The 9 Steps to Home Ownership

Step - 1 Make the Decision to Buy

Congratulations - you made the decision to buy a home or condomunium. Can you afford a house that will meet your list of requirements? A good rule of thumb is your mortgage payment should not exceed 1/3 of your net monthly income.

Step 2 - Seek Professional Guidance

I'd like to schedule a time to meet with you to hear your plans. We'll talk about neighborhoods, schools, economic factors liable to affect the market today and tomorrow.

At this time, I will also help you get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan. Pre-qualification is a written statement from a loan officer indicating his or her opinion that you will be approved for a mortgage loan up to a certain amount. The fact that you are pre-qualified will help us when we are negotiating the offer, and most sellers require this statement before making a decision.

Step 3 - Begin the Hunt

After our initial meeting, I'll search all my resources for houses on the market that fit your criteria be it for a first home, a home on the ocean, or a luxury home on the golf course. I can email you the listings for you to review, before we schedule the appointments.

Since I will represent you, I am able to point out positive and negative features of the homes. I'll ask you to tell me what you like and what you don't like. You'll probably amend your "wish list" as we tour houses. With this new information, I'll refine our search criteria to narrow in on the house of your dreams.

Step 4 - Know the Market

My knowledge of the local market in Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Boca Raton and Palm Beach County is an essential factor in the house search. I'll let you know when the market in a particular neighborhood is "hot" and requires immediate action or when the market is "cool" and allows for thoughtful consideration.

Step 5 - Find Your Dream House

I'm confident we'll find your dream house. When we do, we will tailore the purchase offer for your needs.

The offer is normally presented with "earnest money". This is a cash deposit made to a home seller to secure an offer to buy the property. The amount is applied to closing costs. If the seller accepts the offer, generally closing is held 30 to 60 days from the offer date.

Step 6 - Negotiate the Deal

It is not uncommon to receive a counter offer when the initial purchase offer is submitted. Don't let this discourage you. We will discuss the counter offer and decide whether or not to accept the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or reject the counter offer and move on.

Step 7 - Get a Loan

During the closing period, you will be working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. Since you pre-qualified for the loan before starting your home search, you will be that much closer to the end. I'll gather the necessary property information your lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 - Closing

I will be with you at the settlement and can explain all items on the closing statement (HUD 1) At this time you have to have any additional funds other than your mortgage in form of a certified check or cashier's check. This is the time to receive your keys!

Step 9 - Move In

Congratulations! It's time to move into your new house and make it your home. Enjoy this exciting time. I'll ask you at this time to evaluate my services and if you were happy, to refer your friends and family to me, when they are thinking to buy or sell.