Buying or selling a home?

For most people, purchasing a home can be an intimidating event. But with some planning ahead of time, it isn't too hard. I like to provide buyers with an outline of the entire deal so they'll know exactly what they can expect. Below are my nine steps to buying a home. Should you have any questions about any of this information or if you're ready to get started, you can contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase a home
There are several things you should take into account before beginning your home search. It's likely that you'll want to make an index of features you want, get a feel for what school districts and neighborhoods you want to live in, and begin working on your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment less than 30 percent of your net monthly income is a good principle to go by.

Step 2 – Talk to a real estate agent in Punta Gorda
This is 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 discuss the mortgage industry, 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.

I can also help you start the loan process. Marianne L. Lilly - RE/MAX Harbor Realty partners with some of Punta Gorda's finest mortgage professionals, so you'll be in great hands. They'll assist you in deciding which type of loan is best for you and help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin house hunting
After our initial meeting, I'll begin finding available homes on the market that are a good fit for you. I'll research many of the houses and ignore the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to view the homes when it's convenient for you.

When we view the homes, I'll identify positive features and bad ones. I'll even ask you about things you like and don't like. It's common for buyers to update their list of must-haves as we view homes and some things become more crucial than others. If that's the situation, I'll search all the listings one more time and trim it down to the home you've been waiting for.

Step 4 – Comprehend the market
My understanding of the Punta Gorda market is a necessary factor in your home search. I am mindful of all the school districts and neighborhoods, and I can alert you to certain neighborhoods are "hot" and call for immediate action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for more analysis.

When we view homes, I'll be sure to tell you when the asking price has room for bargaining and also when I think the home is "priced to sell." Be on guard and be sure to ask your agent a lot of questions, as any real estate agent will claim to truly understand the home market. If things don't add up, contact me at 9417647585 or e-mail me at , and I'd be glad to answer any questions you may have. My market knowledge will help you stay a step above the rest through the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the home you've been looking for
We'll find the house of your dreams in the Punta Gorda area, and when we do, I'll carefully create your purchase offer. The offer will be made to fit your needs and the home. We'll include several contingencies, such as getting financing, carrying out the home inspection, and a clear title.

When we turn in your purchase offer, you'll want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to the seller to secure the offer to buy the property, and it's typically 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 after. This allows necessary time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
A lot of deals aren't closed on the first offer. It's extremely common to receive a counter offer. 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 move on.

Market circumstances will play a role in how aggressively we negotiate the contract. In addition, we'll work within your financing constraints. And when it's all said and done, we'll formulate a contract that works well for you.

Step 7 – Secure a loan
Once the contract is complete, you'll begin working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. This shouldn't take much time at all if you've been pre-qualified, but you need to keep in close contact with your lender. And I'll take care of all the property information your lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your lender will send you a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining your closing costs within three days of accepting your application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) of your closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of taking your loan application. This estimate is formed from the loan amount, and RESPA requirements mandate that it has to contain all closing costs and fall within a precise range of accuracy. I'll analyze the estimate and let you know if it all looks all right.

Then it's time to close on your house. This will most likely occur at a title company or escrow office and will probably be a smooth and hassle-free occasion.

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 contact me at 9417647585 or e-mail me at .