Are you purchasing your home in Naples?

Buying a home intimidates many people. However, with some up-front planning, it's not too difficult. I like to give buyers an outline of the whole deal so they understand exactly what to expect. Below are my nine steps to purchasing a home. When you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm happy to answer any questions you have regarding this information.

Step 1 – Get ready to buy
There are plenty of things you'll want to take into account before commencing your home search. When you start your search, you'll want to put together an outline of must-have features, get a feeling for what school districts and neighborhoods you want to live in, and start working on your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment less than or around a third of your monthly income is a good guideline to adhere to.

Step 2 – Communicate with a real estate agent in Naples
This is where Metro Properties can help. I'd be happy to plan a time to get together with you and speak with you about why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll talk about neighborhoods, school districts in the Naples area, the mortgage and housing industries, and any additional economic factors that may affect your purchase today or in the future.

I'll also assist you with getting started on your loan. I partner with some of the best mortgage professionals in Naples, so you'll be in great hands. They'll assist you in deciding which type of loan is best for you and help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin house-hunting
After we meet, I'll start searching for homes on the market that are a great fit for you. I'll preview many of the houses and exclude the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the homes at a time that's convenient for you.

When we view houses, I'll identify positive features, as well as negative ones. And I'll ask you to talk about things you like and dislike. As a rule, buyers revise their list of must-haves as we tour houses and some items become far more substantial than others. If that happens, I'll look through the listings once again and narrow it down to the house you've been waiting for.

Step 4 – Understand the housing market
Your agent's knowledge of the Naples home market is an imperative component in your home search. And I assure you I'm mindful of all the schools and neighborhoods, and I'll communicate some areas are "hot" and warrant prompt action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for careful analysis.

As we view homes, I'll be sure to tell you when the seller's asking price has room for negotiation and also when I trust the home is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be mindful and be sure to ask plenty of questions. Every REALTOR will tell you they know the home market. If things don't add up, contact me at 866-300-1550 or e-mail me at , and I'll be happy to answer your questions. My understanding of the market will help you stay a step above the rest throughout the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the home you've been looking for
We'll find your dream house in Naples, and when we do, I'll precisely develop your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored with your needs in mind and the home, including many contingencies. A few examples are getting financing, finishing the inspection, and a clean title.

Upon submitting your purchase offer, you'll need to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to the home seller to secure the offer to buy the property. The amount is usually applied to the closing costs. If the seller accepts the offer, we should close on the home about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
A lot of deals aren't closed on the first offer, and it's pretty common to receive a counter offer. Don't let this discourage you. We'll talk about whether or not to accept the counter offer, propose our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and move on.

How aggressively we negotiate the contract depends on the state of the market. We'll also work within your budget. And at the end of the day, we'll put together a deal that works well for you.

Step 7 – Secure your loan
Once we sign the final deal, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan. If you're already pre-approved, this won't take long at all, but you should to keep in close contact with your lender. And I'll care for all the property information your lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing your closing costs from your lender within three days of receiving your application. This estimate is formed from the loan amount, and RESPA requirements require that it has to involve all closing costs and fall within a close range of accuracy. I'll go over the estimate and let you know if it all looks okay.

Then it's time to close on your house. This will probably take place at a title company or escrow office and is often a smooth and calm affair.

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 .