Are you contemplating buying a new home in Palm Harbor?

Purchasing a home is intimidating for a lot of people, but with a little up-front planning, it's not that confusing. I like to give buyers a road map of the whole deal so they know exactly what they can expect. Below are my nine steps to purchasing a home. If you have questions regarding any of this information or if you're prepared to get started, you can contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Get ready to buy
Before you begin searching for a home, there are several things you'll want to take into account. When you begin your search, you'll want to put together a check list of features you need, get a feeling for what neighborhoods and school districts you'd like to live in, and start working on your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is less than or close to a third of your net monthly income is a good rule to go by.

Step 2 – Speak with a real estate agent
That's where I can help. We can plan a time to meet so we can talk about why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your future plans. We'll talk about the mortgage and housing industries, other economic factors that might affect your purchase today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and schools in the Palm Harbor area.

I'll also help you start the loan process. I work with some of the best mortgage professionals in Palm Harbor, so you can rest assured that you're in great hands. They'll assist you with deciding which type of loan is best for you and help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Start house hunting
After we meet, I'll begin searching for homes on the market that suit your needs. I'll research most of the houses and exclude the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the homes when it's most convenient for you.

When we view the houses, I'll call attention to good features, as well as bad ones. I'll even ask you to tell us about things you like and don't like. It's pretty common for buyers to amend their list of must-haves as we view houses and some items become far more substantial than others. If such is the case, I'll look through the listings once more and narrow it down to the house you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Comprehend the housing market
My understanding of the Palm Harbor home market is a fundamental element in your house search. I am acquainted with all the schools and neighborhoods, and I can communicate which districts are "hot" and require immediate action and others that are "cold" and allow for careful examination.

As we tour homes, I'll make sure to communicate if the list price has room for bargaining or if I believe the home is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, trust your instincts and make sure you ask a lot of questions, as every REALTOR in Palm Harbor will tell you they comprehend the market. If it doesn't seem like they know everything, contact me at 7274171290 or e-mail me at , and I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. My market expertise will help you stay a step ahead through the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the house you've been waiting for
I'm sure we'll find your dream home in Palm Harbor. When that happens, I'll meticulously develop your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored exactly to your needs and the home, including a lot of contingencies. A few examples are acquiring financing, finishing the inspection, and a clean title.

Upon submitting your purchase offer, most likely you'll need to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to a home seller to secure the offer to buy the property. The amount is usually put towards the closing costs. If the seller accepts the offer, we should close on the property within 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows plenty of 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. Don't let it discourage you. We'll talk about whether or not to consent to the counter offer, submit 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 contract. We'll also work within your financing limits. And at the end of the day, we'll compose a deal that's best for you.

Step 7 – Obtain a loan
After the contract is signed, you'll begin working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're pre-qualified, it shouldn't take long at all, but you should to stay in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll look after all the property information your lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your lender will send you a Loan Estimate (LE) of your closing costs within three days of receiving your application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining closing costs from your lender within three days of accepting your loan application. This estimate is formed from the loan amount. RESPA requirements mandate that it has to include all closing costs and fall within a strict range of accuracy, and I'll examine the estimate and let you know if it all looks permissible.

Then we'll close on your home. This will probably happen at a title company or escrow office and will likely be a smooth and pleasant occurrence.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, be sure to contact me at 7274171290 or e-mail me at .