Buying a home for the first time can be both an exciting and a stressful experience depending on how you approach it. Florida is a place for primary real estate. Many buyers choose this state for settling permanently. First time home buyers can make certain common mistakes that can be easily prevented.
There is a lot of pressure on the buyers to make a good deal without losing money. Rather than making a deal in haste, one should take time and look at all the aspects. In this article we will be mentioning some of the most common advice that first home buyers need to follow to make a successful real estate deal in Florida.
Choose the Perfect Neighborhood
The place matters as much as the house itself because you will be interacting with people around you. The community should be welcoming and safe for both you and your family. The neighborhood gives a fair idea of what to expect from the community itself and whether you would feel comfortable.
Some of the crucial factors to look at while selecting a good neighborhood include proximity to schools, shopping centers, hospitals and other amenities. If possible, talk to people in the neighboring houses to get a fair idea of what the place offers. This choice is completely subjective because the area would be selected on the basis of the feeling of belonging someone feels.
Keep a Track of your Credit Score
Before you put down your first offer make sure that you are preapproved for a home loan. Even before starting the entire process of house hunting, approach the bank and try to get pre approved if possible. The bank will look at your credit score and give you a fair estimate of how much you are liable to take and at what interest rate.
If you do not go to the bank there is also the option of checking the credit score privately. The credit score determines the credibility of the individual and whether or not they will be eligible for a home loan. Work on increasing the credit score in the time leading up to making an offer for a new home.
Make a Budget
Making a budget is important because first time home buyers underestimate how much they will have to spend. They need to finance not only the down payment but also other expenses. Determining a budget sets a limit to how much one can actually afford and whether it will be possible for them to afford a house in a certain neighborhood. There is not only the issue of the down payment which you usually have to pay from the pocket.
The mortgage is usually handled by a home loan but the downpayment rests entirely on the buyer’s shoulders. You can take the downpayment as a loan from the bank but it is usually issued on a higher interest. Additionally the cost also includes the fees for the real estate agent, the homeowner’s association fees, the insurance, and monthly property taxes.
Hire a Reliable Agent
The entire process will be made more convenient if you are a higher reliable Florida Real Estate agent. Make sure to look only at the agents based in Florida so that they are aware of the state legalities. You need somebody who can negotiate deals on your behalf and has your best interests in mind.
Be open to having multiple options before shortlisting and finding somebody you trust. If you have some contacts in Florida ask them to recommend you some of the best real estate agents. You can also research on the internet for some trusted company and look up online reviews left by previous clients. Even if you found an agent through the offline way, run a background check on the Internet to see what the people are saying.
Negotiate Without Hesitation
The contract of a new house is between the buyer and the seller both of whom are trying to make the most of the deal. It is a monetary transaction so both parties would want to get better terms. However, vigilance will pay off and will help in negotiating. When you look at the house, it gives a fair idea of how it is constructed and where the disadvantages lie.
Looking at the drawbacks will help in estimating a price that one feels comfortable paying. There might be some factors on which negotiation is not preferable. But the asking price is open to negotiation and either the buyer or the agent can directly talk to the seller about it. In some cities the deal may fall through if any prospective buyer suggests a lower asking rate. But many sellers are willing to listen especially if the agent proposes a reasonable deal.
Do an Official Inspection
An inspection of all the corners of the house is important to see if it is structural, sound and is free from issues. An official inspector will look at the plumbing, electrical connections, pest infestations and structured integrity in a cursory manner.
If they raise any issues, take them up with the agent or contact the seller. But if they clear everything out, the next natural course is to walk through the rooms yourself in case you spy something that needs a repair, bring it to the attention of the agent so that they can convey the issue to the seller and have it fixed with professionals.
The Takeaway
We hope that these tips for first time home buyers and Florida helped you out. The easiest way to make a good deal is to be vigil in to the prose and cons of the house and negotiate accordingly. Be fair towards the asking price of the seller and inspect the house yourself. Keep attention on the credit score as well as other budgeting issues so that there is no financial hiccup later. But most importantly choose a place which feels like home.
