Buying your first home in Del Mar is exciting, but walking into open houses unprepared is like showing up to the beach without sunscreen. You might survive, but you’ll probably regret it. Before you start imagining yourself sipping coffee on that oceanfront balcony, there’s some groundwork to handle. Here’s what smart first-time buyers do before they ever set foot in a potential new home.
Get Your Money Sorted Out
The Del Mar housing market isn’t exactly known for bargain prices. Knowing exactly what you can afford isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be your first move, not something you think about after falling in love with a property.
Pre-approval tells you three important things: how much house you can actually buy, what your monthly payments will look like, and that you’re a serious buyer when you’re ready to make an offer. Sellers in competitive markets like Del Mar take pre-approved buyers more seriously than those still figuring out their finances.
Start the process between six months and a year before house hunting to strengthen your credit position and give yourself time to save for your down payment and closing costs. Beyond the mortgage, budget for property taxes, insurance, maintenance costs, and those surprise expenses that always seem to pop up. A common rule is to set aside 1% of your home’s purchase price annually for upkeep.
Make Your Must-Have List
Walking into gorgeous coastal homes without a clear plan is dangerous. Those ocean views and updated kitchens can make you forget what you actually need. Before your first tour, sit down and create two lists: non-negotiable must-haves and nice-to-have wants.
Must-haves might include:
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Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
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Parking availability
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Commute time to work
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Outdoor space for pets or kids
Nice-to-haves could include a fireplace, a walk-in closet, or a chef’s kitchen. This exercise keeps you grounded when you’re touring multiple properties, and everything starts to blur together.
If you’re exploring different neighborhoods and lifestyle options throughout the region, more insights can help you make informed decisions about what matters most in your search.
What to Actually Look At During Tours
Give yourself enough time at each showing. Cramming a dozen tours into one afternoon guarantees you’ll miss important details. During each visit, focus on things you can’t easily change later: location, layout, and overall condition.
Pay attention to:
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Foundation and structural issues, like cracks in walls or uneven floors
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Water damage signs, including stains, musty smells, or soft spots
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Window and door conditions – do they open smoothly and seal properly?
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Natural light and ventilation in each room
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Age and condition of major systems (furnace, AC, plumbing, electrical)
Bring a notebook, your phone for photos (ask permission first), and a tape measure. Those room dimensions in the listing? Double-check them. Take notes about each property because after the fifth tour, they all start looking the same.
Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make
The biggest mistake? Skipping the home inspection to save money. That’s like buying a used car without looking under the hood. Professional inspectors find issues you’d never spot during a casual walkthrough, from outdated wiring to plumbing disasters waiting to happen.
Other common slip-ups include getting distracted by flashy details while ignoring structural quality, letting staging distract from real issues, and rushing the entire process. Fresh paint on just one wall might be hiding something. Heavy air fresheners could mask mildew or pet odors. If something feels off or the seller avoids answering questions, trust that instinct.
After the Showing
Found a place you like? Take a breath. Review your notes, compare properties, and if you’re really interested, schedule a second visit at a different time of day. Morning traffic, evening noise levels, and neighborhood activity can look completely different depending on when you visit.
When you’re ready to move forward, work with your real estate agent to prepare a competitive offer. Need guidance before your first tour? I can help you explore homes throughout Del Mar with confidence and local expertise.
Calculate your total costs, including closing fees, property taxes, and insurance. Closing costs can range from 2% to 5% of the total purchase price, so budget accordingly. Decide on contingencies and be ready to act quickly in this market. The time between seeing a home and making an offer can be short, so having your financing confirmed and your priorities clear makes all the difference.
Sources: associatedbank.com, masterclass.com, delmarcoastalconnections.com, forbes.com, theoneilgrp.com
Header Image Source: MART PRODUCTION
