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 BUYING A HOME
Buying a home is exciting. You get to live in a new home with new neighbors; the possibilities are limited only by your imagination. For your convenience I’ve outlined everything you’ll need to know about purchasing a home in the Patrick AFB area. You’ll get information on financing options, searching tools, making an offer and closing on your new home. After all, my goal is to be your ultimate resource for buying a home in the Patrick AFB area.
What Do I Need?
Since your home is probably the most expensive purchase you’ll ever make, you want to be sure you’re making the right decision, right? I’m here to help you make that decision by providing all the information you need about the home buying process. Take a look at my “Home Buying Guide” for answers to your questions. If you can’t find the answer to something you need to know, give me a call and I’ll get the answer for you promptly.
*** NEW ***
There are two new reports that Contain Critical Information:
Click on the the report to request a copy.
 
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How a Professional Can Help You Find the Most Home for Your Money
As a professional REALTOR®, I have access to homes that you might not otherwise see. For example, I can show you homes that are owned by other servicemembers as well as those For Sale By Owner (FSBO) and all other available homes in the area.
REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS®, a trade organization of nearly one million members all across the nation. We must abide by a stringent code of ethics that guarantees their clients receive the highest-level of service and integrity. We are experts in the buying and selling process and know the laws and regulations of the states in which we are licensed.
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How Do I Finance My Home?
For active duty servicemembers, financing a home in Florida has become much easier and less expensive with the creation of the Florida Heroes Program. This program is offered through Florida Housing.
As an active duty or honorably discharged servicemember, depending on your credit score and household income, you can have a lot of the inherent fees waived as well as the possibility of obtaining up to $10,000 for your down payment and closing costs. Plus, you get a very low fixed-rate 30- or 40-year loan.
For more information on mortgage loan options read, “Which Mortgage is Right For You?” Also, take a look at the article “How Much Can I Afford” to help you get a good idea of how much you can afford to pay for a home and what lenders will be looking for when considering giving you a loan. You can then use our Mortgage Calculator to help you calculate your monthly payments on a particular sized mortgage.
For more information on your Veteran’s Administration (VA) Home Loan benefit, please visit their site: VA home loan Information.
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Pre-Qualification versus Pre-Approval
Since approval for a loan is part of the loan process, getting pre-approved puts you ahead during the closing of your home. Even better, you’ll know exactly how much a lender is willing to loan you. For more information about the lending process, read “Seven Steps to Getting Your Finances in Order.”
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How Do I Start Looking for a New Home?
To save you time and energy from looking at homes that don’t fit your needs, I have an excellent resource for you. My “Your Needs Versus Wants Assessment” will help you put your needs in perspective. After all, there are certain things that we must have to be comfortable in a home and some things we’d just like to have if we can afford them. This article, along with the accompanying “Your Property Wish List” will help you recognize and prioritize those needs and wants.
When you start visiting homes, after a while they all start looking about the same. That’s why I’ve created a handy score sheet to help you rank the homes you see. After we’re done looking at the homes, you can cross off your list anything that doesn’t rank a five. Download your score sheet here.
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Making an Offer
After you’ve found the home you’d like to purchase, we will then make an offer on it and I will present it to the seller. For complete information on the offer process, please read “Making an Offer.”
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What Happens After the Offer is Accepted?
Once the seller accepts your offer, it is time to start the closing process. You will be expected to finalize your loan and arrange for homeowners insurance. I will take care of the rest. I will schedule an inspector to come out and inspect the home and finalize all the details to prepare for the closing of your home. Read “The Closing: A Guide for Buyers” for more information.
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After the Closing: Owning My Home
At the final settlement, within a day or two you will receive a copy of the Housing and Urban Development certificate. You also have 10 days to have your home inspected. I have recommendations for qualified professional inspectors for your convenience. A survey will need to be done and I will order that for you. All you have left to do is finish the loan process.
After you close on your home, there are some factors you should consider such as filing for a Florida Homestead to save you money on taxes and what type of maintenance should be done regularly and periodically. Call me for information on Florida’s unique tax situation. For a comprehensive maintenance checklist, visit Bob Vila’s website. |