Buying or selling a home in Davie?

Buying a home can be stressful for a lot of people, but it isn't very complex with a little planning ahead of time. I like to give buyers an outline of the entire deal so they know exactly what to expect. These 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 glad to answer any questions you have regarding this information.

Step 1 – Prepare to buy
There are several things you should do before you look for a home. When you begin your search, you'll probably want to make a list of features you want, get an idea of what school districts you want to live in, and start planning around your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment less than or around a third of your monthly income is a good principle to adhere to.

Step 2 – Get in touch with a real estate agent
That's where I come in. We can plan a time to meet so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your future plans. We'll discuss neighborhoods, school districts in the Davie area, the mortgage and housing industries, and any additional economic factors that may potentially affect your buying decision today or in the future.

I can also help you get started on your loan. There are some great mortgage professionals in Davie, and I partner with a lot of them, so you can rest assured that you're in great hands. They will help you choose which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Start looking for a house
After our initial meeting, I'll start finding homes on the market that meet your needs. I'll research most of the homes and eliminate the duds, and then we'll book appointments to view the houses at a time that's convenient for you.

As we view houses, I'll point out positive features and negative ones. And I'll ask you to point out what things you like and dislike. It's common for buyers to change their must-have list as we tour homes and some features become more substantial than others. If that's the case, I'll search the listings another time and trim it down to the home of your dreams.

Step 4 – Know the housing market
Your agent's knowledge of the Davie market is a fundamental component in your house search. And I assure you I'm mindful of all the neighborhoods and school districts, and I can let you know which neighborhoods are "hot" and demand prompt action and some that are "cool" and allow for cautiousness.

As we tour houses, I'll be sure to tell you when the seller's asking price has room for negotiation and when I know the home is "priced to sell." Be mindful and be sure to ask a lot of questions, as any real estate agent in Davie will tell you they truly understand the home market. If it seems like they don't know everything, just call me at (954) 598-0700 or e-mail me at , and I'd be glad to answer any questions you may have. My market expertise will keep you a step above the rest through the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the house you've been waiting for
I'm confident we'll find your dream home in the Davie area. When that happens, I'll meticulously create your home purchase offer. The offer will be made to fit your needs and the home. We'll include a lot of contingencies, such as getting financing, completing the home inspection, and a clean title.

Upon turning in your offer, you'll need to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to a seller to secure an offer to purchase the property and is often put towards the closing costs. If the seller accepts the offer, we should close on the home about 30 to 60 days after. This allows ample time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Most contracts don't close on the initial offer – it's widely common to receive a counter offer. Don't let this intimidate you. We'll talk over whether or not to consent to the counter offer, propose our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and go on.

Market conditions will play a large role 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 deal that works well for you.

Step 7 – Obtain a loan
Upon finishing the deal, you'll begin working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you've been pre-approved, this won't take much time at all. But you'll need to stay in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll deal with all the property information your lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) of your closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of getting your loan application. This estimate is formed from the loan amount. RESPA requirements require that it has to contain all closing costs and fall within a narrow range of accuracy, and I'll study the estimate and let you know if everything looks all right.

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

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, make sure you contact me at (954) 598-0700 or e-mail me at .