Finding Your Dream Home
Finding and buying the ideal property can be a dream come true. There is something special about walking up to the front door on moving day and entering your beautiful new home.
As your real estate team, we look out for your best interests. We’re by your side every step of the way. When you find a home you want, we’ll prepare and present the offer, and negotiate skillfully on your behalf, make the process as simple and easy as we can, and help you buy a home that matches your requirements.
We strive to make the home buying process as stress-free as possible, while securing you the right home at the right price in this competitive market.
Renee Dawkins, Monticello’s Real Estate Resource, provides an update for Jefferson County Florida buyer’s for September 2022.
Do this before you buy
Know your budget.
It is important to know how much home you can comfortably afford before beginning your house hunt. The pre-approval and pre-qualifying process can be confusing. See below for more information and guidance in establishing your home budget.
Must have list.
Before beginning your search, know exactly what you want. Make a “must have” list. I recommend organizing that list by what are your absolute needs, desires, and luxuries.
Determine a desired location.
School zones, more acreage, or close to town. Where do you want to be? You can get even more specific if you know what neighborhoods interest you.
Getting Pre-Approved
An important ingredient in a successful home search is knowing how much you can afford. You don’t want to fall in love with a property only to find out it’s outside your price range.
That’s why we recommend getting a Mortgage Pre-Approval. This is a document from your bank or other lender stating how much of a mortgage they are willing to give you. There are two advantages to getting this pre-approval:
It gives you the peace-of-mind of knowing you can afford homes you view on the market, and won’t have problems arranging financing.
It’s a sign to sellers that you are a serious, prepared buyer – which can give you the edge when making an offer.
How Much Home Can You Afford?
Lenders use specific criteria to determine how much of a mortgage they’re willing to offer you. They look at your income, expenses, credit history and employment status, as well as the down payment you plan to make on a home. By knowing what you can afford, you can confidently shop within that price range.
Let’s work together to find your dream home!
Selecting your agent
Finding the perfect agent for you is very important. Here are a few tips for selecting your agent:
Meet with more than one agent.
Make sure they listen to your needs and wants.
Make sure they are an expert in their local market
Look for a professional who can clearly communicate the process and takes the time to answer questions.
Discuss your motivation and strategy.
Find someone who displays organization and promptness. This is important when working with strict deadlines.
Will recommend reputable lenders, home inspectors, and other professionals you may need
Check reviews and referrals.
Interested in talking more about your buying needs? Let’s chat! When are you available?