If you’re wondering how to buy a house in Florida, you’re not alone. We get calls everyday from people who think they would like to buy a home, but are not really sure what they need in order to qualify for a loan. We have some tips on buying Orlando real estate, and what you need to get started. Here’s some information on the basics. Requirements to Buy a House in Florida: Credit Ideally, you will need to have a FICO score that is 620 or higher. However, there are some lenders who can still offer a … (1 comments)
Literally every day I'm responding to phone calls and emails from people who think they would like to buy a home, but are not really sure what they need and what they should do to get started.
So I thought it might be fun to share a typical email correspondence between me and one of my newest customers about to buy their very first home here in Central Florida.
This is their very first email to me along with my response back to them. After several more back and forth questions, a quick call into their new lender, we're about to go out and find … (1 comments)
homesincentralflcom: Understanding Closing Costs
- 12/02/16 03:33 PM
I'm often asked about Closing Costs. What are they? How much will they be? Do 'I' have to pay these? Every home loan has associated closing costs, which are fees that are associated with home financing but are not part of your actual mortgage. Closing costs cover items such as title search, attorney's fees, origination fees, discount points, prepayment of taxes and insurance (escrow) and real estate transfer taxes. The names of the fees can vary from state to state and a few don't apply everywhere, but in general the same costs are charged across the country. … (0 comments)
"Always plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark." - Richard C. Cushing. As you're actively searching for that perfect home, it's important to be ready once you find it. Lets have our plan, our Offer Checklist in place before we inevitably need it. When it comes time to write an offer, this is what I will need to know: Copy of your Pre-Approval Letter or (if cash) Proof of funds. Spelling of all buyers formal or legal names. What type of financing (if any) will you be using? eg: Cash, Conventional, … (1 comments)
Plenty of sellers have visited online home valuation sites such as Zillow, Trulia, eAppraisal, and others only to be shocked at the value of their homes. Most sellers are pleased when the values appear higher than they expected, but many online valuations come in far lower. Online Valuations Estimating a home’s market value is far from an exact science. What these sites attempt to do is provide greater transparency to homebuyers and sellers by making data derived from public records, more…public. They publish what you paid for your home and how much you pay in taxes. Many have satellite … (3 comments)
homesincentralflcom: November - Veterans day
- 11/11/16 12:03 AM
November - Veterans' Day "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty." - John F. Kennedy As we approach Veterans' Day, let us acknowledge that, though we do not favor wars or conflict, we truly cherish peace. And the gift of peace which has been delivered through the efforts and the very lives of so many veterans. As we go about our day, and deal with our usual minor frustrations and complexities, we will remember that … (2 comments)
One important section contained on a Florida real estate purchase agreement, and one of my personal pet peeve's, is the section usually found on page one referencing the Escrow Agent. Often we see purchase agreements being submitted where the Escrow Agent section has been left blank or a TBD has been inserted. This could be a violation of the following Rule. Rule 61J2-14.008(2)(b) of the Florida Administrative Code. "When a deposit is placed or to be placed with a title company or an attorney, the licensee who prepared or presented the sales contract ("Licensee"), shall indicate on that contract … (0 comments)
According to the National Association of REALTORS® latest profile of homebuyers and sellers, buyers plan to occupy their homes for the next 10 years. They want homes that offer the room, flexibility and comfort they anticipate they will need for a long time. Over three out of four buyers chose a detached home, while attached homes - condos and townhomes - were favored by single homebuyers and buyers without children. Buyers Today The median-sized existing home purchased in 2010 was built in 1990, with 1,780 square feet, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Size mattered most, while the home's condition … (1 comments)
Sellers today have to do more to attract buyers and offers than ever before. When offers come in, sometimes they are low or have conditions that have to be negotiated. As a seller, you can be proactive before the offers come in to make sure negotiations are kept to a minimum and in your favor. Negotiate by planning ahead Before you begin negotiations with any buyer, make sure you have the upper hand by removing any sticking points in advance. Price your home to sell at or below current market comparables and you’ll more likely receive serious offers close … (2 comments)
To sell your home, you want your real estate professional to have many qualities, including experience, market knowledge, and great communications skills. Find the Professional Who is Right for You Ask for Referrals: Your family and friends may know a good agent. Be sure to ask what they liked and disliked about how the agent conducts business, not what they are like on a personal level. Also, consult with neighbors who have recently bought or sold their homes, how their agents performed for them. Seek an Agent With the Right Experience: Neighborhood specialists have house-by-house market knowledge that is … (2 comments)
First Impressions Most buyers form their first impression of your home before they even get out of their cars. This is “curb appeal,” or the view from the curb that tells the buyer how attractive and well-maintained your home is compared to other homes. In a competitive market, it takes more than trimming the hedges and planting a few flowers to create curb appeal. The exterior of your home must be in pristine condition – freshly painted, cleared of clutter, with no visible repairs needed. A broken step, overgrown bush, or abandoned toys in the yard can spoil the … (1 comments)
homesincentralflcom: Moving Checklist
- 08/29/16 04:56 AM
Ask your REALTOR® for recommended companies. Moving to a new home can be an exciting journey. Whether you’re changing cities or neighborhoods, a move is not only a change in scenery, it’s the start of a new chapter in life. Yet, moving can also be very stressful, often seeming like one thing after another has to be done. By finding the right moving service and having a good, though flexible, moving plan, most of the common moving headaches can be easily avoided. Start planning your move Finding the best mover for your particular needs and at the right price involves a simple … (2 comments)
Whether you are buying or selling a home, your real estate professional can give you a snapshot of the local market known as the competitive or comparative market analysis or CMA. CMAs are generated from multiple listing service data. They’re convenient reports that help sellers choose a listing price and buyers to make offers on a given home. CMAs vary greatly depending on the search parameters that are input by the real estate professional, by type of home (detached vs. attached), postal code or by street, number of bedrooms, baths and living areas, square footage, and numerous other search … (0 comments)
Your real estate professional is there to help you through the most challenging aspects of selling your home. This includes marketing, negotiating and closing the sale. While it may be hard for you to relinquish control of such an important job to your agent, there is plenty for you to do to make your transaction successful. Your job is to make your home appealing to the marketplace with the right price and by keeping it in show-ready condition. Jobs Your Legends Realty Agent Will Happily Do The CMA - While you choose the price of your home, your agent … (0 comments)
Once your home goes on the market, real estate agents may call to show your home anytime, day or evening. Keeping your home "Showtime" ready can be challenging, especially if you have children and pets. Showings & Open House checklist • Eliminate clutter: Not only is clutter unattractive, it’s time-consuming to sort through and expensive for you to move. If you have a lot of stuff, collections, and family mementoes, you would be better off renting a small storage unit for a few months. • Keep, donate, throw away: Go through your belongings and put them into one of … (1 comments)
homesincentralflcom: Why Buyer's need their own Real Estate Agent
- 07/24/16 10:18 PM
Find an Experienced Real Estate Agent Buying a home in Central Florida is a complex process. An experienced real estate broker or agent will assist you all through the search, comparable homes sold, making an offer, inspection, repair, and appraisal processes, as well as help you find the best value, neighborhood, and quality for your budget and requirements. The seller’s real estate broker pays your broker or agent out of the sales proceeds. If you don’t use your own agent, the seller’s broker keeps the commission, so you might as well avail yourself of professional advice. Your real estate broker or … (0 comments)
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