Narrow your focus
It is easy to be overwhelmed when shopping for a home.  If you do not narrow your focus, you could easily find yourself contemplating far too many homes, wasting time and energy instead of finding your dream home.  Just like going to the grocery store, the best thing to do is make a list!

What is your price range?

What size house do you want?
Square footage
Number of bedrooms and baths
Carport, garage, or workshop
Den or family room

Do you have a preferred location?
School district or area
Corner lot, water view, or other premium location

Are there features you just cannot live without?
Style of kitchen
Formal dining area
Pool or big yard

Financing
Get preapproved before you start shopping for a home.  Your lender may need additional information before approving a mortgage – including proof of income, investment information, or other documentation – and knowing this before you make an offer on a home can speed the closing process.  When presented an offer, a home seller may request proof of preapproval before entering into a sales contract.  Having the preapproval in hand makes your offer all the more enticing.
 
Plan to pay cash for your new address?  This makes you a fully qualified buyer when placing an offer.  Go home shopping with your checkbook ready for the initial deposit.  A ready and willing cash buyer is always a plus – regardless of the current home market.

Consult a Realtor
Whether you are new to an area or a long-time resident, your Realtor can offer professional advice and assist you in the purchase.  They have access to recent sales information, the market trends, and often detailed information on a specific property.  They are here to help make finding the perfect new address easier!

Making offers
Whether the market is considered a “buyer’s market” or a “seller’s market,” well maintained homes priced at market value always sell the fastest.  Be ready to make an offer if you see a home you love.

• Decide your offering price
• Determine when you want to close on the home
• Know how much you want to put down with the initial offer and have a check available
• Be ready to pay for inspections
• Provide copies of your mortgage preapproval

Signing the contract
When you have an accepted offer and a fully executed contract – meaning both you AND the seller signed the sales contract – the closing process begins.  Inspections will be ordered and completed, any repairs handled per the contract terms, and a closing date established.  Your Realtor keeps in touch with you throughout this process and lets you know when any additional deposits are required, when to establish your utility services, and the time and date of your closing.  You are on your way to having a brand new Florida address!