Questions every first-time buyer should ask before house hunting

The homes that get toured are usually the fun part. The decisions that make a purchase work, or not, happen before the first showing. Here are the questions worth having clear answers to before you begin.

1. What is the real monthly cost, not just the price?

Your payment includes principal and interest, property taxes, and homeowners insurance, plus mortgage insurance when your down payment is under 20 percent. In planned communities across Orange County, HOA dues are common and can add several hundred dollars a month. Closing costs, moving costs and initial repairs are separate, one-time items. Know the number before you shop, not after.

2. Am I pre-approved?

A pre-approval letter from a lender tells you what you can borrow and shows sellers you are serious. It is worth getting before you make offers, and it is different from a pre-qualification, which is a much lighter check.

3. Which schools and commutes actually matter to me?

In Irvine, schools are assigned by attendance areas, not by village, so confirm the school for each specific home. Commute is the same: a ten-minute difference in the morning adds up over a year of driving to work.

4. What are the HOA rules and reserves?

HOAs govern exterior appearance, rentals, parking and more. Ask for the current documents, the monthly assessment, and an honest read on whether the association is well funded. Rental restrictions in particular matter if you ever plan to lease the home out.

5. What could change about this home later?

Try to picture resale: what would the next buyer of this property, in this village, at this price, want? A home that is easy to live in and easy to sell later gives you options.

None of these questions require you to know the answer before you start. They just require you to ask them, and to have a professional who will help you chase down real answers.