Contemplating purchasing your new home in Punta Gorda? Marianne L. Lilly - RE/MAX Harbor Realty can help.

Buying a home is a stressful event for most people. However, with a bit of planning ahead of time, it's not that difficult. I like to supply buyers with a road map of the whole deal so they'll understand exactly what they can expect. Below are my nine steps to purchasing a home. When you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm happy to answer questions you have about this information.

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase
There are several things you'll want to do prior to beginning your home search. When you begin your search, you'll want to assemble a check list of must-have features, get a feel for what school districts and neighborhoods you want to live in, and start planning around your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is around a third of your net monthly income is a good rule of thumb to go by.

Step 2 – Connect with a real estate agent
This is where I can help. We'll set up a time to get together so we can talk about why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll discuss everything from neighborhoods, schools in the Punta Gorda area, the mortgage industry, to any other economic factors that could potentially affect your buying decision today or in the future.

I'll also help you get started on your loan. There are some very good mortgage professionals in Punta Gorda, and I partner with a lot of them, so you're in great hands. They will help you choose which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin looking for a home
After our initial meeting, I'll start searching for available homes on the market that are a great fit for you. I'll research most of the houses and exclude the duds, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the homes when it's convenient for you.

As we tour homes, I'll identify positive features and bad ones. And I'll ask you to point out what things you like and dislike. Oftentimes, buyers change their list of must-haves as we view houses and some things become more substantial than others. If that's the situation, I'll look through the listings again and narrow it down to the home of your dreams.

Step 4 – Understand the housing market
My understanding of the Punta Gorda home market is an imperative element in your home search. I'm familiar with all the neighborhoods and schools, and I can alert you to which districts are "hot" and warrant immediate action and some that are "cold" and allow for careful analysis.

When we view homes, I'll make sure to communicate when the seller's asking price has room for bargaining and also when I know the house is "priced to sell." Be mindful and make sure you ask 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 happy to answer any questions you may have. My knowledge of the market will keep you a step above the rest throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the house you've been looking for
I'm positive we'll find your dream home in Punta Gorda. When that happens, I'll carefully develop your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored with your needs in mind and the home, including a lot of contingencies, such as getting financing, completing the inspection, and a clean title.

Upon submitting your offer, you'll want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to a home seller to secure the offer to buy the property and is often put towards the closing costs. If the seller accepts your offer, we should close on the home within 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
Most contracts aren't closed on the initial offer. It's extremely common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it alarm you. We'll figure out whether or not to accept the counter offer, propose 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 financing constraints. And when it's all said and done, we'll put together a contract that is best for you.

Step 7 – Secure your loan
Upon finishing the contract, you'll begin working with your lender to close the loan. If you're already pre-approved, it shouldn't be a long process at all. However, you should to keep in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll handle all the property information your mortgage lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your mortgage lender will give you a Loan Estimate (LE) of closing costs within three days of accepting your application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing your closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of taking your loan application. This estimate is based on the loan amount. RESPA requirements require that it has to involve all closing costs and fall within a strict range of accuracy, and I'll go over the estimate and let you know if everything looks okay.

Then it's time to close on your home. This will likely happen at a title company or escrow office and will likely be a smooth and stress-free occurrence.

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