First Time Buyer Information
First Time Buyer Information
Pre- Qualification: Meet with a mortgage broker and find out how much you can afford to invest for your new home.
Pre- Approval: While knowing how much you can afford is the first step, sellers will be much more receptive to potential buyers who have been pre-approved. You also will avoid being disappointed when going after the homes you are interested in that may be out of your price range. With Pre- Approval, the buyer actually applies for a mortgage and receives a commitment in writing from a lender. This way, assuming the home you're interested in is at or under the amount you are pre-qualified for, the seller knows immediately that you are a serious buyer for their home. Costs for pre-approvals are generally nominal and lenders will usually permit you to pay them when you close your loan.
List of Needs & Wants: Make 2 lists. The first should include items you must have (i.e., the desired bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage,etc.). The second list is your wishes, things you would like to have (Backyard, Pool, additional upgrades,etc.) but that aren't absolutely necessary. Realistically for first-time buyers, you probably won't get everything on your wish list, but it will keep you on track for what you're looking for.
Representation by a Professional: Consider hiring your own real estate agent, one who is working for you and specializes in your needs.
Focus & Organization: In a convenient location, keep handy the items that will assist you in maximizing your home search efforts. Such items may include:
- One or more detailed maps with your areas of interests highlighted.
- A file of the homes that your agent has shown to you, along with setup sheets and photos.
- Paper and pen, for taking notes as you search.
- Take pictures to help refresh your memory on individual homes.
- Location: Look at potential homes as if you are the seller. Would a prospective buyer find it attractive based on curb appeal, school districts, crime rate, proximity to positives (shopping, parks, freeway access) and negatives (abandoned properties, garbage dump, source of noise) features of the area.
Be Objective: When searching for your new home ask yourself the following questions. Does this home really meet your needs? Does it financially make sense? Be Thorough: A few extra dollars well spent now may save you big expenses in the long run. Don't forget such essentials as:
- Include inspection & mortgage contingencies in your written offer.
- Have the property inspected by a professional inspector.
- Check to see that no changes have been made that weren't agreed on (i.e., closing cost, repairs, etc.). All the above may seem rather overwhelming. That's why having a professional represent you and keep track of all the details for you is highly recommended. Please email us or call us directly to discuss any of these matters in further detail.
Enclosed information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
Testimonials
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It doesn’t get better than Janice when you are purchasing a home (and I’m sure selling too). We were referred to Janice, among a list of other agents, as we began our home search in Banning CA. Janice immediately contacted me after I reached out and started proving resources and contacts so we could become familiar with the area. As we viewed homes in a Four Seasons and Sun Lakes she actually had homeowners meet us, safely of course, while we were visiting the neighborhoods. It is obvious she is very well connected and knows the finer points of evaluating a new area. She was thorough, her communication was frequent, we never had to follow up with her she was proactive and professional, she stays on top of what is going on, even though it’s obvious she is very busy. She always made us feel important and provided sound advice, even on the sale of our home even though she wasn’t our agent on the sale. She really did make the purchase of this home as good as it could get and I plan to stay in touch with her as we really liked her on a personal level too. If you are going to buy or sell she is the agent you should hire. You will be very glad you did, she is the best of the best!
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- RaeLynn Carr
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Selling a home can sometimes be a challenge. Janice walked us through the process from start to finish.
It was truly a wonderful experience, she answered our questions, provided great resources for movers, painters and handy man.
When I got flustered with the process of purchasing and selling at the same time, she calmly assured me all was going to be fine and it was!
Great Experience. We highly recommend using Janice Greene for your real estate sales and purchases.
Sinserelt
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- Patricia Dauphinee
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Janice helped find me a home QUICKLY in the beginning wake of COVID-like finding a needle in a haystack. She worked tirelessly to get me into a beautiful home that I could afford, and is everything I desired! She treated me like family, and the communication and updates were constant. Janice has a plethora of knowledge and experience in the real estate field, and it truly shows! I would not hesitate to work with her again, and HIGHLY recommend her services. Thanks Janice!
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- Jamene Alderson
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Janice is an excellent realtor. She’s extremely knowledgeable, and working with her feels like having a true advocate. She was super responsive when I called or texted, and always helpful with providing the info I needed, plus she found me exactly what I was looking for! I would definitely work with her again.
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- Benjamin Greene
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We have worked with Janice Greene on many home transactions performing inspections for her and her clients. She is a knowledgeable veteran realtor that puts the welfare of her clients first. It is a pleasure to serve a professional of her integrity and caliber. Ken Terry American West Home Inspection, Inc.
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- Elizabeth Terry
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Janice is an absolute pleasure to work with. Working on a recent transaction with Janice was a complete breeze! Janice Green is the example of what an agent should be, which is knowledgeable, helpful, professional, and communicative! I would work again with Janice in a heartbeat. Glad there are other agents out there that work hard to make the industry a better place for everyone!
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- Levi King 909
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As a Mortgage Banker for 30+ years I've had the privilege to work with thousands of Realtors providing mortgage financing for homebuyers. The best always rise to the top. As the Direct Lender providing the mortgage financing for a repeat client of Janice and I, I've been able to witness Janice's Real Estate Acumen. What stands out is her Professionalism, Knowledge and Communication Skills. Janice was fully involved in her Realtor role and had her hand in and on all aspects of separate transactions representing our mutual client as both the Listing Agent and the Buyers Agent. Both transactions were like a smooth flight with a predictable landing time frame. Janice demonstrated her grasp on all things real estate from contract writing to negotiations to closing. In real estate your best served with a Trusted Real Estate Advisor. Call Janice Greene...Matthew Rundle.
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- Matthew Rundle
Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of September 27, 2026 8:24 AM UTC This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.
Based on information from California Desert Association of Realtors as of September 27, 2026 8:12 AM UTC The information being provided by California Desert Association of Realtors, SoCalMLS, CRISNet MLS, and CARETS is for the consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumer may be interested in purchasing. Any information relating to real estate for sale referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange
The MLS™ Combined LA/Westside MLS® (CLAW): All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers
