Buying your home in Naples
With a little planning ahead of time, buying a home isn't that confusing, but the event is intimidating for many people.
So they know exactly what they can expect, I like to provide buyers with a road map of the entire deal.
These are my nine steps to purchasing a home.
If you have any questions regarding any of this information or if you're prepared to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at .
Step 1 – Prepare to purchase
There are several things you need to take into account before you start searching for a home.
You'll most likely want to create an index of items you want to have, get a feel for what school districts you'd like to live in, and begin planning around your budget.
Keeping your mortgage payment around 30 percent of your net monthly income is a good principle to go by.
Step 2 – Speak with a real estate agent
That's where I come in.
I'd love to plan a time to get together with you and speak with you regarding why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your plans for the future.
We'll discuss neighborhoods, school districts in the Naples area, the mortgage and housing industries, and any other economic factors that might affect your buying decision today or in the future.
I'll also help you start the loan process.
I work with some of Naples's finest mortgage professionals, so you're in great hands.
They will assist you with figuring out which kind of loan is best for you and help you get approved.
Step 3 – Begin looking for a home
After our first meeting, I'll begin finding homes on the market that meet your needs.
I'll research many of the homes and exclude the duds, and then we'll schedule appointments to tour the homes at a time that's convenient for you.
As we tour houses, I'll call attention to good features and bad ones. And I'll ask you about things you like and don't like.
Usually, buyers revise their must-have list as we view houses and some things become more important than others.
If that's the case, I'll search all the listings another time and trim it down to the home you've been wishing for.
Step 4 – Understand the housing market
My knowledge of the Naples market is a leading component in your house search. I am mindful of all the neighborhoods and schools, and I will communicate what districts are "hot" and demand immediate action and some that are "cool" and allow for more analysis.
When we view homes, I'll let you know when the seller's asking price has room for bargaining and also when I believe the house is "priced to sell."
Be on guard and make sure you ask lots of questions, as any REALTOR in Naples will tell you they know the market.
If it appears they don't know everything, contact me at 866-300-1550 or e-mail me at , and I'll be glad to answer any questions you may have. My market knowledge will help you stay a step above the rest throughout the entire deal.
Step 5 – Find the home you've been looking for
We'll find your dream house in Naples, and when we do, I'll thoroughly create your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be tailored with your needs in mind and the home, including some contingencies. A few examples are acquiring financing, carrying out the home inspection, and a clean title.
When presenting your offer, you'll need to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to a seller to secure the offer to purchase the property, and it's often applied to the closing costs. If your offer is accepted, we should close on the property within 30 to 60 days after. This allows ample time for your mortgage financing.
Step 6 – Negotiate
A lot of deals aren't closed on the beginning offer, and it's widely common to receive a counter offer. But don't let this intimidate you. We'll talk about whether or not to take the counter offer, propose our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and move on.
Market conditions will play a part in how aggressively we negotiate the deal.
In addition, we'll work within your financing constraints. And at the end of the day, we'll create a deal that is best for you.
Step 7 – Obtain your loan
Upon completing the deal, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan.
This won't be a long process at all if you're already pre-qualified, but you'll need to stay in close contact with your lender.
And I'll manage all the property information your mortgage lender needs to close the loan.
Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of taking your loan application.
The estimate is based 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 adequate.
Then we'll close on your home. This will most often occur at a title company or escrow office and will likely be a smooth and relaxing occurrence.
Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, simply contact me at 866-300-1550 or e-mail me at .