Buying or selling a home in Punta Gorda?

Purchasing a home is an intimidating event for a lot of people, but with a bit of planning ahead of time, it's not all that confusing. So they know exactly what they can expect, I'll supply buyers with an outline of the entire deal. These the typical steps to buying a home. When you're ready to get started, you can contact me by phone or text at 239-851-6244 or e-mail me at sandi@floridasandi.com. I'm happy to answer any questions you have about this information.

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase

Before you start looking for a home, there are several things you need to consider. When you begin your search, you'll probably want to form a checklist of features you need to have, get a feeling for what neighborhoods and school districts you'd like to live in, and start working on your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment around a third of your net monthly income is a good principle to adhere to.

Step 2 – Connect with a real estate agent in Punta Gorda, 

This is where I come in. I'll arrange a time to get together so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans. I'll talk about everything from neighborhoods, communities in the Punta Gorda, area, the mortgage and housing industries, to any other economic factors that may affect your buying decision today or in the future.

I can also help you facilitate the loan process. There are some very good mortgage professionals in Punta Gorda, and I work with a lot of them, so you can rest assured that you're in great hands. They can assist you with figuring out which type of loan is best for you and help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Begin looking for a house
After our first meeting or conversation, I'll start looking for available houses on the market that suit your needs. And then we'll set up appointments to tour the homes whenever it's convenient for you.

When we view the homes, I'll call attention to good features, as well as bad ones. I'll even ask you what things you like and dislike. It's pretty common for Buyers to change their wish list as we tour homes and some things become far more essential than others. If that's the case, I'll go back through the listings another time and narrow it down to the house you've been dreaming about.

Step 4 – Know the Housing Market
My understanding of the Punta Gorda, housing market is an essential factor in your house search. I am mindful of all the neighborhoods and communities, and I will let you know what areas are "hot" and call for prompt action and some that are "cold" and allow for careful analysis.

As we tour homes, I'll make sure to communicate if the list price has room for bargaining or if I believe the home is "priced to sell." Any real estate agent will tell you they understand the housing market, but trust your instincts, and make sure you ask plenty of questions. If things don't add up, just call or text me at  239-851-6244 or e-mail me at sandi@floridasandi.com, and I'd be more than happy to answer your questions. My knowledge of the market will keep you a step ahead through the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the home you've been waiting for
We'll find your dream home in Punta Gorda,, and when we do, I'll precisely develop your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be made to fit your needs and the home. We'll include some contingencies, such as getting financing, performing a home inspection, and getting a clear title.

When we submit your offer, you'll need to provide "earnest money." This is a deposit submitted to the seller to secure an offer to purchase the property, and it's credited toward the cost of closing. If the offer is accepted by the seller, we should close about 30 to 60 days after. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing to be approved.

Step 6 – Negotiate
A lot of deals don't close on the initial offer – it's very common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it alarm you. We'll discuss whether or not to consent to the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and go on.

Market conditions will play a vital role in how aggressively we negotiate the deal. We'll also work within your financing constraints. And when it's all said and done, we'll create a contract that is best for you.

Step 7 – Secure Financing
After the contract is finalized, you'll begin working with your lender to close the loan. If you're already pre-qualified, this won't take much time at all. But you need 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 - Perform Inspections
I can help you find a Home Inspector so you can utilize the Inspection Period provided in the Contract to perform your Due Diligence. If repairs are needed based on the Inspection Report, we'll negotiate a resolution that you're happy with.

Step 9- Review Community Deed Restrictions (If Applicable)
I'll secure the required Documents and Financials for your Contract contingency of a 3 day review. If these are not what you expect or want, you can cancel your contract and be reimbursed your Earnest Deposit funds. 

Step 10– Close the Deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing closing costs from your lender within three days of taking your loan application. This estimate is based on the loan amount. RESPA requirements dictate that it has to contain all closing costs and fall within a tight range of accuracy, and I'll examine the estimate and let you know if it all looks all right.

You'll also need to secure your Insurance on the property and start your Accounts for Electric, Water and Sewer (unless water and sewer are provided by the Association). Ask me for the appropriate Utility contacts. 

Then it's time to close on your house. This will probably occur at a title company or escrow office and will most likely be a smooth and calm occasion.

Step 11 – Move In
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, just contact me at (239)-851-6244 or e-mail me at .