Buying or selling a home? J. Briann Realty Group, Inc. can help.

Buying a home intimidates many people, but it isn't all that confusing with some planning ahead of time. So they understand exactly what they can expect, I'll furnish buyers with a road map of the whole deal. Here are my nine steps to purchasing a home. Should you have questions about any of this information or if you're prepared to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase a home
There are a lot of things you'll want to consider before you start looking for a home. You'll most likely want to form a check list of items you want to have, get a feel for what neighborhoods you want to live in, and start working on your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment around 30 percent of your net monthly income is a good guideline to follow.

Step 2 – Speak with a real estate agent in West Palm Beach
This is where J. Briann Realty Group, Inc. comes in. I'd be more than happy to book a time to get together with you and talk about why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll discuss the mortgage and housing industries, other economic factors that may potentially affect your purchase today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and schools in the West Palm Beach area.

I'll also assist you with getting started on your loan. J. Briann Realty Group, Inc. partners with some of West Palm Beach's best mortgage professionals, so you're in great hands. They'll help you determine which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Start your search
After we meet, I'll begin finding homes on the market that meet your needs. I'll research most of the houses and remove the duds, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the homes at a time that's convenient for you.

When we tour the homes, I'll call attention to positive features, as well as negative ones. And I'll ask you to tell us about things you like and dislike. It's pretty common for buyers to change their list of must-haves as we tour houses and some features become more essential 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 dreaming about.

Step 4 – Know the market
My knowledge of the West Palm Beach housing market is a fundamental component in your house search. I am familiar with all the school districts and neighborhoods, and I can alert you to what areas are "hot" and demand immediate action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for thoughtful examination.

As we view houses, I'll be sure to tell you when the seller's list price has room for negotiation and also when I trust the house is "priced to sell." Any real estate agent in West Palm Beach will convince you they know the market, but take notice, and be sure to ask a lot of questions. If it seems like they don't know everything, call me at 561-688-1316 or e-mail me at , and I'll be glad to answer your questions. My market knowledge will help you stay a step ahead throughout the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the house you've been looking for
I know we'll find the home of your dreams in the West Palm Beach area. When that happens, I'll precisely develop your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be made to suit your needs and the home. We'll include some contingencies, such as obtaining financing, completing the inspection, and a clean title.

Upon submitting your purchase offer, you'll want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to a seller to secure the offer to buy the property and is often put towards the cost of closing. If the seller accepts the offer, we should close on the property within 30 to 60 days after. This allows necessary time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Most contracts aren't closed on the initial offer, and it's really common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it alarm you. We'll consider whether or not to consent to the counter offer, propose our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and move on.

Market conditions determine how aggressively we negotiate the contract. We'll also work within your budget. And at the end of the day, we'll put together a deal that works well for you.

Step 7 – Secure your loan
Upon signing the contract, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan. It won't take very long at all if you've been pre-approved, but you should to keep in close contact with your lender. And I'll look after all the property information your mortgage lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing your closing costs from your lender within three days of accepting your application. The estimate depends on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements dictate that it has to involve all closing costs and be within a precise range of accuracy. I'll review the estimate and let you know if it all looks good.

Then we'll close on your home. This will likely occur at a title company or escrow office and will most likely be a smooth and relaxing occasion.

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