A Step By Step Look at Home Buying
 Step 1.Get Your Credit/Finances in Order. Your credit report is a primary factor in determining what interest rate you will receive and how much the banks are willing to loan you toward the purchase of the property, so make sure you check it and ensure there are no issues before starting the property search process. Know your financial history before you apply for a mortgage, as errors on credit reports are common and often require a lot of time to clear up.
Step 2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage. Call your bank or a mortgage broker and apply for a pre-approved mortgage to establish how much house you can afford. This is free and can usually be done with a phone call.
Step 3. Determine Your Wants and Needs. Grab a piece of paper and divide it into three columns.
Column 1- List Must-Have Features: If the house must have 3 bedrooms, a 2 car garage, pool etc. List every feature you feel is a must.
Column 2- List Features You Would Like: Whirlpool tubs, walk-in closets,screened patio etc. List all features that are important to you--but that you might be flexible about.
Column 3- List Features You Do NOT Want: Fixer upper, two story etc..
Making a list is a good exercise because it forces you to think about your wants and needs and will help me narrow your search.
Step 4.  Select a Qualified Real Estate Agent. Find an agent who will offer you prompt professional service · Find an agent who is knowledgeable and will help guide you through the real estate process. Find an agent who has a good website that provides you with ample educational resources, information about the area, offers full service and has a good MLS search and information on listings. Find an agent that you feel comfortable with in their personality, professionalism and ability to serve or assist you in your home buying/selling process – like me!·  Step 5.Start Searching for a Home.  I have the tools to help you through the process. Try the home search on my website. I can also help you by searching the multiple listing service (MLS) system to find listings that match your desired criteria. Contact me to set you up o AUTOMATIC email notification so you know the very day a home is listed with your criteria!
Step 6. Call or email me so I can set up showing appts. You're going to want to get a first hand look at the area and the home in person.
Step 7.Make an Offer. I will run comparables for you and find out the selling history of properties in the area  to make sure you are getting a good value. Writing the contract should only be done by a professional with many years of experience. You can trust I will protect your interest.
Step 8. Home Inspections . A certified home inspector will check your new home for any defects that may need to be corrected by the seller. I will also keep you on your timeline for getting appraissal and insurance before closing.
Step 9. Wrap up last minute details with your lender.
Step 10. The Closing! Also called settlement, the event that transfers ownership of the property to you. This will be coordinated by a title company or attorney. Get your keys and GO HOME!

Understanding Your Local Real Estate Market
It's important to study the local real estate market before you seriously look at houses so that you can make educated decisions through out the process.  Browse listings on the my website of the entire MLS market· Pick up real estate for sale books in your area. · Read real estate ads in the local newspapers. · Take adventure drives and look for For Sale signs. Note which neighborhoods you like the best. · Make changes to your Wants & Needs list if necessary. and then get ready... and CALL ME!

Things NOT to do
1. Don't Make a Major Purchase. If you are depending on a mortgage to move in, don’t make any major purchases until after the closing on the home (fight the urge)An increase in your debt to income ratio reduces the amount of monthly income available for your mortgage payment. Using cash to purchase the car could also create a problem, since banks consider cash reserves when approving your mortgage. If you must make a major purchase before closing, talk to your loan officer before you do it.
2. Don't Change Jobs Unless It's Necessary. Lenders like to see a consistent job history. They aren't usually as nervous if you change jobs within the same field, but it's better to stay put until the keys to the house are in your hand.
3.Don't Ignore Lender Requirements. Know what is expected of you and take care of it. For instance, a Certificate of Eligibility is required to move forward on a VA loan. That's something you must handle yourself. Answer lender questions and provide required paperwork as quickly as possible--your closing depends on it.  
4.Don't Let Your Emotions Take Over Be realistic. No home is perfect, especially older homes. If the seller refuses to do a small repair, don’t let it kill the deal on a home you truly love, realize It's not unusual for new owners to take care of some repairs themselves. Keep a cool head during the entire home buying process, especially during and after an inspection. On the other hand, don't fall so much in love with the house that you'll buy it no matter what needs to be done--unless you're absolutely sure you can handle it emotionally and financially. Decide what type of repairs you can realistically tackle, then stick with the decision.
5. Don't Forget to Switch Utilities.That sounds simple, but you'd be surprised how many people forget to apply for utility service at their new home. Call the utility companies as soon as you have a contract. Find out how many days lead time they need to switch the service, then get back with them when you have a firm closing date. Don't forget to discontinue services at your old home.
6. Don't wait to get insurance in place. Acquire insurance as early as possible. This is Florida so you'll want to do some shopping around.  Insurance companies stop writing policies when a hurricane is approaching so be aware. Lenders will ask to see an insurance binder showing you have coverage at the closing. Talk to your lender about insurance requirements well before the closing date.
7. Don't Become Best Friends with the Seller. While it's great to be friendly, don't get into too many long discussions with the sellers. Remember, this is their home. A casual statement about "ripping up that ugly carpet" might be enough to keep the seller from negotiating with you about repairs or other issues that crop up
8. Don't Panic You're not alone. My years of experience will keep the transaction running smoothly and I'll be there for you the whole way