We hope that our first time home buyer frequently asked queestions, information and tips are helpful in making the home buying process easier. While it’s important for 
any buyer to work with a good, and helpful realtor, it’s even more critical for first time home buyers. Keep in mind that as realtors we do this all of the time and a good realtor will make sure not to forget that you don’t do this all of the time. Information is everything!
Home Search
- Where to search and how to find current listings
- The home search. Choosing your home
- The home search. Finding out how much you can afford
- The pre-qualification process
- Why it’s important to get preapproved
- Why Buy a home instead of renting
- How to Look for Foreclosures?
- Mortgage musts
- Considering a move? Steps to take
- Homebuyer tips
- Check Your Credit
- 4 tips for home buyers in a buyer’s market (older article)
Escrow
- Who pays for what in escrow
- Closing cost definitions
- Home appraisals
- What is title insurance
- Understanding closing costs
- Common ways of taking title when buying a home (i.e. joint tennants, community property)
- What is the Statement of Information form from the title company?
- What Happens After Funding?
Lender and Loan
- Understanding the loan process
- Benefits of FHA Loans
- The difference between getting pre-qualified and pre-approved
- Local South Bay Mortgage Lenders and Loan Brokers
- Down payments
- What does your mortgage pay for: PITI
- The loan process
- Homeowners Insurance
- What happens in escrow after a loan funds?
- Pre-Qualified v. Pre-Approved
- Understanding the Loan Process
- Benefits of Getting Prequalified
- Historical Interest Rates
- Credit Rules
- Lender and Loan Process
- What goes into your monthly mortgage payment? Understanding PITI
- Loan Terms and Glossary
- Types of Home Loans
- Avoid Predatory Lenders – Warning Signs
- What is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)?
- Using a 401(K) to Purchase a Home
- What happens after a loan funds?
First Time Home Buyer?
If you’re a first time home buyer and you’re considering buying a home in the South Bay….you’ve come to the right place. We have helped many first time homebuyers not only find a home, but feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. Buying a home is a major decision, both emotionally and financially, and we can help you navigate the entire process from starting your search to closing escrow and beyond. As the market has shifted, it’s more important than ever to feel comfortable and confident in your decision to work with a local realtor.
To help start you on your way, here are some articles designed to help you with your search:
- Why Buy a home instead of renting
- Where to search and how to find current listings
- Considering a move? Steps to take
- How to Look for Foreclosures?
- The home search. Choosing your home
- Homebuyer tips
- The home search. Finding out how much you can afford
- The pre-qualification process
- The difference between getting pre-qualified and pre-approved
- Local South Bay Mortgage Lenders and Loan Brokers
- Down payments
- What does your mortgage pay for: PITI
- The loan process
- Understanding Closing Costs
- Homeowners Insurance
- How Interest Rates Will Impact You
Keith Kyle and Vista Sotheby’s International are first time home buyer specialists in Hawthorne, 360 and Fusion South Bay. We specialize in working with first time home buyers to make the entire process less stressful. Find current South Bay homes for sale, Realtors®, and current home values in Southern California’s South Bay. Find real estate listings with our free home search and South Bay MLS access, open houses, real estate agents, and our South Bay Brokers listings. Our free real estate services feature all South Bay cities and neighborhoods including Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, El Segundo, Hollywood Riviera, Hawthorne, Hollyglen, and Palos Verdes.