Help with Housing in Irvine, CA

[svndezafrohman]

I plan on living in Irvine, CA in the foreseeable future. I know housing prices are very expensive over there but I grew up in Irvine and love the environment.
I need recommendation on when to purchase my first home / townhouse / or condo.

Some information about me:

1. I work in LA, but plan to change jobs to Irvine in the next 3-5 years.
2. I have saved up about $300k in investments.
3. I am 29 years old
4. Salary: 80K
5. Houses / condo i am looking at are around 750K.

Questions:

1. Is it better to buy right now or wait couple years? If i buy now, i would rent it out until I change my job.

2. How much downpayment on a $750K house should i make?

3. Where is best place to get mortgage in California?

[svndezafrohman]

Are mortgages based solely on my income?

[clarkfan1979]

At $80,000/year of salary the largest mortgage you can qualify for is at $2,400/month. A 450,000 mortgage at 3.5% with 1% tax on a $750,000 house and $2,000/year of insurance would be $2,800/month mortgage. You would be really close if you could find something at 650,000. Then get at least 1-2 roommates to make sure you are not over-extending yourself.

[DeanW5]

Such matters it's better to solve with a real estate professional. They know the market and will help you to decide faster what is better for you. But you need to be careful while searching a real estate agent. Ask you're friends, maybe some of them know a good one. You can also search on Internet, there should be a rating of real estate agents in Irvine.

As for mortgages, I  would advice you to get it online. Internet-based mortgage companies often offer the best mortgage rates. You can consult with real estate agent about this matter as well.

[svndezafrohman]

Cool thanks for the advise. Will be checking online and talking to some realtors during the weekend.