Tips For Buying A Home | Guide for First Time Homebuyer
How Exciting! You are considering purchasing a new home, or are thinking about buying real estate in Fort Lauderdale. You'll be joining the ranks of hundreds of families who understand that with home ownership comes a number of benefits including equity build-up, saving for retirement, and creating a family environment.
Whether you are a first time home buyer or purchasing a second or vacation home, when you own your own home, your hard-earned dollars contribute to your mortgage. The equity you earn is yours to keep. Over time, your home will increase in value regardless of current market conditions.
The following information, home buying tips and real estate terms are intended to be a resource to guide you throug the real estate home buying process and make what is for most people the LARGEST INVESTMENT in their lifetime. If you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule an appointment to meet with me regarding steps to buying a home, please call or email me.
Home buying
On average, Residential Real Estate has typically appreciated approximately 5% per year nationwide. Of-course this figure fluctuates by area. Some neighborhoods in Broward, Dade and Palm Beach counties have seen appreciation well above the 5% and in some instances it has been even higher that 25%. With the uncertainty of the stock market and "safe" investments presently returning very little profit, Real Estate historically continues to generally prove to be a sound investment with rewards from Uncle Sam too.
When you file your yearly income tax return, you are permitted to deduct the interest amount on your loan as well as the property taxes! As a renter, you cannot deduct any home expenses.
Buying a New Home
Budgeting Housing Expenses. If you have been renting for some time, you are probably aware that your rental payment generally increases at each renewal. Loan payments are generally a fixed amount each month for the duration of the loan unless you get a variable or adjustable rate mortgage. Even then, your payment is fixed for a certain time period.
Money In The Bank. With each loan payment you make, a portion of that amount is being applied to "principle," which means you are building equity in your home. Although, in the beginning, you are paying mostly interest, combined with appreciation over time, your equity can grow rapidly.
First Time Home buyer
Do's and Don'ts
DO check your credit long before you plan to purchase a home to see what your Credit Score is. The higher your Credit Score, the better interest rate you will get. Also, it is a good idea to check your credit report incase there are surprises on your report that you may not be aware of. You can check your credit score at MyFico.com.
DO Make all payments on time. Just 30 days late will adversely affect your credit score.
DO Get pre-approved for a loan if you will finance the purchase before even looking for a house. Knowing how much you can afford ahead of time will save you and your Realtor valuable time. Being pre-approved also makes your offer more favorable to the seller since you are already approved for a loan.
DO Maintain your deposit and closing costs in a financial institution for at least 2-3 months before applying for a loan. Your lender will require all financial statements for at least 3 months at time of application and will also ask for the latest statements just before closing.
Don't make major purchases such as a CAR, furniture, appliances, vacations or any financial obligations. These purchases will show up on your credit report and may lower your credit score.
DON'T apply for credit cards, loans or any other type of credit.
DON'T Quit your job! Changing jobs may not pose a problem in most cases as long as you remain in the same profession. There are, however, certain restrictions. Get all the facts pertaining to you before making a decision to change jobs.
There are other DO'S and DON'TS, however, these are among the most serious to take into account.
SELLER'S MARKET VERSUS BUYER'S MARKET
Every region experiences a revolving cycle known as a Seller's Market or a Buyer's Market depending on many factors such as the national and local economy, interest rates, supply and demand, etc. When there is an abundance of homes on the market and a shortage of buyers, this is typically a Buyers Market because buyer's for the most part are in control. Contrary, when there is a shortage of homes and many buyers, this is a Seller's Market.
Interest rates also play a role in this cycle. When rates are low, more people qualify for a loan or qualify for a higher amount. When rates are high, less people qualify.
Right now, we are experiencing some of the lowest interest rates in many years. If you have been considering purchasing a home, take advantage of the low interest rates. All indications are that rates will soon be on the rise as the economy starts to improve.
Fort Lauderdale Realtor
Choosing A Real Estate Agent - There are many good Realtors, but there are few great ones. You should first be comfortable with the Realtor you select. Since you will be spending a lot of time with a Realtor, there should be a connection. When selecting a Realtor, interview them as if you are an employer and they are applying for a job. If you think about it, you are hiring a Realtor to help you find a home. Ask to see their Resume. Question them on how long they have been in the business and what is their track record. Most Realtors will tell you how great they are, but the true "great ones" will tell you what they are going to DO FOR YOU. Are you familiar with the National Association (NAR) Realtor Code of Ethics?
Home Buying Tips
MAKING AN OFFER
Once you have identified a home that meets your requirements, how do you go about making an offer? First, you will need the answers to 10 Negotiation Questions and then create a Comparable Analysis of similar homes in the neighborhood that are for sale, pending a sale and have closed. The internet is a good source for some of this information; however, most reporting sites are not as up-to-date as the Realtor's Multiple Listing Service or Fort Lauderdale MLS. The Multiple Listing Service (private to Realtors) is maintained by Realtors and tracks vital home information for several years.
Another factor to consider before making an offer is the property condition. Is the condition the same as, better than, or less than similar homes in the neighborhood? What is the condition inside the home, outside the home, roof, etc? How much will you need to invest in the home to bring it up to standards for the neighborhood? Keep in mind, improvements for your enjoyment should not be considered in this amount.
Market Condition will also play a role. In a hot seller's market, properties tend to sell quickly. It is possible that there could be 'multiple offers' on the same property by several interested buyers. Sellers will be less likely to compromise and will be looking for the strongest purchaser with less or no contingencies. It is possible that the home could sell above the Listed Price.
In a slower period, or 'buyer's market", homes may stay on the market longer, whereby the seller is more likely to compromise.
Finally, and most importantly, is how you feel about this home and your motivation. If you have found your "dream home" than you will be less likely to negotiate. Personal feelings are important because you will have to live with your decision once you have purchased this home.
THE DEPOSIT
Generally speaking, sellers like to see a deposit between 5 and 10% of the purchase price; however, the deposit amount is negotiable. When you make your offer, you will include nominal "earnest money" with the offer, and upon acceptance of your offer, you will make an additional deposit to equal the agreed upon deposit amount within a specified time period. It is important to understand the deposit is not "held." The deposit is deposited in the Real Estate or Title Company's escrow account and will be delivered to the closing agent at closing. It is also a good idea to try to limit the deposit amount incase of any contract disputes, whereby, this amount will be held until a resolution is determined. This doesn't happen often, but it is something to consider.
DOWNPAYMENT
The down payment is the cash amount you are putting down on the property. If you will be getting a loan, the down payment is the cash difference between your loan amount and the purchase amount. Seller's like to see a large down payment because the buyer is more likely to get approved for the loan.
CONTINGENCIES
The Offer to Purchase will include several contingencies. The first contingency will be for "Financing" if you are not paying cash for the property and will be applying for a loan. If you are not approved for the loan, generally, the contract will be considered null and void and you will get your deposits back.
INSPECTIONS
A Comprehensive Inspection is another contingency. The inspection company that you choose and pay for will inspect the overall condition of the house, such as the structure, electrical, plumbing, roof, (seawall) etc. The inspector will also inspect for Termite and pest infestation including dry wood rot and water damage. You can also have a separate inspection for Mold. Depending on your contract, the seller can be responsible to make certain limited repairs up to an agreed upon amount, the seller can make all repairs, the buyer can accept the property in its "as-is" condition, or the buyer or seller can cancel the contract. Whatever the case, the Inspection at least gives you peace of mind, knowing beforehand, the condition of the property.
SELLER'S DISCLOSURE
The Seller's Disclosure is a document signed by the seller disclosing all material facts about the property that the seller is aware of. This includes any problems with any items in the house, any items in need of repair, age of appliances, structural problems, legal actions or additions not done with permits, etc. This document also discloses the age of the roof, if known, any leaks and what if any repairs have been made. This disclosure will be important in determining your Offer amount.
There is a list of other contingencies that you may need to include in the contract depending upon your circumstances. Your Realtor can assist you in this area.
CLOSING AGENT
The closing agent you select can be an attorney or a Title company or a combination of both. The closing agent handles the transaction from Contract to Closing making sure that there is "clear title" to the property and securing Title Insurance for you the buyer and for the lender. In Dade and Broward counties, the buyer chooses the Closing Agent and in Palm Beach County, the seller chooses the closing agent. The closing agent also in contact with the Mortgage Broker to follow up with the loan process and coordinates final figures for the closing day. Generally 1-2 days before closing, the closing agent will notify you the final amount in a cashier's check you will need to bring with you to closing to cover the down payment and closing costs. Your initial deposit will be delivered by the Realtor.
CLOSING DAY
Before closing, you will do a "Walk-Through" inspection to verify that all repairs have been made if applicable and to verify that the property is still in good condition before you purchase it. The closing day is not a day to re-negotiate, it is just simply to verify all previous agreed upon items have been completed. At closing, the transfer a title takes place. The seller receives a check and the buyer receives keys to the property.
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