When is the right time for someone to step off of Zillow and start working with a real estate agent? We all know that Zillow and similar property listing platforms are great starting points, but eventually, you have to take your search more seriously. How can you determine if it’s the right moment to make […]
Category: buyer advice
How to Spot a Good Realtor
How can you spot a good and reliable realtor on the opposite side of a transaction? Look for someone who takes initiative, handles tasks promptly, or seeks collaboration. Effective communication is key—they keep you informed and stay organized. Moreover, when a mistake occurs, trustworthy agents acknowledge them and work towards solutions rather than evading responsibility. […]
Final Steps in the Closing Process of Buying a Florida Home
Let’s talk about the closing process, the actual logistics of closing a home in the state of Florida, and all of the steps to go through. From wiring funds to doing re-inspections and final walkthroughs, and the contingencies that we have in place to enforce so the closing goes smoothly. This is a really exciting […]
Home Financing: Local Lender Benefits
A lot of people question this all the time – are local lender benefits better than national lenders when it comes to home financing? So what do you need to know and how do you decide? To gain a better understanding, it’s important to take a look at what makes local lenders better compared to national […]
Can I Negotiate the Closing Costs?
If you’re thinking about purchasing your first home, you might be surprised when you discover that the costs of owning a property include more than simply the house itself. You’ll also need to make a down payment and pay to have the home inspected and appraised. After you’ve paid your upfront costs and are ready to close on […]
How To Buy The Right Home In Southwest Florida
So you want to buy the right home in Southwest Florida. The first thing to start to talk about with your real estate agent is why you’re looking for a new home. Most of my clients are either relocating here for a job, or they are purchasing a home for their retirement or vacation home […]
How Long Can an Appraisal Last For?
A home appraisal determines the fair market value of a house and confirms that the price agreed upon by the buyer and lender is reasonable. However, the appraisal performed when you acquire a property doesn’t last forever, so how long can an appraisal last for? We’ll look at how different loan kinds influence appraisals and what you should […]
Should I Remodel or Move to a New Home?
Should I remodel or move to a new home? It can be stressful when life hits a crossroads. It’s even more stressful when making the wrong move that could cost you big, big money. You have a house, and you adore it. You chose her for all of the right reasons. You’ve made memories there, […]
Buying a House in a Flood Zone
Florida is extremely prone to flooding due to its location and climate, and flood zones play an important role in real estate transactions throughout the state. Water can be incredibly damaging to a house. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a single inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage. This […]
Closing Costs
When you buy a property, you must bring more than just your down payment to the closing table. Closing costs are expenses paid after the down payment, such as appraisal fees, legal fees, and escrow funds. Many first-time home purchasers misjudge the amount they will have to spend on closing costs. Some purchasers may be unaware […]