Home Buying Process

Click here for a  flow chart of the process.

Begin the application process by getting prequalified and preapproved from a Mortgage Lender. Do this first. Your REALTOR® will need your mortgage qualification, and it will significantly strengthen your offer when you find a home.  Get your financial picture in focus as soon as possible. Since it is an important component, be aware of your credit situation.

  • Determine your housing needs and wants to determine what types of houses you should be considering.
  • Familiarize yourself with the various types of housing available: Single family, Townhomes, Villas, Attached Villas, and Condos.
  • While your REALTOR® is showing you homes, make a scorecard for each house to help you keep track of the properties you've seen.
  • When you find an acceptable house, make a genuine offer. No matter what your friends say, if you insult the seller by making a ridiculously low offer, you will make them angry. An angry seller becomes stubborn, and that hurts your agent’s ability to negotiate an equitable deal.
  • Listen to your agent! He is trying to negotiate the best deal possible for you.

If you haven't already done so:

  • Ask your REALTOR® to arrange for a home inspection. Protect yourself and do not skip this step!
  • Ask your REALTOR® about home warranties and what they cover. For a little more than a dollar a day, a home warranty can save you thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs.
  • Compare and buy homeowners insurance (Contents only on Condos, and some Townhomes). Since homeowners insurance is a long term expense, getting the best deal here brings savings that continue.
  • Have your REALTOR® arrange for a closing agent or attorney.
  • Secure final loan approval and commitment from the lending institution. If you have done your "up-front" work, this should be one of your easiest steps.
  • Do a final walk through of the house with your REALTOR® prior to closing, and make a note of any discrepancies.

I hope this information helped. If you have any more questions please call me at (941) 400-1055.

Courtesy of Antaeus Balevre REALTOR® 941-400-1055 AntaeusB@verizon.net