Are you contemplating buying your home in Naples?
Buying a home can be stressful for most people. However, with a little up-front planning, it's not that difficult.
I like to give buyers a road map of the entire deal so they'll understand exactly what they can expect.
These are my nine steps to purchasing a home.
When you're ready to get started, you can contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm happy to answer any questions you have about this information.
Step 1 – Prepare to buy a home
Prior to starting your home search, there are many things you need to take into account.
When you start your search, you'll want to form a check list of must-have features, get a plan of what neighborhoods you'd like to live in, and begin working on your budget.
A good rule to follow is that your mortgage payment should be close to 1/3 of your monthly income.
Step 2 – Communicate with a real estate agent
That's where I can help.
We'll book a time to meet so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your future plans.
We'll talk about neighborhoods, school districts in the Naples area, the mortgage industry, and any additional economic factors that could affect your buying decision today or in the future.
In addition, I'll help you start the loan process.
I work with some of the best mortgage professionals in Naples, so you're in great hands.
They will help you determine which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get approved.
Step 3 – Begin house-hunting
After our initial meeting, I'll begin searching for homes on the market that are a good fit for you.
I'll get a sneak peek of many of the homes and throw out the duds, and then we'll schedule appointments to view the homes whenever it's convenient for you.
As we tour the homes, I'll call attention to positive features, as well as negative ones. I'll also ask you what things you like and don't like.
It's widely common for buyers to update their must-have list as we view houses and some items become far more necessary than others.
If that's the case, I'll search all the listings once more and narrow it down to the house you've been wishing for.
Step 4 – Comprehend the housing market
An agent's awareness of the Naples home market is a crucial aspect in your home search. And I assure you I'm acquainted with all the neighborhoods and schools, and I will let you know which areas are "hot" and warrant immediate action and the ones that are "cool" and allow for thoughtful examination.
When we tour houses, I'll make sure to communicate when the list price has room for negotiation and also when I think the home is "priced to sell."
Any real estate agent will claim to truly know the housing market, but keep an eye out, and be sure to ask your agent a lot of questions.
If things don't add up, contact me at 800-252-6633 or e-mail me at , and I'll be glad to answer any questions you have. My market knowledge will keep you a step ahead through the entire process.
Step 5 – Find the home you've been waiting for
We'll find your dream house in Naples, and when that happens, I'll precisely create your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be made to suit your needs and the home. We'll include a lot of contingencies, such as acquiring financing, completing the home inspection, and a clear title.
When submitting your offer, most likely you'll need to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to the home seller to secure an offer to buy the property and is often put towards the cost of closing. If the offer is accepted by the seller, we should close on the home about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.
Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
Most deals aren't closed on the first offer, and it's widely common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it intimidate you. We'll discuss whether or not to agree to the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and go on.
Market conditions will play a role in how aggressively we negotiate the deal.
In addition, we'll work within your budget. And when it's all said and done, we'll formulate a deal that works well for you.
Step 7 – Secure financing
Once the contract is complete, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan.
If you're pre-approved, it shouldn't be a long process at all, but you'll want to keep in close contact with your lender.
And I'll manage all the property information your mortgage 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 application.
The estimate rests on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements mandate that it has to include all closing costs and be within a strict range of accuracy. I'll examine the estimate and let you know if everything looks all right.
Then it's time to close on your home. This should happen at a title company or escrow office and should be a smooth and stress-free event.
Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, make sure you call me at 800-252-6633 or e-mail me at .