Buying or selling a home?

Purchasing a home is stressful for most people, but it isn't all that complicated with some planning ahead of time. So they understand exactly what they can expect, I will give buyers an overview of the entire deal. Below are my nine steps to purchasing a home. If you have questions regarding any of this information or if you're prepared to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase
Before you commence your home search, there are many things you need to consider. When you begin your search, you'll want to assemble an index of must-haves, get a plan of what neighborhoods and school districts you'd like to live in, and begin working on your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is less than or around a third of your monthly income is a good rule of thumb to adhere to.

Step 2 – Connect with a real estate agent in Punta Gorda
This is where Marianne L. Lilly - RE/MAX Harbor Realty comes in. We'll schedule a time to get together so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll talk about neighborhoods, school districts in the Punta Gorda area, the mortgage industry, and any other economic factors that may affect your buying decision today or in the future.

I can also help you get started on your loan. Marianne L. Lilly - RE/MAX Harbor Realty works with some of Punta Gorda's best mortgage professionals, so you can rest assured that you're in great hands. They can help you figure out which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Start house-hunting
After we meet for the first time, I'll start searching for houses on the market that are good for you. I'll research most of the houses and ignore the bad ones, and then we'll schedule appointments to view the houses at a time that's convenient for you.

As we tour the houses, I'll call attention to positive features and bad ones. I'll even ask you to tell us about things you like and don't like. Usually, buyers update their must-have list as we view homes and some items become far more substantial than others. If that's the situation, I'll search all the listings one more time and trim it down to the house you've been waiting for.

Step 4 – Get a grasp of the housing market
An agent's understanding of the Punta Gorda market is a crucial factor in your home search. And I can assure you I'm familiar with all the schools and neighborhoods, and I will let you know what areas are "hot" and demand prompt action and the ones that are "cool" and allow for thoughtful consideration.

When we tour houses, I'll let you know if the seller's asking price has room for negotiation or if I believe the house is "priced to sell." Trust your instincts and make sure you ask your agent lots of questions, as every REALTOR will claim to truly know the market. If things don't add up, just call me at 9417647585 or e-mail me at , and I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. My market knowledge will keep you a step ahead throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the home you've been waiting for
We'll find the house of your dreams in the Punta Gorda area, and when we do, I'll thoroughly create your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored exactly to your needs and the home, including some contingencies. A few examples are obtaining financing, finishing the home inspection, and a clean title.

When turning in your offer, you'll want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to a home seller to secure the offer to purchase the property. The amount is often applied to the cost of closing. If your offer is accepted, we should close on the property about 30 to 60 days after. This allows sufficient time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
A lot of contracts don't close on the initial offer, and it's widely common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it discourage you. We'll consider whether or not to agree to the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and go on.

Market conditions determine how aggressively we negotiate the contract. In addition, we'll work within your financing budget. And at the end of the day, we'll formulate a contract that is best for you.

Step 7 – Secure a loan
Upon completing the deal, you'll begin working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. It won't take very long at all if you're pre-approved, but you'll need to stay in close contact with your lender. And I'll sort out all the property information your lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your mortgage lender will furnish you with a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing closing costs within three days of accepting your loan application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) of your closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of receiving your application. This estimate is based on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements require that it has to contain all closing costs and be within a tight range of accuracy. I'll study the estimate and let you know if it all looks okay.

Then we'll close on your home. This will likely take place at a title company or escrow office and will most often be a smooth and stress-free occurrence.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, simply call me at 9417647585 or e-mail me at .