Buying or selling a home? Charles Rutenberg Realty, Fort Lauderdale, The Scott Todd / Mike Imperiale Team can help.

Buying a home is an intimidating event for most people. However, with a little planning ahead of time, it isn't very complicated. I like to supply buyers with an overview of the entire deal so they know exactly what to expect. Here are my nine steps to buying a home. Should you have any questions regarding this information or if you're prepared to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Get ready to purchase
Before you commence your home search, there are plenty of things you'll want to consider. You'll want to form an outline of must-have features, get an idea of what neighborhoods and school districts you want to live in, and begin planning your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is no more than a third of your monthly income is a good rule of thumb to follow.

Step 2 – Communicate with a real estate agent in Fort lauderdale
This is where Charles Rutenberg Realty, Fort Lauderdale, The Scott Todd / Mike Imperiale Team can help. We'll book a time to get together so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your future plans. We'll discuss everything from neighborhoods, school districts in the Fort lauderdale area, the mortgage and housing industries, to any other economic factors that may potentially affect your buying decision today or in the future.

I'll also help you start the loan process. There are some very good mortgage professionals in Fort lauderdale, and I partner with a lot of them, so you're in great hands. They can assist you with choosing which type of loan is best for you and help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin your home search
After our initial meeting, I'll start looking for available homes on the market that suit your needs. I'll preview most of the houses and ignore the duds, and then we'll book appointments to view the houses at a time that's convenient for you.

When we tour the homes, I'll identify good features, as well as bad ones. I'll also ask you to talk about things you like and don't like. Frequently, buyers change their list of must-haves as we tour homes and some items become far more necessary than others. If that happens, I'll search the listings again and narrow it down to the home you've been dreaming about.

Step 4 – Understand the housing market
An agent's understanding of the Fort lauderdale housing market is an imperative element in your house search. And I can assure you I'm familiar with all the neighborhoods and school districts, and I will alert you to what districts are "hot" and call for prompt action and the ones that are "cool" and allow for thoughtful consideration.

As we tour houses, I'll be sure to tell you if the asking price has room for negotiation or if I believe the home is "priced to sell." Every real estate agent in Fort lauderdale will claim to comprehend the market, but be wary, and make sure you ask lots of questions. If things don't add up, contact me at 9548184743 or e-mail me at , and I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. My market knowledge will keep you a step ahead throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find your dream house
We'll find the home of your dreams in Fort lauderdale, and when that happens, I'll carefully develop your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored exactly to your needs and the home, including a lot of contingencies, such as acquiring financing, finishing the home inspection, and a clear title.

When presenting your purchase offer, most likely you'll need to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to the home seller to secure an offer to buy the property and is often applied to the cost of closing. If the offer is accepted, we should close within 30 to 60 days after. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
A lot of contracts don't close on the first offer. It's widely common to receive a counter offer. Don't let this intimidate you. We'll talk about whether or not to take the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and move on.

Market circumstances determine how aggressively we negotiate the deal. In addition, we'll work within your financing constraints. And when it's all said and done, we'll formulate a deal that's best for you.

Step 7 – Obtain financing
Upon finishing the contract, you'll begin working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. It won't be a long process at all if you're already pre-qualified, but you should to keep in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll manage all the property information your mortgage lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your mortgage lender will provide you with a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining closing costs within three days of taking your application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining closing costs from your lender within three days of taking your application. The estimate rests on the loan amount. RESPA requirements require that it has to contain 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 good.

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

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 9548184743 or e-mail me at .