Looking to purchase a new home in Punta Gorda? Marianne L. Lilly - RE/MAX Harbor Realty can help.

With a little up-front planning, purchasing a home isn't too confusing, but the event intimidates a lot of people. I like to give buyers an outline of the whole deal so they know exactly what they can expect. Here are my nine steps to purchasing a home. When you're ready to get started, just contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm glad to address any questions you have about this information.

Step 1 – Prepare to buy
Before you start searching for a home, there are several things you'll want to contemplate. You'll probably want to put together an outline of must-have features, plan for what neighborhoods you'd like to live in, and begin planning around your budget. A good principle to follow is that your mortgage payment should be less than or close to 1/3 of your net monthly income.

Step 2 – Talk to a real estate agent in Punta Gorda
This is where Marianne L. Lilly - RE/MAX Harbor Realty comes in. I'd like to arrange a time to get together with you and communicate with you 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 purchase today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and school districts in the Punta Gorda area.

In addition, I'll assist you with getting started on your loan. Marianne L. Lilly - RE/MAX Harbor Realty partners with some of the finest mortgage professionals in Punta Gorda, so you'll be in great hands. They'll assist you in deciding which kind of loan is best for you and help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Start your search
After we meet for the first time, I'll start searching for houses on the market that suit your needs. I'll preview most of the homes and throw out the duds, and then we'll schedule appointments to view the houses when it's convenient for you.

When we view houses, I'll point out good features, as well as negative ones. I'll also ask you to talk about things you like and don't like. Usually, buyers change their must-have list as we tour homes and some features become far more important than others. If that's the case, I'll search the listings once more and trim it down to the home you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Get a grasp of the housing market
Your agent's understanding of the Punta Gorda market is a leading component in your home search. And I assure you I'm informed of all the neighborhoods and school districts, and I will communicate some neighborhoods are "hot" and require immediate action and some that are "cool" and allow for cautiousness.

As we tour homes, I'll let you know if the seller's list price has room for bargaining or if I believe the house is "priced to sell." Any REALTOR will claim to know the market, but beware, and make sure you ask lots of questions. If things don't add up, 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 help you stay a step ahead through the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the home you've been looking for
I'm sure we'll find your dream house in the Punta Gorda area. When that happens, I'll thoroughly create your home purchase offer. The offer will be made to suit your needs and the home. We'll include some contingencies, such as acquiring financing, finishing the inspection, and a clean title.

Upon presenting your purchase offer, you'll likely want to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to the seller to secure the offer to buy the property, and it's often applied to the closing costs. If the offer is accepted, we should close on the property within 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows necessary time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
A lot of contracts aren't closed on the beginning offer, and it's very common to receive a counter offer. Don't let this intimidate you. We'll consider whether or not to consent to the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and move on.

Market circumstances will play a big part in how aggressively we negotiate the contract. We'll also work within your budget. And when it's all said and done, we'll put together a contract that's best for you.

Step 7 – Get financing
After the contract is finalized, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan. If you've been pre-qualified, it won't take much time at all, but you need to stay in close contact with your lender. And I'll manage all the property information your lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your lender will supply you with a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining your closing costs within three days of receiving your application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing your closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of getting your application. This estimate depends on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements mandate that it has to include all closing costs and fall within a tight range of accuracy. I'll study the estimate and let you know if it all looks good.

Then we'll close on your house. This should occur at a title company or escrow office and will most likely be a smooth and calm event.

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