Buying or selling a home?

With some planning ahead of time, purchasing a home isn't too complicated, but the event is intimidating for many people. I like to furnish buyers with a road map of the whole deal so they understand exactly what to expect. Here are my nine steps to buying a home. If you have questions regarding any of 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'll want to contemplate prior to beginning your home search. When you begin your search, you'll want to create a check list of features you want to have, get a feel for what school districts you'd like to live in, and begin working on your budget. A good rule of thumb to adhere to is that your mortgage payment should be 30 percent of your monthly income.

Step 2 – Connect with a real estate agent in Punta Gorda
This is where I can help. We'll plan 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 the mortgage and housing industries, other economic factors that may potentially affect your buying decision today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and schools in the Punta Gorda area.

In addition, I'll help you begin the loan process. There are some very good mortgage professionals in Punta Gorda, and I work with a lot of them, so you'll be in great hands. They'll help you decide which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get approved.

Step 3 – Start looking for a house
After our initial meeting, I'll begin looking for available homes on the market that are good for you. I'll get a sneak peek of most of the homes and reject the duds, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the homes when it's most convenient for you.

As we view the homes, I'll call attention to good features and negative ones. I'll also ask you about things you like and don't like. Most often, buyers update their must-have list as we tour homes and some things become far more crucial than others. If that happens, I'll go back through the listings one more time and trim it down to the house you've been dreaming about.

Step 4 – Get a grasp of the housing market
My understanding of the Punta Gorda housing market is a necessary element in your home search. I'm conscious of all the neighborhoods and school districts, and I'll communicate which neighborhoods are "hot" and warrant prompt action and the ones that are "cool" and allow for thoughtful consideration.

As we tour homes, I'll be sure to tell you when the seller's list price has room for bargaining and when I think the home is "priced to sell." Every REALTOR in Punta Gorda will tell you they understand the housing market, but be wary, and be sure to ask lots of questions. If it seems like they don't know everything, contact me at 9417647585 or e-mail me at , and I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have. My market expertise will help you stay a step above the rest through the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the house you've been waiting for
I'm certain we'll find the house of your dreams in the Punta Gorda area. When we do, I'll thoroughly develop your purchase offer. The offer will be made to fit your needs and the home. We'll include some contingencies, such as obtaining financing, completing the inspection, and a clean title.

Upon sending in your offer, you'll need to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to a seller to secure the offer to buy the property. The amount is usually put towards the cost of closing. If your offer is accepted, we should close on the property within 30 to 60 days after. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Unfortunately most contracts don't close on the initial offer. It's really common to receive a counter offer. Don't let this alarm you. We'll discuss whether or not to agree to the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and move on.

The state of the market will play a role in how aggressively we negotiate the deal. We'll also work within your financing budget. And at the end of the day, we'll formulate a deal that is best for you.

Step 7 – Obtain financing
Once the contract is finalized, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. It shouldn't take much time at all if you're pre-qualified, but you need to keep in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll deal with all the property information your lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing closing costs from your lender within three days of taking your application. This estimate depends on the loan amount. RESPA requirements order that it has to contain all closing costs and be within a tight range of accuracy, and I'll study the estimate and let you know if it all looks all right.

Then we'll close on your home. This will probably take place at a title company or escrow office and will most likely be a smooth and easygoing affair.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, be sure to contact me at 9417647585 or e-mail me at .