How To Buy A Home As A Single Parent: The most important decision that should be made when home buying as a single parent is whether or not it’s a good idea for you. Owning a home is not for everyone, and that is important to remember. Many single parents like you who are renting need to consider whether they should continue to rent or if it makes sense for them to become homebuyers.
As a single parent, one of the most important considerations to make when determining whether home ownership makes sense is whether or not you want the responsibility of owning a home – simple and to the point.
How To Buy A Home As A Single Parent
Oh, you’re still reading… now that you’ve determined that buying a home as a single parent makes sense for you – congratulations! The next step (and one of the most important) is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. It’s critical that you understand the difference between a mortgage pre-approval and a pre-qualification. When buying a home, it’s smart to get pre-approved for a mortgage, not pre-qualified because it will make a big difference when negotiating with a property seller. It’s possible that some sellers will not accept an offer because a buyer only is pre-qualified and hasn’t went through the process of getting pre-approved. You’d be wise to chat with my mortgage broker Joe Tishkoff, from Skyline Home Loans, about the process. He is the best and knows what he’s talking about. There are many different types of mortgage products available for homebuyers. Many buyers, not only single parents, wonder which type of mortgage is best for them – ask Joe.
Glenn Shelhamer | The Shelhamer Real Estate Group
Hire An Expert Real Estate Agent
It’s highly recommended when buying a home, as a single parent or not, that you hire an expert real estate agent, not just someone that is licensed to sell real estate, to represent your best interests. Since there are many steps in the home buying process, having an experienced homebuyers agent can make the process seem much less stressful. You want to make sure that you’re working with a Realtor that is experienced with helping both homebuyers and sellers. The Agent must understand both sides of the transaction to efficiently guide you through the process and save you money.
How To Buy A Home As A Single Parent
Include Your Children
As you go through the home buying process as a single parent, it’s a good idea to make sure your children feel included. Make it a fun process and leave the heavy lifting to your Realtor. The process shouldn’t be any different than when selling a home with children! Including your children throughout the process will help eliminate potential problems in the future, and they’ll thank you for it- trust me.
How To Buy A Home As A Single Parent
This doesn’t mean you have to bring your children every time you look at a home, however, before you make a final decision on a home it’s a good idea to show your children their potential new home and maybe more important to them – their bedroom. Change can be difficult for kids, so if they’re excited about their potential new home, this can be very helpful and exciting times.
How To Buy A Home As A Single Parent
Final Thoughts
Buying a home as a single parent can certainly have its fair share of difficulties, but it’s not impossible. It’s very important when buying a home as a single parent that you have a strong understanding of what to expect during the process. Owning a home as a single parent is a great opportunity to provide stability for your children and in most cases, is beneficial and a huge accomplishment. Especially in Los Angeles, CA.
Your Los Angeles Neighborhood Realtor Expert
I’m a local real estate agent with The Shelhamer Real Estate Group, and It would be my pleasure to help you find the perfect property to call home in Downtown Los Angeles, or if you’re thinking about selling a house, condo, or multi-family building in, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Glassell Park, Mount Washington, or Downtown Los Angeles, it would be a privilege to help you get top dollar for the sale of your property.
Let’s chat sometime. 310-913-9477 or contact me
