Buying or selling a home?

Buying a home is an intimidating event for a lot of people. However, with a little planning ahead of time, it isn't that complex. I like to furnish buyers with a road map of the entire deal so they'll know exactly what to expect. Below are my nine steps to purchasing a home. When you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm glad to address questions you have about this information.

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase a home
There are many things you need to consider before starting your home search. You'll probably want to put together an outline of features you need, get an idea of what school districts you'd like to live in, and start working on your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment less than 1/3 of your net monthly income is a good guideline to follow.

Step 2 – Speak with a real estate agent
This is where I can help. We can schedule a time to meet so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your future plans. We'll discuss the mortgage industry, other economic factors that may potentially affect your buying decision today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and school districts in the Fort lauderdale area.

In addition, I'll assist you in getting started on your loan. Charles Rutenberg Realty, Fort Lauderdale, The Scott Todd / Mike Imperiale Team works with some of the best mortgage professionals in Fort lauderdale, so you can rest assured that you're in great hands. They will help you decide which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Start looking for a house
After our initial meeting, I'll start searching for homes on the market that are good for you. I'll research most of the houses and ignore the bad ones, and then we'll book appointments to tour the homes whenever it's convenient for you.

As we view the houses, I'll identify good features and bad ones. I'll even ask you to point out what things you like and dislike. It's common for buyers to revise their wish list as we view homes and some items become more important than others. If such is the case, I'll go back through the listings one more time and narrow it down to the home you've been dreaming about.

Step 4 – Comprehend the market
Your agent's knowledge of the Fort lauderdale home market is a fundamental element in your home search. And I assure you I'm familiar with all the school districts and neighborhoods, and I can communicate what neighborhoods are "hot" and demand immediate action and the ones that are "cool" and allow for more consideration.

As we tour houses, I'll make sure to communicate if the asking price has room for negotiation or if I believe the home is "priced to sell." Trust your instincts and make sure you ask your agent plenty of questions, as every real estate agent in Fort lauderdale will tell you they truly understand the housing market. If things don't add up, just call me at 9548184743 or e-mail me at , and I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you have. My market knowledge will help you stay a step above the rest throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the house of your dreams
We'll find your dream house in the Fort lauderdale area, and when that happens, I'll thoroughly develop your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be tailored exactly to your needs and the home, including some contingencies. A few examples are getting financing, carrying out the home inspection, and a clear title.

Upon presenting your offer, you'll want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to a seller to secure the offer to purchase the property. The amount is most often applied to the closing costs. If the seller accepts your offer, we should close within 30 to 60 days after. This allows sufficient time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Unfortunately most deals don't close on the first offer. It's really common to receive a counter offer. But don't let this alarm you. We'll discuss whether or not to take the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and move on.

How aggressively we negotiate the contract depends on market conditions. In addition, we'll work within your financing limits. And at the end of the day, we'll formulate a contract that's best for you.

Step 7 – Get a loan
Once the deal is finished, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan. If you're already pre-approved, this shouldn't take long at all. However, you should to keep in close contact with your lender. And I'll manage all the property information your lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your mortgage lender will give you a Loan Estimate (LE) of your closing costs within three days of getting your loan application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining closing costs from your lender within three days of receiving your loan application. The estimate rests on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements require that it has to involve all closing costs and be within a narrow range of accuracy. I'll go over the estimate and let you know if everything looks okay.

Then we'll close on your house. This will most often occur at a title company or escrow office and should be a smooth and easygoing event.

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, just call me at 9548184743 or e-mail me at .