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Get to know a Realtor you feel you can trust. As a Realtor, experienced in both new construction and resale homes, I can advise you on:
- the advantages and disadvantages of buying a new versus a resale home
- various neighborhoods and builder strengths and weaknesses
- how certain home upgrades may affect the future value of the home
- the most advantageous way to finance your home purchase
As an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) and acting as your Buyers Agent, I would be happy to guide you through the many home buying steps from
offer to closing without undue stress. I will save
you time, money and grief.
Learn about the Sarasota real estate market before you shop for a home. Before you can purchase a home you need to feel
comfortable about where you are buying and the price range you are dealing with. Get an early indication of the Sarasota real estate home prices by perusing
the the Sarasota MLS. but, then understand that the best way to learn about the Sarasota homes and condos market
is by enlisting the services of a licensed Sarasota Realtor, like me.
Knowing how much to offer. is one of the
most difficult parts of buying a home. As your Buyers Agent, I'll provide you with information on recently
sold homes of comparable size, location and amenities so you can compare those selling prices to your possible offer.
If a property has been on the market a while, or is involved in a short-sale or pre-foreclosure situation, the owner may accept a lower offer. But, if the
property is very desirable, and there are other offers in process, the seller may simply reject your offer. As your
Accredited Buyer Representative, I can advise you on the right amount to offer.
Sarasota is an "in demand" area. While prices are down substantially
from last year, they may be starting back upward soon. You may wish to read my recent blog article
on how Sarasota Florida Real Estate is getting back on its feet recently
Unless you know for sure, don't just assume that your credit is spotless. Ask your lender
to pull your credit report. It can easily contain errors or old unpaid balances that need to be
addressed before you formally apply for a real estate mortgage.
Officially cancel any inactive credit cards. If you have an credit card you're not using with a $5,000 limit,
even though you owe nothing on it, some mortgage lenders consider that a potential future debt. Too many inactive credit cards with
significant credit limits could keep you from obtaining a mortgage loan. Don't just cut up your extra cards; officially cancel them, and do it
now so there will be time for the news to reach all three credit bureaus.
Shop for a lender before you shop for a home. Get pre-qualified,
and preferably pre-approved. Pre-approval is a powerful leverage tool during price negotiation.
Between pre-qualification and closing, consult you lender before you make any major
purchases. Credit purchases affect your qualification for a mortgage, even after you've
been approved.
Be careful from whom you take advice. Don't count on
an ex-Realtor who hasn't been in the business for 20 years. Home builder's salesmen and Realtors representing the seller won't
necessarily tell you all you need to know. As your Buyer's Agent, on the other hand, I am required by law
to tell you everything I know that could affect the value of any home you are considering.
Buy a home you can really afford. There are tax advantages to
owning a home. But, there are also on-going expenses (decorating, lawn care, trash pickup, etc.) that
you may forget in the excitement. "Buy a bit less, rather than a bit more than you
think you can afford," is good advice.
On a new-construction home, decide what you want and stick with it. Some new home salespeople
will sell you upgrades which add little, if any, value to your home when you sell it.
For information on my services to home and condo buyers, please either E-Mail Me
or fill out my brief Sarasota Home Buyer Information Request Form.
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