Buying a Home

Most of us only buy a couple homes during our lifetime. It’s an ever-changing and incredibly detailed process. This is why it’s so important to have the right people working for you. Did you know that as a buyer, in the state of Florida, you get my services for FREE! That’s right, the seller is one the pays the commissions, so you get a dedicated buyer’s agent working for YOU at no cost. Below I have put together some of the most common home buyer questions and misconceptions.

Are you a 1st Time Home Buyer? I have developed an information packet just for YOU! call/text 727-326-2963 to get your FREE copy.

I require my buyers to obtain a Pre-Approval Letter before scheduling showings, here’s why:

Pre-qualifying will help you in the following ways:

Generally, interest rates are locked in for a set period of time. You will know in advance exactly what your payments will be on offers you choose to make.
You won’t waste time considering homes you cannot afford.

Pre-approval will help you in the following ways:

Most sellers require a Pre-Approval letter be included with an offer for their home.
A seller may choose to make concessions if they know that your financing is secured.
You can select the best loan package without being under pressure.

How much can you afford?

There are three key factors to consider:

The down payment
Your ability to qualify for a mortgage
The closing costs associated with your transaction.

How To Buy A Great House

There are many factors to consider when selecting a neighborhood that is right for you. Below are just a few of the many factors — you may think of others that are important to you.

Neighborhoods have characteristic personalities designed to best suit single people, growing families, two-career couples, or retirees.

Scout the neighborhood!

It is important that you scout the neighborhood in person. You live in more than your house.

Talk to people who live there.
Drive through the entire area at different times of the day, during the week and on weekends.
Look carefully at how well other homes in the area are being maintained; are they painted, are the yards well cared for; are parked cars in good condition, etc.

Neighborhood Factors To Consider

Look for things like access to major thoroughfares, highways, and shopping.
Listen for noise created by commerce, roads, railways, public areas, schools, etc.
Smell the air for adjacent commerce or agriculture.
Check with local civic, police, fire, and school officials to find information about the area.
Research things like soil and water.
Look at traffic patterns around the area during different times of the day and drive from the area to work.
Find out if the neighborhood is near parks, churches, recreation centers, shopping, theaters, restaurants, public transportation, schools, etc.
Find out if the neighborhood belongs to a Homeowner’s Association.