Contemplating buying a new home in Dunedin ?

Buying a home is an intimidating event for many people, but with some up-front planning, it isn't that difficult. I like to supply buyers with an overview of the whole deal so they'll understand exactly what they can expect. Below are my nine steps to buying a home. If you have questions regarding 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 many things you need to take into account before commencing your home search. When you begin your search, you'll want to create a list of must-have features, get an idea of what neighborhoods and school districts you want to live in, and start planning your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment around 30 percent of your net monthly income is a good guideline to go by.

Step 2 – Get in touch with a real estate agent in Dunedin
This is where Hot Homes Realty comes in. I'd love to book a time to meet with you and speak with you about your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll discuss everything from neighborhoods, school districts in the Dunedin area, the mortgage industry, to any other economic factors that could affect your purchase today or in the future.

In addition, I'll help you facilitate the loan process. Hot Homes Realty partners with some of the best mortgage professionals in Dunedin , so you'll be in great hands. They'll assist you with choosing which kind of loan is best for you and help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Start your home search
After our initial meeting, I'll start looking for available houses on the market that are great for you. I'll research many of the houses and eliminate the duds, and then we'll book appointments to tour the homes whenever it's convenient for you.

As we view the houses, I'll show you the positive features and negative ones. I'll also ask you to talk about things you like and don't like. It's common for buyers to amend their wish list as we view houses and some items become far more crucial than others. If such is the case, I'll look through the listings one more time and trim it down to the home of your dreams.

Step 4 – Know the market
My knowledge of the Dunedin home market is a necessary factor in your house search. I'm conscious of all the neighborhoods and school districts, and I will let you know which areas are "hot" and warrant immediate action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for thoughtful examination.

As we tour homes, I'll let you know if the asking price has room for negotiation or if I believe the home is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, trust your instincts and be sure to ask a lot of questions. Every real estate agent will convince you they know the housing market. If it doesn't seem like they know everything, call me at (727) 455-5510 or e-mail me at , and I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you have. My market knowledge will help you stay a step above the rest through the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the home of your dreams
I'm positive we'll find your dream house in Dunedin . When that happens, I'll meticulously develop your home purchase offer. The offer will be tailored to suit your needs and the home, including many contingencies. A few examples are acquiring financing, carrying out the home inspection, and a clean title.

When we present your purchase offer, you'll want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to a home seller to secure the offer to purchase the property and is most often applied to the cost of closing. If the seller accepts your offer, we should close within 30 to 60 days after. This allows plenty of time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
Most contracts aren't closed on the first offer. It's widely common to receive a counter offer. But don't let this alarm you. We'll discuss whether or not to take the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and move on.

How aggressively we negotiate the deal depends on the state of the market. In addition, we'll work within your financing constraints. And at the end of the day, we'll put together a deal that works well for you.

Step 7 – Secure a loan
Upon completing the contract, you'll begin working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you've been pre-approved, it won't take much time at all, but you'll want to stay in close contact with your lender. And I'll take care of all the property information your lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your lender will furnish you with a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing your closing costs within three days of receiving your loan application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing your closing costs from your lender within three days of taking your loan application. This estimate is formed from the loan amount. RESPA requirements order that it has to include all closing costs and be within a close range of accuracy, and I'll go over the estimate and let you know if everything looks okay.

Then we'll close on your home. This should happen at a title company or escrow office and is often a smooth and stress-free affair.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, make sure you contact me at (727) 455-5510 or e-mail me at .