Comfort with the home buying process and living worry-free in the new house, requires a home inspection and a real estate team experienced with Laguna Beach houses. A home inspection measures the fitness of your prospective property. Inspection determines the value, not an appraisal, which determines market value. Evaluating the property's inspection report, with the cost of repairs and purchase price combined, determines value in Laguna Beach real estate.

A visual and technical inspection can take 2-4 hours. Your inspector will hand you a report covering anywhere from 400-1,000 items. A Laguna Beach real estate standard report will include, but is not limited to, heating/air conditioning, electrical/plumbing, structure/roof and include recommendations to correct or monitor deficiencies. In addition to the objective report, you may have more subjective or personal issues. The inspection report may not be inclusive of all the issues important to you in Laguna Beach homes.

Listening

A dialogue with the current homeowner is an important starting point and best way to avoid problems. People can feel overwhelmed by the home-buying process or may not know the right questions to ask. Listening provides helpful stories, discussion points, and comprehensive information. Fine tune your understanding of the property and Laguna Beach homes by listening to the homeowner's opinion. Clues to the new space lie in the current homeowner's experience in the home.

Pay Attention to Convenience

Modern life is busy. Convenience is key for living comfortably in a Laguna Beach home. The layout of electrical plugs, an eating nook close to the kitchen, and a 2-car garage are desirable features which streamline living. Your Laguna Beach real estate agent will help you evaluate additions, repairs and makeover projects to make your new home meet your needs. Paying attention to convenience will secure your comfort and feeling of familiarity.

Build a Team

From the beginning, you will be building a network of quality, seasoned people from the Laguna Beach community to represent your interests. After you have signed the last legal paper, you will enjoy an even bigger circle of friends with the local merchants, colleges, churches and centers. Your team of pros and friends will often have the inside scoop, the work-arounds, tips and strategies for easier decisions when it comes to your Laguna Beach home.

Make Your Own Inspection Worksheets

Use these major checkpoints and suggestions to begin a list of your own, by prioritizing major categories, major problems and major issues for you in the Laguna Beach real estate. For example, a category could be kitchen appliances. A problem is a kitchen sink that doesn't work. An issue for you is when the refrigerator opens on the left and you want it to open on the right. Again, the Laguna Beach homes inspection report may not be inclusive of all the issues important to you.

• Heating/air conditioning – Laguna Beach houses need both heating and air conditioning functioning properly for the hot summers and cool winters. Check for warranties.

• Plumbing – How is the water pressure? Do the pipes rattle and make noise? Are there any leaks, moisture and drainage issues?

• Roof – Look for a straight and level roof. White or light colored roofs save energy. A warranty is imperative.

• Electrical – Ask about upgrades, who did the work and when? Warranties?

• Driveway, deck, garage – Look for structural problems and material degradation.

• Swimming pool – Is it properly fenced?

• Security and surveillance – New, upgraded and convenient systems in place?

• Safety for children, elderly, disabled – Do gates, enclosures, and locks meet your needs?

• Energy efficiency – Save money and preserve the climate in Laguna Beach houses.

A list of your own priorities, along with a professional home-inspection report, and the advice of your realtor should make purchasing Laguna Beach homes error-free and pleasant. Listening to the homeowner, respecting your own needs for convenience, anticipating change, and forging strong ties in the community are also keys to the endeavor.