Buying or selling a home in Davie? Unicasa International USA Realty can help.

For many people, buying a home can be an intimidating event. However, with some planning ahead of time, it isn't that complicated. I like to give buyers a road map of the whole deal so they'll understand exactly what they can expect. Here are my nine steps to buying a home. If you have questions about 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 plenty of things you'll want to take into account before you search for a home. When you begin your search, you'll probably want to assemble a checklist of items you want to have, get a feel for what school districts and neighborhoods you want to live in, and start planning around your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment less than or close to 1/3 of your net monthly income is a good rule of thumb to adhere to.

Step 2 – Connect with a real estate agent
This is where Unicasa International USA Realty can help. I'd like to schedule a time to meet with you and talk about why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll discuss neighborhoods, schools in the Davie area, the mortgage industry, and any additional economic factors that could potentially affect your buying decision today or in the future.

In addition, I'll help you get started on your loan. There are some very good mortgage professionals in Davie, and I work with a lot of them, so you're in great hands. They'll help you figure out which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Start looking
After we meet, I'll start searching for available homes on the market that best suit you. I'll preview most of the houses and reject the duds, and then we'll schedule appointments to tour the houses when it's convenient for you.

When we view the houses, I'll call attention to positive features, as well as negative ones. I'll even ask you to talk about things you like and don't like. Generally, buyers amend their list of must-haves as we view houses and some features become more necessary than others. If that's the situation, I'll look through the listings once more and narrow it down to the house you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Know the market
My knowledge of the Davie home market is an essential component in your house search. I am informed of all the neighborhoods and schools, and I'll let you know some neighborhoods are "hot" and call for prompt action and others that are "cold" and allow for thoughtful consideration.

When we view houses, I'll make sure to communicate when the asking price has room for negotiation and when I know the house is "priced to sell." Every REALTOR in Davie will convince you they know the housing market, but be careful, and make sure you ask a lot of questions. If things don't add up, contact me at (954) 598-0700 or e-mail me at , and I'd be glad to answer any questions you have. My market expertise will keep you a step ahead throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find your dream home
We'll find your dream home in Davie, and when that happens, I'll thoroughly create your home purchase offer. The offer will be tailored with your needs in mind and the home, including many contingencies, such as acquiring financing, finishing the home inspection, and a clear title.

When presenting your purchase offer, you'll want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to the seller to secure the offer to purchase the property. The amount is often put towards the closing costs. If the seller accepts the offer, we should close on the home within 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows ample time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
A lot of deals aren't closed on the initial offer, and it's pretty common to receive a counter offer. But don't let this discourage you. We'll talk about whether or not to take the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and go on.

Market circumstances determine how aggressively we negotiate the deal. In addition, we'll work within your financing limits. And at the end of the day, we'll compose a contract that is best for you.

Step 7 – Secure financing
Upon signing the contract, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're pre-approved, this won't take long at all. But you need to stay in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll care for all the property information your mortgage lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) of closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of taking your loan application. The estimate is formed from the loan amount, and RESPA requirements mandate that it has to contain all closing costs and be within a tight range of accuracy. I'll analyze the estimate and let you know if everything looks okay.

Then we'll close on your home. This will likely occur at a title company or escrow office and will likely be a smooth and comfortable event.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, simply call me at (954) 598-0700 or e-mail me at .