Buying or selling a home in Clearwater/Tampa Bay?

With some planning ahead of time, buying a home isn't that confusing, but the event is intimidating for many people. So they'll understand exactly what they can expect, I'll supply buyers with a road map of the whole deal. Here are my nine steps to purchasing a home. When you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm glad to answer any questions you have regarding this information.

Step 1 – Get ready to purchase a home

Before you commence your home search, there are a lot of things you need to consider. When you start your search, you'll probably want to create a check list of features you need to have, get a plan of what school districts and neighborhoods you want to live in, and begin planning around your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment around 30 percent of your net monthly income is a good rule of thumb to go by.

Step 2 – Talk to a real estate agent

This is where Charles Rutenberg Realty can help. I'd be happy to schedule a time to meet with you and communicate with you about your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll discuss neighborhoods, schools in the Clearwater area, the mortgage and housing industries, and any other economic factors that may potentially affect your purchase today or in the future.

In addition, I'll help you facilitate the loan process. Charles Rutenberg Realty partners with some of the finest mortgage professionals in Clearwater, so you can rest assured that you're in great hands. They'll assist you with figuring out which kind of loan is best for you and help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin looking
After our initial meeting, I'll begin searching for houses on the market that meet your needs. I'll get a sneak peek of most of the houses and reject the bad ones, and then we'll book appointments to tour the houses at a time that's convenient for you.

When we view the homes, I'll call attention to good features and negative ones. I'll also ask you to point out what things you like and don't like. Oftentimes, buyers update their wish list as we view houses and some features become far more essential than others. If that happens, I'll look through all the listings once more and narrow it down to the house you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Comprehend the housing market
An agent's understanding of the Clearwater market is an essential agent in your home search. And I can assure you I'm conscious of all the schools and neighborhoods, and I'll communicate which neighborhoods are "hot" and warrant prompt action and some that are "cool" and allow for thoughtful consideration.

As we tour houses, I'll let you know when the asking price has room for bargaining and also when I know the house is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be on guard and make sure you ask lots of questions, as any REALTOR in Clearwater will tell you they know the market. If it appears they don't know everything, call me at 7272049214 or e-mail me at , and I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have. My market expertise will keep you a step above the rest through the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the home you've been looking for
I'm sure we'll find the home of your dreams in the Clearwater area. When we do, I'll meticulously create your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be tailored exactly to your needs and the home, including some contingencies. A few examples are obtaining financing, completing the inspection, and a clean title.

Upon sending in your offer, you'll need to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to the seller to secure the offer to purchase the property, and it's often applied to the closing costs. If the seller accepts the offer, we should close within 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows ample time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
A lot of deals aren't closed on the beginning offer. It's very common to receive a counter offer. But don't let this intimidate you. We'll consider whether or not to accept the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and move on.

The state of the market will play a role in how aggressively we negotiate the contract. In addition, we'll work within your financing budget. And when it's all said and done, we'll formulate a deal that is best for you.

Step 7 – Secure your loan
Once the contract is finalized, you'll begin working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're pre-qualified, it shouldn't be a long process at all. However, you'll need to stay in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll sort out all the property information your mortgage lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your mortgage lender will supply you with a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining your closing costs within three days of accepting your application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of receiving your application. The estimate rests on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements order that it has to include all closing costs and be within a strict 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 most likely take place at a title company or escrow office and will most likely be a smooth and peaceful event.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, be sure to contact me at 7272049214 or e-mail me at .