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

With a little planning ahead of time, purchasing a home isn't too difficult, but the event intimidates a lot of people. So they'll understand exactly what to expect, I like to provide buyers with an outline of the whole deal. These are my nine steps to buying a home. When you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm glad to address any questions you have about this information.

Step 1 – Prepare to buy a home
Before you begin your home search, there are many things you should consider. It's likely that you'll want to form a list of must-haves, get a feeling for what neighborhoods you want to live in, and begin planning your budget. A good rule to adhere to is that your mortgage payment should be around 30 percent of your net monthly income.

Step 2 – Get in touch with a real estate agent
That's where I can help. I'd love to plan 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 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 Fort lauderdale area.

In addition, I'll help you begin the loan process. There are some very good mortgage professionals in Fort lauderdale, and I work with a lot of them, so you can rest assured that you're in great hands. They will help you decide which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get approved.

Step 3 – Start your search
Following our initial meeting, I'll begin searching for homes on the market that are great for you. I'll preview many of the homes and ignore the bad ones, and then we'll schedule appointments to view the houses whenever it's convenient for you.

As we view the houses, I'll point out good features and bad ones. I'll also ask you about things you like and dislike. Most often, buyers update their wish list as we tour homes and some things become far more substantial than others. If that's the case, I'll search the listings again and narrow it down to the home of your dreams.

Step 4 – Know the market
My understanding of the Fort lauderdale housing market is a fundamental agent in your home search. I am acquainted with all the neighborhoods and schools, and I can let you know certain districts are "hot" and demand prompt action and some that are "cool" and allow for careful analysis.

When we view homes, I'll make sure to communicate if the list price has room for negotiation or if I believe the home is "priced to sell." Be careful and be sure to ask plenty of questions, as every REALTOR in Fort lauderdale will claim to know the market. If things don't add up, contact me at 9548184743 or e-mail me at , and I'll 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 home of your dreams
We'll find your dream house in the Fort lauderdale area, and when that happens, I'll precisely develop your home purchase offer. The offer will be tailored keeping your needs in mind and the home, including several contingencies. A few examples are obtaining financing, completing the home inspection, and a clear title.

When turning in your purchase offer, most likely you'll want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to the seller to secure an offer to buy the property, and it's typically put towards the closing costs. If the seller accepts the offer, we should close within 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows ample time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
Most deals don't close on the first offer, and it's widely common to receive a counter offer. Don't let this alarm you. We'll figure out whether or not to accept the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and move on.

The state of the market determines how aggressively we negotiate the contract. We'll also work within your financing limits. And when it's all said and done, we'll create a deal that works well for you.

Step 7 – Get a loan
Once the contract is complete, you'll begin working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're already pre-qualified, this won't be a long process at all, but you need to keep in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll deal with all the property information your mortgage lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of accepting your application. This estimate rests on the loan amount. RESPA requirements mandate that it has to involve all closing costs and be within a precise range of accuracy, and I'll examine the estimate and let you know if it all looks good.

Then it's time to close on your home. This should take place at a title company or escrow office and will likely be a smooth and hassle-free occasion.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, just call me at 9548184743 or e-mail me at .

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Charles Rutenberg Realty, Fort Lauderdale, The Scott Todd / Mike Imperiale Team