Buying or selling a home?
With a little up-front planning, buying a home isn't very complex, but the event is intimidating for a lot of people.
I like to supply buyers with an overview of the whole deal so they know exactly what they can expect.
Below are my nine steps to buying a home.
If you have questions about this information or if you're prepared to get started, you can contact me here or e-mail me at .
Step 1 – Prepare to buy
There are plenty of things you need to do prior to starting your home search.
You'll probably want to create a checklist of must-haves, get a feeling for what school districts you'd like to live in, and start planning your budget.
Keeping your mortgage payment less than a third of your net monthly income is a good rule of thumb to go by.
Step 2 – Speak with a real estate agent
This is where Frontline Florida Realty Inc can help.
I'd be happy to schedule a time to meet with you and communicate with you about your real estate needs and get an idea of your plans for the future.
We'll talk about everything from neighborhoods, schools in the area, the mortgage and housing industries, to any other economic factors that may affect your purchase today or in the future.
In addition, I'll help you get started on your loan.
I work with some of 's finest mortgage professionals, so you're in great hands.
They'll help you decide which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get approved.
Step 3 – Begin your search
Following our initial meeting, I'll start finding available homes on the market that are good for you.
I'll preview many of the houses and reject the duds, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the houses whenever it's most convenient for you.
As we tour houses, I'll show you the good features, as well as negative ones. And I'll ask you to point out what things you like and don't like.
As a rule, buyers amend their wish list as we view houses and some items become far more necessary than others.
If such is the case, I'll look through all the listings once more and narrow it down to the house you've been waiting for.
Step 4 – Know the market
My awareness of the housing market is an essential agent in your house search. I'm conscious of all the neighborhoods and schools, and I'll alert you to which neighborhoods are "hot" and require immediate action and others that are "cool" and allow for cautiousness.
As we view homes, I'll let you know when the asking price has room for negotiation and also when I know the home is "priced to sell."
Be on guard and be sure to ask a lot of questions, as any REALTOR will tell you they truly understand the housing market.
If things don't add up, just call me at 4078324888 or e-mail me at , and I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you have. My market expertise will help you stay a step ahead through the entire deal.
Step 5 – Find the home you've been looking for
We'll find your dream home in the area, and when that happens, I'll carefully create your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be tailored with your needs in mind and the home, including some contingencies. A few examples are obtaining financing, completing the inspection, and a clear title.
When turning in your offer, you'll want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to a home seller to secure the offer to purchase the property, and it's often put towards the closing costs. If the seller accepts your offer, we should close on the property within 30 to 60 days after. This allows necessary time for your mortgage financing.
Step 6 – Negotiate
Most deals don't close on the first offer, and it's extremely common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it intimidate you. We'll figure out whether or not to consent to the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and move on.
How aggressively we negotiate the deal depends on market conditions.
In addition, we'll work within your financing budget. And when it's all said and done, we'll assemble a contract that works well for you.
Step 7 – Get financing
After the deal is signed, you'll begin working with your lender to close the loan.
It won't be a long process at all if you've been pre-qualified, but you should to keep in close contact with your mortgage lender.
And I'll manage all the property information your lender will need to close the loan.
Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining your closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of taking your loan application.
The estimate rests on the loan amount. RESPA requirements order that it has to involve all closing costs and fall within a narrow range of accuracy, and I'll analyze the estimate and let you know if it all looks good.
Then we'll close on your house. This will most likely occur at a title company or escrow office and should be a smooth and pleasant affair.
Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, be sure to call me at 4078324888 or e-mail me at .