Moving to Sunny Florida?
Getting Started...
this article was written by Realtor Sherry Stevens. Sherry has 20 years of real estate experience, and has moved to and from Florida several times. Take these tips from the pro!

Financing
There are many financing programs out there for all sorts of buyer situations. There are also many mortgage companies. Be sure and compare programs and closing costs, apples to apples. The quality of the mortgage company is of utmost importance. Don’t just go on the internet and choose any company. You may pay more in time and money in the end by lack of knowledge of the state and local procedures. Ask your real estate agent to help you locate a well-qualified financing institution with a track record of quality performance.

Get Pre-qualified or even better pre-approved for a mortgage. Often times, when a house is listed at the proper market value, a buyer needs to show superior readiness to purchase. Sellers will consider first, the offer which indicates the most likely probability to proceed to closing. A pre-qualification letter takes minutes over the phone. This letter provides minimum qualification.

Take it a step above the rest. Get pre-approved. Pre-approval takes you through the process of mortgage application up to the point of locating the home you will eventually purchase. Most buyers are not aware of this unique way to rise above the other offers.

Begin to gather items such as: last 3 years Income Tax returns, current copies of pay stubs, records of any past negative credit history that has since been paid off, and records of any supplemental income you may have. If you are self employed, you will need all business records and tax returns for the last 3 years. Having these items close at hand will save an enormous amount of time when the Mortgage Company begins to ask for them.

Make a Wish List

Decide what features in a home are most important and which features you could do without.

Do you picture yourself jumping into a cool refreshing pool after a long, hard day at work or do you consider a pool a lot of work? Check out the newest remote control pool cleaners before you decide this is too much work for the luxury of enjoying an evening glass of wine by the poolside. Perhaps you are on a waterfront or have a community pool and do not require this feature in your home. This option can make a huge difference in pricing.

Are you a gourmet cook or do you prefer to eat out most of the time? Do you like to entertain? Decide if a large kitchen is right for you.

Closet space is often overlooked as a needed convenience. You may want to make sure this is not overlooked.

Do you like working with nature? Perhaps, you are looking for a little gardening area. Perhaps you have a purple thumb and prefer not to kill innocent plants. Decide if an oversized lot is one of your preferences.

Do you like older homes or newer homes? Be sure not to overlook the possibilities of a well priced older home that can be remodeled to your fancy and purchased for below market value. Is there a possibility for an investment purchase and an opportunity to flip over the sale of the home and step up your buying power? Ask me more about this (813) 431-2506.

Choose a Real Estate Agent

Find an agent who is right for you. Call me at (813) 431-2506, and I will take you from the initial step of financing right through to closing on your new home. I will locate all properties in the areas This will help the real estate agent locate suitable properties for you to review.

Check out the area you prefer………Location, location, location.

Often wondered why some homes are priced higher than other homes? Reasons can vary! Perhaps the location of the home is in an area of low crime rates, or highly rated schools, or superior pride of ownership displayed by well kept yards. Perhaps the age of the homes is a reflection of the pricing. Perhaps the current trend of styles is playing a part. There are many reasons. Qualify the neighborhood. Location is the most important aspect of purchasing a home that will hold it’s value or even appreciate.

Make an Offer

Now that you have looked at several homes, you have a pretty good idea of how the pricing compares. You have reviewed your wish list and have found the house that feels right for you and your family. If it feels right, don’t hesitate. A well priced, desirable home in Florida will not stay long on the market long.

Choose a Reputable Home Inspector

While you are comparing pricing, compare what you are getting. Does the price include the pest inspection? Is there city water and sewer or well and septic? Are these inspections part of the package or are there additional costs incurred? Ask about radon testing. Should you test for lead in paint? The home inspector can explain his services to you.

Often times minor repairs are necessary. Sometimes major problems exist. Decide if you can live with the repairs or would you prefer to ask the seller to fix them. Perhaps the item is too much of a gamble. Decide if this home is within enough reasonable repair to continue the purchase or if you need to consider another home.

Make Moving Plans

Be sure to reserve your moving van or rental truck in time for closing. Check out the flexibility of moving date. Can this be altered and how much notice will you need? Compare pricing and quality of vehicle or care of your items.

Pack your items a few at a time to avoid over exhaustion. Perhaps you are selling your home and have cleared many of your items out to enhance the appearance of spaciousness. Take a box at a time. Before you know it, you have packed!

Congratulations! Ready to Close! You have found your new home! Call or email me right away (813) 431-2506 to get you on the right track to the most important purchase of your lifetime.