Buying a Home

First steps to buying a home

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First, make sure your credit record is good enough for lenders to consider giving you a loan. Get a copy of your credit report in advance. (You can do this online for free at www.annualcreditreport.com). If your credit history is not so great, you still may be able to get a loan. FHA loans are easier to qualify for than conventional loans. If your credit is really poor, you probably won't be able to buy a home until you improve your credit scores.

Figuring out what you want. Make two lists: those things that you want and those things that you need. There is a difference between the two. Decide what you must have and those things that would be nice to have. Below are a couple of examples:

Two bedrooms, two baths - must have
Safe, quiet neighborhood - must have
Garden - would like to have

What can you afford? You will need to find out how much you can afford to pay monthly for your house payment. Talk to two or three different lenders. Your house payment will include the principle (the actual loan), the interest on the loan, and most of the time it will also include the property taxes that are due each year (divided by 12 months) and as well as your homeowner's insurance.

The most important step - Get your financing taken care of before you start looking in earnest. Sellers won't consider an offer without a pre-approval letter from the buyer's lender. You will also have to show what is called "proof of funds" or proof that you have the cash necessary for closing the transaction (closing costs and down payment).

Starting the house hunt. When you have an idea of what you can afford, you can decide what type of home you would like - a condo or townhouse or a detached single family home. If you haven't found one yet, now is the time to find a good Realtor. Call Pedersen Real Estate (951 840-5212). We will help you to know what to look for and what to avoid, provide reliable references for other experts you'll need along the line and will represent you in negotiations and throughout the entire transaction.

Closing Costs

The fees associated with the buying or selling of a home are called closing costs. Certain fees are automatically assigned to either the buyer or the seller or both; other costs are either negotiable or dictated by local custom. Both the buyer and the seller have closing costs.

Buyer closing costs

When a buyer applies for a loan, lenders are required to provide them with an estimate of the closing costs. The fees vary according to several factors, including the type of loan they applied for and the terms of the purchase agreement. Some of the closing costs, especially those associated with the loan application, are actually paid in advance. There are other costs that buyers will have that are not associated with their loan. Here are some typical buyer closing costs include: (this list is does not include all closing costs)

Down payment
Loan fees (loan origination fee, application fee, processing fee, credit report)
Prepaid interest and prepaid property taxes
Inspection fees
Appraisal

Mortgage insurance (typically 1 years premium plus an escrow of 2 months)
Hazard insurance (typically 1 years premium plus an escrow of 2 months)
Title insurance (required by your lender) - not required if you are paying all cash Escrow fees

Want to learn more about buying a house, click here to contact us.

Learn more about closing costs

Learn about Getting a Loan & What Banks Are Looking At

Tips for First Time Buyers

What are Mello Roos? If you are thinking about buying a home built in about 2000 or newer you need to read this.

Read our blog post about why buyers should use a buyers agent instead of the listing agent

Newest Corona, Eastvale and Norco Lisings

$629,000

4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ CV22103583 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Welcome to 27489 Kensington! Don't miss out on the excellent opportunity to own this beautiful and well-maintained home located in the desirable Horsethief Canyon Ranch community. As you walk in, you are greeted by the large formal dining room, which flows directly to the family room that opens up to the kitchen. The family room connects to the laundry room, which leads to the two-car attached garage. One bathroom downstairs. Upstairs you'll find three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a loft that can serve as a 4th bedroom. The master bedroom is large and has its own bathroom and walk in closet. Plantation shutters throughout the whole house. The backyard offers plenty of space and privacy, highlighted by an Alumawood patio and ceiling fans. Low HOA dues. Horsethief Canyon amenities include a community gym, Parks, pools, tennis, baseball, basketball courts, and a dog park. This is a fantastic community! Just a short walk from Golden Ribbon School k-8, Luiseno Elementary.

27489 Kensington Drive, Corona

Listing courtesy of Listing Agent: ERICK GUZMAN from Listing Office: VISMAR REAL ESTATE

$240,000

4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ SR22103562 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Beautiful Manufactured Home in the Villa Corona, a family park and gated community. This is a spacious 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home . It’s gorgeous inside and out. Beautiful flooring, dual pane windows, newer appliances with a huge kitchen layout refrigerator ,stove, microwave, and dishwasher included . Lovely open floor plan with high ceilings, beautiful wood ceiling beams, ceiling fans. The guest bath is located between the kitchen ,and the 2nd bedroom. Master bedroom has a long closet, and the master bath has been updated ,and is picture perfect. Large garden area in the backyard with beautiful views of the mountains ,and enjoy your large grass area. This "Family Park" has a Pool, Spa/Hot Tub, Gym/Ex Room, Clubhouse, Billiard Room, Banquet Facilities, Recreation Room, Common RV Parking, Pet Rules, Designated Car Wash Site, and Controlled Access. Villa Corona recently added charging stations for electric vehicles. The location of Villa Corona is close to many shopping centers, restaurants, schools, and the 15/91freeway. Minutes away from The Shops of Dos Lagos and The Crossing at Corona. Land Lease is -$1,200.00 Currently.

1550 Rimpau 119, Corona

Listing courtesy of Listing Agent: Randy Sandoval from Listing Office: Deluxe Realty

$749,000

4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ DW22103021 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Welcome to the center of horse-town USA. This beautiful modernized farm house is perfect for a big family and is all the animals you can bring. Sits on a 1/2 acre of prime horse property. It is a blank slate ready for whatever you desire Pool, stables for horse, farm, chickens, RV parking, ADU really endless possibilities. The house has been tastefully designed with a welcoming floor plan some of the updates are a brand-new kitchen with appliances, new flooring, new bathrooms, brand new A/C unit, all the fixtures and much more. Home also has vaulted wood ceilings, 2 car garage, covered patio area, horse trails all around. Come quick and see this one for yourself. This will go fast! Call for showing instructions

2758 Corydon Avenue, Norco

Listing courtesy of Listing Agent: Wonnie Kim from Listing Office: Won Suk Kim Real Estate, Inc.

$699,900

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ IG22097521 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Dreaming of a home where you can simply move in and unwind? Stylish and modern, this upgraded Sierra Del Oro residence offers comfortable living in a highly desirable location and highlights panoramas of the Cucamonga and Chino Valley skyline. An exceptional voluminous layout is enhanced by a customized wide-open design to open up all living areas to the kitchen. Luxury abounds inside this fantastic home with distressed hardwood floors paired with 6-inch baseboards, crown moldings, plantation shutters, an entertainment center, modern lighting, and renovated bathrooms. Premium stainless steel appliances, including a 36-inch professional-grade range and hood and a microwave drawer, equip the home chef in the custom kitchen. Bespoke cabinetry pairs with granite countertops and glass backsplash, highlighting the soft-close mechanism and pullout drawers. You will cherish the absolute privacy from the primary suite with only a nature belt behind and overlooking the unobstructed city skyline and mountain views from its exclusive balcony. Vaulted ceilings, black crown moldings, a walking closet, and a redone ensuite bath with premium finishes complete the well-appointed owner's suite. Breathtaking panoramas are admired in the backyard that borders nature surroundings for a serene outdoor setting. Bonus perks include a loft located upstairs, built-in speakers and an entertainment center in the family room, custom draperies, and window treatments. The home is only one exit away from Orange County's main attractions and shopping and just minutes away from freeways, toll roads, expressways, and the Metrolink. Come for a tour while you still can!

1549 San Rafael Drive Drive, Corona

Listing courtesy of Listing Agent: Nolasco Blandon from Listing Office: Compass

$726,000

5 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ IV22102832 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Gorgeous hilltop, corner location, with panoramic hills and canyon views. This spacious home greets you with formal living and dining areas. Gourmet kitchen with large island and eating nook, family room, and fireplace. This home offers 4 bedrooms on the upper level as well as a large loft. Brand new paint! Enjoy hiking and playgrounds nearby. Hurry now this home won't last long!

13556 Silver Stirrup Drive, Corona

Listing courtesy of Listing Agent: KRISTIN SCHLANSKY from Listing Office: CALIFORNIA REALTY GROUP INC.

$638,000

4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ IG22102983 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Charming single story in Norco! This home features over 1,400 square feet of living space including 4 bedrooms and 1.75 bathrooms! Upon entry you will find easy maintenance tile and carpet flooring. The family room is adjacent to the dining area and kitchen that features plenty of counter and cabinet space, perfect for all your organizational needs or entertaining your family and friends! The large master bedroom features his and her closets and plush carpet. All four bedrooms include ceiling fans ideal for the warmer summer months. The large front and backyards are perfect for children and pets to play or for entertaining. Come see everything this home has to offer, schedule your showing today!

3149 Adelina Avenue, Norco

Listing courtesy of Listing Agent: Sarah Sherman from Listing Office: Fiv Realty Co.

$878,000

4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ IG22102754 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Fabulous single story pool home with paid off solar in the highly desirable Eastvale! This home boasts nearly 2,100 square feet of living space including 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Upon entry you are greeted by an abundance of natural light, open floor plan and luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout providing a uniform flow! The family room features a cozy fireplace and is open to the kitchen. The large kitchen showcases granite countertops, double oven,plenty of cabinet space and a walk in pantry! The master bedroom features a generously sized walk-in closet and a bathroom with double sinks, walk in shower and a jetted soaking tub for maximum relaxation. Relax in the private spa or swim under the california sunshine in the backyard! Enjoy hosting a dinner for your friends and family with the built-in barbeque! Come see everything this home has to offer, schedule your showing today! Estimated tax rate of 1.433%

13748 Northfork Drive, Eastvale

Listing courtesy of Listing Agent: Nazar Kalayji from Listing Office: Fiv Realty Co.

$1,398,888

5 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ PW22102863 MLS ⋅ Active Status

AMAZING Norco single story Pool Home with Loft, Movie theatre, Covered RV Parking, Large WorkShop & Outstanding Upgrades!! Home features 4 Downstairs bedrooms on a sprawling approx 1/2 acre lot, room for horses, A garden, and also has a sparkling saltwater pool & spa. Spacious entry & living room welcome you into this wonderful home with gorgeous hardwood flooring & crown molding. Large windows allow natural light to flow through the living areas. Living room opens to the family room that features gas fireplace and a built-in entertainment area. Walk into the chef's kitchen boasting granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and a walk in pantry. Enjoy rare home amenities such as a Movie Home Theatre, that includes leather reclining seats with projector screen complete with pocket doors for true experience. The spacious bedrooms feature ceiling fans and the master bedroom is complete with a walk-in closet as well as separate sinks and vanity areas in the master bathroom. The backyard is spectacular with a saltwater pool with remotely controlled waterfalls, a gazebo area, a covered patio, ceiling fans, Beautiful landscaped with palm trees, and water-saving astroturf. Huge covered RV, Boat, or Truck parking, and dump station. The permitted Workshop fits at the least four cars, or use the workshop for your business, or convert into a barn. Perfect for hotshot business. Full length overhead storage, and bathroom w sink & toilet! 3 car garage on main house, Plus Workshop fits about 3-4 other cars. There is Garden area, plus a dirt area for your horses. Property is Zoned for horses, and is near miles and miles of Great riding trails, in Horsetown USA. Huge concrete Driveway fits 6 cars, plus has the side gate for RV access. Front yard has a horse trail, for your enjoyment. Great desired neighborhood of Broken lanes. Near great schools, shopping, and freeways. This home is Truly One of a kind home. Perfect for anyone with a business, or someone just wanting space. Great peaceful views from the backyard of the open sky and mountains. Too much to list and a must see!!

2421 Broken Lance Drive, Norco

Listing courtesy of Listing Agent: Nancy Leonardo from Listing Office: Nancy Leonardo, Broker

$859,000

4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ IG22102661 MLS ⋅ Active Status

2705 Hidden Trails should be called a“Hidden Gem!” This spacious single level ranch comes complete with Pool/Spa/RV garage workshop. This turnkey updated home shows as a 3 Bedrooms + Office, 2 full bathrooms. Office could be a bedroom as well as the closet is already there! Some of the upgrades include: Wood looking laminate flooring, custom baseboards, plantation shutters, updated lighting fixtures, recently painted interior. Kitchen was completely remodeled and features: custom cabinets, granite counters,SS appliances, custom lighting & fixtures, pantry. Master bedroom is spacious and has two closets. Master bathroom has been upgraded and has large frameless glass walk in shower, soaking tub, custom vanity, custom lighting and tile flooring. Large bedrooms with custom paint and chair rail. Main bathroom has dual sinks and separate toilet/shower/bath area. Outside is a park-like oasis.Gorgeous pool with slide & spa. Extensive concrete. Large allumiwood patio cover with lighting and fan, custom coach lights & solar landscape lights. Established trees and landscape. Vinyl fencing and block walls complete the property. Lots of RV parking aprox 30x40 RV garage with two roll up doors: 13 ft high x12 ft wide and 10 ft high X12 feet wide, 220 power and 30 amp, all LED lighting in. RV garage. Exterior of home is stucco texture coated and siding. Did I mention it is located in a Culdesac! Better hurry on this one!!!, starting at $859,000

2705 Hidden Trails Drive, Norco

Listing courtesy of Listing Agent: Lori Soliz from Listing Office: Keller Williams Realty

$899,999

4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ SW22095935 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Welcome to 2108 Adobe Avenue! This stunning SINGLE STORY home sits on a lot over 15,000 square feet with beautiful views and NO HOA! The front yard features a spacious driveway with extra covered parking on the side of the house, and a well built four tiered planter bed that runs parallel to the side of the home. Step inside through the front door and you will be greeted with plenty of natural lighting, immaculate hard wood floors, and a welcoming living room complete with a sliding door to access the backyard. As you enter into the kitchen you will observe an elegant raised ceiling set with recessed lighting, tile counters, and a stainless steel sink with views to the front yard. This home also features a massive permitted BONUS ROOM addition which is set with a mini bar, three ceiling fans, a cozy fireplace, and an abundance of space with endless possibilities. Entering into the hallway you will find ample amounts of lighting, linen storage, and two full bathrooms! Each bedroom has its own ceiling fan, accent trim on the walls, and large shelving above the mirrored closet doors! Come into the SPACIOUS primary suite equipped with dual ceiling fans, a DEEP walk in closet, and tub-shower combo. The backyard offers spectacular views of the city and mountains from your very own rooftop deck with spiral stair case access! No immediate rear neighbors along with ease of maintenance make this backyard your own private getaway! Short drive to dining, movie theater, bowling, hospitals, and other city conveniences.

2108 Adobe Avenue, Corona

Listing courtesy of Listing Agent: Ashley Cooper from Listing Office: First Team Real Estate, Tem

Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of . This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.