So, you want to buy a home in Dana Point. Good decision! However, with the average price for a Dana Point home clocking in at $1.8 million in February 2025, you must create and stick to a homebuying budget before you begin the hunt. The Dana Point real estate agents at Inspired Realty share their top 4 tips for creating a budget for buying a home in the area.
Determine Your Affordability Range
Start the process by calculating your affordability range. This range includes the bottom and top prices you can comfortably afford.
Start with a rough estimate based on three to five times your current annual income before taxes.
Now look at mortgage rates and trends, and estimate what rate you will pay based on your credit score. The higher your score, the lower your rate. Skip this step for an all-cash transaction.
Factor in Upfront Costs
First-time homebuyers often forget things like the cost of an inspection, closing costs, and moving costs.
These costs add up quickly. You may negotiate some costs (like title insurance fees) with the seller, but lender fees, recording fees, and mortgage application fees fall on the buyer.
In California, these upfront costs run about 2% to 5% of the purchase price. Ask your title company for an estimate, and don’t be afraid to negotiate any fees. It never hurts to ask, and some fees may be negotiable.
Consider Upgrade or Renovation Needs
Before you start the hunt, determine your tolerance for a home that requires upgrades or renovation.
A move-in-ready home commands a higher price in most instances.
If you want to create your own dream home, then a kitchen, bathroom, or whole house renovation may be required.
Talk to the Dana Point real estate agents at Inspired Realty. Through their relationship with sister company, Inspired Remodels, they procure upgrade and remodel estimates and services.
Find out the going rate for a complete kitchen and bathroom gut and rebuild, or just reflooring and new appliances.
Either way, know before you shop.
Determine Budget for Ongoing Expense
Unless you make an all-cash deal, plan on monthly expenses like mortgage principal and interest payments. In addition to homeowner’s insurance, you may purchase flood insurance. Dana Point addresses include a mixture of Base Flood Zones VE and X. (Learn more about base zone elevation maps.)
Be sure to include mortgage insurance premiums for some conventional and FHA loans, HOA fees, and property taxes.
It’s always a good idea to include a small amount monthly for emergency repair expenses. When that roof, HVAC, or plumbing emergency arises, you won’t panic or scramble for the money for repairs because you’ll have a repair nest egg.
Call Dana Point Real Estate Agents for Home Buying Advice Like This Dude Did
Dana Point Real Estate Agents That Make Homebuying Less Stressful
Buying or selling a Dana Point home often brings undue stress into already stressful lives. Avoid surprises when you work with experienced Dana Point real estate agents.
The agents at Inspired Realty offer their expertise and connections to lenders and mortgage brokers to smooth the loan process. Depend on their cadre of inspectors and renovation specialists to assess the potential home and provide estimates of renovations, if necessary.
