Looking to purchase your home in Fort lauderdale? Charles Rutenberg Realty, Fort Lauderdale, The Scott Todd / Mike Imperiale Team can help.

For most people, buying a home can be a stressful event. But with a bit of up-front planning, it's not all that confusing. I like to provide buyers with a road map of the whole deal so they'll know exactly what they can expect. Below 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 happy to answer any questions you have about this information.

Step 1 – Prepare to buy a home
There are plenty of things you'll want to take into account prior to starting your home search. You'll most likely want to put together an outline of must-have features, plan for what neighborhoods you want to live in, and begin working on your budget. A good rule of thumb to go by is that your mortgage payment should be around a third of your net monthly income.

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

I'll also help you start the loan process. Charles Rutenberg Realty, Fort Lauderdale, The Scott Todd / Mike Imperiale Team partners with some of the best mortgage professionals in Fort lauderdale, so you'll be in great hands. They'll help you determine which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get approved.

Step 3 – Start looking for a house
After we meet for the first time, I'll begin finding available houses on the market that are a good fit for you. I'll research many of the houses and ignore the bad ones, and then we'll schedule appointments to tour the homes when it's most convenient for you.

As we view houses, I'll call attention to positive features and bad ones. I'll also ask you to talk about things you like and don't like. For the most part, buyers change their list of must-haves as we tour houses and some items become far more necessary than others. If that's the case, I'll look through the listings another time and trim it down to the house you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Get a grasp of the market
My understanding of the Fort lauderdale home market is a leading factor in your house search. I'm acquainted with all the neighborhoods and schools, and I'll alert you to certain areas are "hot" and call for prompt action and some that are "cold" and allow for more consideration.

When we view homes, I'll make sure to communicate if the seller's list 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 home market, but be careful, and be sure to ask plenty of questions. If things don't add up, just call me at 9548184743 or e-mail me at , and I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. My market expertise will keep you a step ahead through the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find your dream home
I'm certain we'll find the home of your dreams in the Fort lauderdale area. When we do, I'll carefully create your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored with your needs in mind and the home, including a lot of contingencies. A few examples are getting financing, finishing the inspection, and a clear title.

When presenting your offer, you'll likely want to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to the home seller to secure the offer to purchase the property, and it's often put towards the closing costs. If the seller accepts your offer, we should close about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows necessary time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
A lot of deals don't close on the first offer – it's pretty common to receive a counter offer. But don't let this discourage you. We'll discuss whether or not to take the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and go on.

The state of the market will play a role in how aggressively we negotiate the deal. We'll also work within your financing limits. And when it's all said and done, we'll formulate a deal that is best for you.

Step 7 – Obtain a loan
Once the contract is complete, you'll begin working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're pre-approved, it shouldn't take much time at all, but you should to stay in close contact with your lender. And I'll manage all the property information your mortgage lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your lender will supply you with a Loan Estimate (LE) of your closing costs within three days of getting your loan application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining your closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of receiving your loan application. This estimate is based on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements mandate that it has to contain all closing costs and be within a tight range of accuracy. I'll analyze the estimate and let you know if it all looks all right.

Then we'll close on your house. This will likely happen at a title company or escrow office and is often a smooth and stress-free occasion.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, just contact me at 9548184743 or e-mail me at .