Buying or selling a home in Naples?

With a little up-front planning, purchasing a home isn't very difficult, but the event is stressful for a lot of people. So they understand exactly what they can expect, I will supply buyers with an outline of the whole deal. These are my nine steps to purchasing a home. If you have any questions about any of this information or if you're prepared to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Get ready to purchase
Prior to beginning your home search, there are plenty of things you'll want to do. When you begin your search, you'll want to create a list of must-have features, get an idea of what school districts and neighborhoods you'd like to live in, and start planning around your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment around 30 percent of your net monthly income is a good rule to follow.

Step 2 – Connect with a real estate agent
That's where I can help. We'll book a time to meet so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll talk about the mortgage and housing industries, other economic factors that could affect your purchase today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and schools in the Naples area.

I can also help you begin the loan process. I work with some of the best mortgage professionals in Naples, so you can rest assured that you're in great hands. They can help you figure out which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Start looking for a home
After we meet, I'll begin finding available houses on the market that are a good fit for you. I'll preview many of the houses and remove the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the homes when it's most convenient for you.

When we tour houses, I'll call attention to positive features, as well as bad ones. I'll also ask you what things you like and don't like. It's widely common for buyers to change their list of must-haves as we tour houses and some features become more crucial than others. If that happens, I'll go back through all the listings one more time and narrow it down to the home you've been waiting for.

Step 4 – Know the housing market
Your agent's understanding of the Naples market is a leading component in your home search. And I can assure you I'm familiar with all the neighborhoods and school districts, and I'll let you know some neighborhoods are "hot" and require prompt action and some that are "cool" and allow for careful analysis.

When we tour homes, I'll make sure to communicate if the seller's list price has room for negotiation or if I believe the house is "priced to sell." Trust your instincts and make sure you ask your agent plenty of questions, as every real estate agent in Naples will convince you they truly know the home market. If it appears they don't know everything, contact me at 866-300-1550 or e-mail me at , and I'll be more than happy to answer your questions. My market expertise will keep you a step above the rest through the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the home you've been looking for
We'll find your dream house in the Naples area, and when we do, I'll thoroughly create your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored exactly to your needs and the home, including a lot of contingencies. A few examples are getting financing, carrying out the home inspection, and a clean title.

When we submit your purchase offer, you'll likely need to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to the seller to secure the offer to purchase the property and is often applied to the cost of closing. If your offer is accepted by the seller, we should close on the property about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows ample time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
A lot of deals aren't closed on the first offer. It's widely common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it discourage you. We'll talk over whether or not to agree to the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and move on.

Market circumstances will play a vital role in how aggressively we negotiate the deal. We'll also work within your financing limits. And at the end of the day, we'll formulate a deal that is best for you.

Step 7 – Obtain financing
After the contract is signed, you'll begin working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. It shouldn't take long at all if you've been pre-qualified, but you'll want to keep in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll care for all the property information your mortgage lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your mortgage lender will give you a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing your closing costs within three days of accepting your loan application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing closing costs from your lender within three days of receiving your loan application. This estimate is formed from the loan amount, and RESPA requirements require that it has to contain all closing costs and fall within a strict range of accuracy. I'll study the estimate and let you know if everything looks adequate.

Then we'll close on your house. This will likely take place at a title company or escrow office and will most likely be a smooth and easygoing occurrence.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, simply call me at 866-300-1550 or e-mail me at .