in HB move fast. You need someone watching for you.
4
Tour Homes
We see homes together — I point out things most buyers miss (good and bad). Red flags in a house can save you thousands. ⚡ There are things to look for in person that no Zillow photo will ever show you.
5
Make an Offer
This is where strategy matters enormously. Price, terms, contingencies, timing — a well-crafted offer wins deals that higher offers lose. ⚡ I've helped buyers win in competitive situations without overpaying. Call me to learn how.
6
Inspections & Due Diligence
Once under contract, you have a window to inspect the home thoroughly. This is your protection period. Knowing what to ask for — and what to walk away from — requires experience. ⚡ I'll guide you through exactly what matters and what doesn't.
7
Close & Get Your Keys 🎉
Final walkthrough, signing, funding, recording — and then you get your keys. I'm with you every step through closing day and beyond. ⚡ My clients know they can always call me, even years after closing.
Want me to walk you through this for YOUR situation?
Everyone's timeline, budget, and goals are different. A personalized conversation takes 15 minutes and gives you a clear, honest roadmap — whether you're buying in 30 days or 18 months.
10 Mistakes That Cost Buyers the Most
1
Not getting pre-approved before shopping
Falling in love with a home you can't qualify for is heartbreaking — and it happens constantly. Sellers won't even look at an offer without pre-approval. More importantly, pre-approval tells you your real budget, not your guessed budget. Get this done first, before you look at a single home.
✦ I can connect you with lenders who are fast, honest, and local.
2
Making big financial moves before closing
Buying a car, opening a new credit card, switching jobs, or moving large sums of money can tank your loan approval — even after you're already under contract. Lenders run a second credit check right before closing. This catches buyers off guard more than almost anything else.
✦ Before you make any financial moves during escrow, call me first. Seriously.
3
Skipping or skimping on the home inspection
In competitive markets, some buyers waive inspections to win. This is often a costly mistake. A thorough inspection can uncover foundation issues, roof problems, mold, electrical hazards, and plumbing nightmares — things that can cost $10,000–$80,000+ to fix. Know what you're buying.
✦ There are ways to stay competitive without completely waiving your protection. Let me show you how.
4
Only looking at the purchase price, not total cost
Your mortgage payment is just one piece. Property taxes, homeowner's insurance, HOA fees, PMI (if applicable), and maintenance costs all add up. A $700k home might cost $1,000–$1,500/month more than just the mortgage suggests. Budget for the full picture.
✦ I'll run the real numbers for any home you're interested in so there are zero surprises.
5
Letting emotions drive the offer price
When you love a home, it's easy to overbid just to win it — or underbid out of fear. Both can cost you. Overpaying means you're underwater from day one. Underbidding means you lose the home entirely. Knowing market value and crafting the right offer is equal parts data and strategy.
✦ This is exactly where having an experienced agent in your corner pays for itself.
6
Not asking about the neighborhood — only the house
Traffic patterns, noise, flood zones, nearby development plans, school ratings, HOA rules, parking — these affect your daily life and your resale value. A beautiful home in the wrong location is a problem you'll live with for years.
✦ I know the HB area inside and out. Ask me anything about any neighborhood before you commit.
7
Forgetting about closing costs
Closing costs typically run 2–3% of the purchase price on top of your down payment. On a $700k home, that's an additional $14,000–$21,000 you need in cash at closing. Many first-time buyers are blindsided by this. Plan for it from day one.
✦ I'll give you a realistic closing cost estimate early in our process so nothing catches you off guard.
8
Using the listing agent to represent you
The listing agent works for the seller. Their job is to get the best deal for the seller — not for you. Having your own agent costs you nothing (sellers typically pay both agents) and gives you someone whose entire job is to protect your interests and negotiate for you.
✦ As your buyer's agent, I'm 100% in your corner at no cost to you.
9
Waiting for the "perfect time" to buy
Trying to time the market is nearly impossible — even for experts. The best time to buy is when you're financially ready and find the right home. Every year of waiting is a year of rent paid toward someone else's equity, not your own.
✦ Let me show you what the numbers actually look like for waiting vs. buying now in your specific situation.
10
Not having a clear contingency strategy
Contingencies protect you — but too many can make your offer weak. Too few can leave you exposed. The loan contingency, inspection contingency, and appraisal contingency each serve a specific purpose. Understanding when to use them and how to structure them is a skill that takes experience to master.
✦ This is the kind of thing we'll walk through together for every offer you make.
Worried about any of these?
Every single one of these mistakes is preventable with the right guidance. That's exactly what I'm here for. A quick conversation now can save you serious money and stress down the road.
Essential Buyer Terms
Pre-Approval
A lender's written commitment to lend you a specific amount, based on your income, credit, and assets. Stronger than pre-qualification.
Earnest Money Deposit
Money you put down when your offer is accepted — shows the seller you're serious. Typically 1–3% of the purchase price.
Contingency
A condition that must be met for the sale to go through. Common ones: loan approval, inspection, and appraisal contingencies.
Escrow
A neutral third party that holds funds and documents during the transaction until all conditions are met and the deal closes.
Appraisal
An independent assessment of a home's value ordered by your lender. If it comes in below the purchase price, it can affect your loan.
Closing Costs
Fees due at closing — loan origination, title, escrow, recording fees, etc. Usually 2–3% of the purchase price on top of your down payment.
HOA
Homeowners Association. Monthly fees for shared amenities and maintenance. HOA rules can also restrict what you do with your property.
PMI
Private Mortgage Insurance. Required on conventional loans if you put less than 20% down. Adds to your monthly payment until you reach 20% equity.
Title Insurance
Protects you if someone later claims ownership of the property. A one-time fee paid at closing — and worth every penny.
Seller Concessions
When a seller agrees to pay some of your closing costs. A negotiating tool that can save you thousands — if you know how to ask.
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)
Your monthly debt payments divided by gross monthly income. Lenders typically want this below 43–45%.
As-Is Sale
Seller won't make repairs. You can still inspect and walk away — but what you see is what you get.
Confused by something you heard or read?
These terms can get overwhelming fast — especially when they're applied to a real transaction with real money on the line. Text me a term, send me a question, or just call. I love explaining this stuff in plain English.
Why Work With Me
What You Get When We Work Together
Deep Local Knowledge
I specialize in the Huntington Beach area. I know the neighborhoods, the streets, the inventory, and what things are actually worth — not just what Zillow says.
100% On Your Side
As your buyer's agent, I represent you — not the seller. My job is to protect your interests, negotiate the best terms, and make sure you never feel pressured into the wrong decision.
Speed When It Matters
The best homes in HB don't last long. I set you up with real-time alerts and I'm ready to move fast when the right home hits the market.
Access to Off-Market Homes
Through the Hammond & Moreno Associates network and Surterre Properties, I sometimes know about homes before they're listed publicly. That's a real advantage in a competitive market.
Clear, Honest Communication
I'll tell you when a home is overpriced. I'll tell you when to walk away. I'll explain every document in plain English. You'll never feel in the dark or rushed with me.
No Cost to You as a Buyer
In most transactions, the seller pays both agents. That means you get expert guidance, negotiation, and full representation — at no out-of-pocket cost to you.
Ready to start the conversation? 🌊
There's zero obligation and zero pressure. Just a real conversation about your goals, your timeline, and what's possible for you in today's market. I'd love to help you get there.
Mishelle Galitski · Surterre Properties · DRE #01797494 · mishellegalitski.com