Buying or selling a home?

Purchasing a home is a stressful event for most people, but with a bit of planning ahead of time, it isn't too complex. So they understand exactly what to expect, I like to give buyers a road map of the entire deal. Here are my nine steps to purchasing a home. If you have questions regarding this information or if you're prepared to get started, you can contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Get ready to purchase
There are plenty of things you should take into account prior to starting your home search. You'll probably want to make an outline of features you need to have, get a feel for what neighborhoods you'd like to live in, and start planning around your budget. A good rule of thumb to adhere to is that your mortgage payment should be 1/3 of your monthly income.

Step 2 – Connect with a real estate agent in West Palm Beach
This is where I come in. We can schedule a time to meet so we can 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 industry, other economic factors that may affect your purchase today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and schools in the West Palm Beach area.

I'll also help you begin the loan process. There are some excellent mortgage professionals in West Palm Beach, and I partner with a lot of them, so you can rest assured that you're in great hands. They'll assist you in deciding which type of loan is best for you and help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin looking
After our initial meeting, I'll start looking for houses on the market that best suit you. I'll research many of the houses and eliminate the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to view the houses when it's most convenient for you.

As we tour the houses, I'll call attention to positive features, as well as negative ones. I'll also ask you what things you like and don't like. It's pretty common for buyers to update their must-have list as we tour houses and some features become more necessary than others. If that's the case, I'll go back through the listings again and narrow it down to the home you've been waiting for.

Step 4 – Comprehend the housing market
Your agent's awareness of the West Palm Beach housing market is a necessary factor in your home search. And I assure you I'm informed of all the school districts and neighborhoods, and I will alert you to which districts are "hot" and require prompt action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for more examination.

When we view homes, I'll be sure to tell you if the seller's list price has room for negotiation or if I believe the home is "priced to sell." Any real estate agent will tell you they truly know the housing market, but be wary, and be sure to ask your agent a lot of questions. If things don't add up, contact me at 561-688-1316 or e-mail me at , and I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. My understanding of the market will help you stay a step ahead throughout the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find your dream home
I'm certain we'll find your dream home in the West Palm Beach area. When that happens, I'll thoroughly develop your purchase offer. The offer will be made to suit your needs and the home. We'll include several contingencies, such as obtaining financing, finishing the home inspection, and a clear title.

Upon turning in your offer, you'll want to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to the home seller to secure the offer to buy the property. The amount is typically put towards the closing costs. If the offer is accepted, we should close on the property about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows necessary time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
A lot of contracts aren't closed on the beginning offer, and it's widely common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it intimidate you. We'll talk over whether or not to agree to the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and go on.

Market circumstances will play a vital role in how aggressively we negotiate the contract. In addition, we'll work within your financing limits. And at the end of the day, we'll formulate a deal that is best for you.

Step 7 – Obtain your loan
After we sign the final sales contract, you'll begin working with your lender to close the loan. This won't take much time at all if you're pre-qualified, but you'll want to stay in close contact with your lender. And I'll manage all the property information your lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your mortgage lender will send you a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing closing costs within three days of taking your loan application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of getting your loan application. The estimate depends on the loan amount. RESPA requirements dictate that it has to include all closing costs and fall within a strict range of accuracy, and I'll study the estimate and let you know if it all looks permissible.

Then it's time to close on your home. This should take place at a title company or escrow office and will most likely be a smooth and pleasant affair.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, be sure to contact me at 561-688-1316 or e-mail me at .