Stuart Florida Real Estate | Information For Home Buyers

Information For Buyers

Buying your Florida home can be a complex, intimidating experience. As a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), I can guide you through every step of the home buying process.

With my Customized Home Search System you will receive professional, personalized service. I will represent your best interests and negotiate the most favorable terms possible for your purchase, maintain confidentiality, stay on top of all necessary activities and handle all the details.

If you are buying or selling a home or are simply in need of local real estate information, please contact me. You can count on me as your personal and online Palm City real estate resource.

Steps To Buying A Home

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	Determine your buying power Examine your financial reserves Calculate your borrowing capacity Identify suitable lenders If you give me basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, I can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you.
	Finding a home Once you know how much you have to invest, the next step is to find properties that best fit your needs. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation to find all available properties. As a licensed real estate professional and member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, I posses the tools and knowledge to help find you the best home, at the best price, with the least amount of stress.
	Selecting a home I can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. I have access to a variety of informational resources and can provide local community information on utilities, zoning. schools, etc. There are two things you will want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?
	Negotiating a deal - negotiating factors Price Financing Terms Date of possession The inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement also provides a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. I can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.
	Property inspection With a negotiated or "bilateral" agreement in hand, it is time to complete the property evaluation. Depending on the area and property, this may include inspections for: -Termites -Mold -Dry rot -Asbestos -Faulty structure -Roof condition -Septic tank and well tests -Electrical and mechanical systems I can assist you in finding qualified professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your title company, or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.
	Financing Once you have determined the property is right for you, the process of obtaining financing begins. I can help you to understand different financing options and to identify qualified lenders. Things needed at loan application: -Copy of Social Security and Driver's license -Two years residence history -Two years employment historyW-2 (two years) -Current pay stubs -Self employed - last two years tax returns -Last three months bank/investment statements -Purchase agreement -Realtor, title company and attorney's telephone number and address -Check for appraisal

Closing or Settlement

Finally, there is the closing, or settlement.
Every area has its own unique customs.
In our area, the title company typically handles this process.
In other parts of the country, an attorney does it all.
I can guide you through this process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

Your Real Estate Team

Your Agent

A successful purchase starts with the right representative. In fact, once you’ve selected the best agent to represent you, it is likely that he or she can recommend other professionals to join your team, taking more of the responsibility off of your shoulders.

Lender (Appraiser)

A bank is not just a bank. Having the right backer can be extremely important – it is your money we’re talking about after all! Make sure that your lender and financial representative is someone with whom you feel comfortable, and be wary of any lender who promises you more than you think you can reasonably afford. Your lenders may or may not require an independent appraisal, and typically will make arrangements for the appraisal themselves.

Lawyer

Your home purchase is far too important a transaction to skimp on legal representation at the risk of leaving yourself open to costly future issues. Find a lawyer who is willing to take the time to answer your questions and who specializes in real estate law.

Home Inspector

No home inspection is 100% guaranteed, but a few hundred dollars to catch a major problem now is certainly better than many thousands to correct that ‘surprise’ down the road. Ask your agent for a recommendation.

Contractor

Planning some renovations? You’re not the only one! The home renovation industry is booming, and in some markets, booking a contractor must be done months in advance (that’s a long time to go without a kitchen). Don’t let finding the right contractor slip through the cracks – planning ahead will almost certainly make your renovation smoother, and you contractor will appreciate the advance notice.