Tips for Southern California Luxury Homebuyers

Searching for a new home in Southern California's luxury real estate market is an exciting event. With amazing weather and so many fun places to live, you must first decide where it is you plan on finding a home; near the beach, closer to the city, or maybe in the hills. Next, it is important to consider what type of luxurious amenities you would like in your home.

People who are interested in buying luxury homes usually look for features in their home that reflect the relaxed lifestyle prevalent throughout Southern California. These might include gourmet kitchens, home theaters, wine cellars and complex security systems to protect it all. They also look for furniture and interior decor and outside living space to match their personalities.

If price is not an issue, then what you look for in a home will depend entirely on your lifestyle and taste. Studies show that a major concern of Southern California luxury homebuyers is having a "designer" kitchen for entertaining. The other top-rated features desired include: entertainment room, luxury bathroom, wine cellar, exercise area, recreation room, and retreat area.

Here are five tips to make your search for a new home more successful:

1. Investigate what your other bills might be. Electricity is very expensive in Southern California and with recent appreciation, you property tax bill could increase substantially based on the new purchase price.

2. You should choose a real estate consultant who is a specialist in the Southern California market. They should have sold lots of homes, have solid references, and a successful track record to prove it.

3. Get pre-qualified so you know what you can afford and also have credentials to make a quick offer that is credible.

4. Make sure your real estate agreement mentions what the sellers will and won't take with them (what conveys). That wonderful garden statue that you fell in love with when you saw the house may not stay there.

5. Make sure that a title search is done before closing and purchase title insurance. Title insurance protects you should there be any claims against your home in the future.

Buying a home is a big investment. Finding the right home requires time, effort, and some real estate market savvy. The above guidelines are a good starting point to finding the Southern California Home of your dreams.

Pam Ingram has resided in the Santa Clarita Valley real estate market for over 30 years. Her local knowledge, experience, and contacts are invaluable in finding your dream home or a buyer for your current property. Whether its relocation, or even interest in Valencia California real estate, call Pam for the scoop on the local neighborhoods.