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Get to know a Realtor you feel you can trust. As a Professional Realtor, experienced in both new construction and resale homes, I can act as your Buyers Agent and advise you on:
- the merits of buying a new versus an existing home
- various builder's strengths and weaknesses
- how certain home upgrades affect future home value
- the most economical way to finance your home
As your Buyers Agent, I'd be happy to guide you through the many home buying steps from
offer to closing without undue stress. Its true .... an experienced Realtor can and will save
you time, money and grief.
Learn about the market before you shop for a home. Before you can purchase a home you need to feel
comfortable about where you are buying and the price range you are dealing with. You can get an idea of the Sarasota real estate market by researching properties for sale
on the Sarasota MLS. But the best way to learn about the market is to enlist the assistance of a licensed Sarasota Realtor ®.
Know how much to offer. Knowing how much to offer is one of the
most difficult parts of buying a home. As your Buyers Agent, I'll provide you with a list of recently
sold properties of comparable size, location and amenities so you can compare selling prices. Then
you'll know whether this property is realistically priced.
If a property has been on the market a while, the owner may accept a below-market offer. But, if the
property is very desirable, the seller may just reject your offer wasting everyone's time. As your
Buyers Agent, I can give you good advice on the right price to offer.
Sarasota is a very much "in demand" area. Property prices here,
while prices are down from last year, they may be startinf back upward soon. You may wish to read a recent blog article
on the fact that Sarasota Florida Real Estate is getting back on its feet recently
Don't assume your credit is spotless. Ask your lender
to pull your credit report. It may contain errors or old unpaid balances that need to be
addressed now.
Officially cancel your inactive credit cards. If you have an credit card you're not using with a $5,000 limit,
even though you owe nothing on it, some mortgage lenders consider that a potential future debt. Too many inactive credit cards with
significant credit limits could keep you from obtaining a mortgage loan. Don't just cut up your extra cards; officially cancel them, and do it
now so there will be time for the news to reach the credit bureaus.
Shop for a lender before you shop for a home. Get pre-qualified
(preferably pre-approved). Pre-approval is powerful leverage during price negotiation.
Between pre-qualification and closing, consult you lender before any major
purchase. Credit purchases affect your qualification for a mortgage, even after you've
been approved.
Be careful from whom you take advice. Don't count on
a Realtor who hasn't been in the business for 20 years. Home builder's salesmen and Realtors representing the seller won't
necessarily tell you all you need to know. Your Buyer's Agent, on the other hand, is required by law
to tell you everything he or she knows that could affect the value of the home.
Seller's of resale homes don't always tell the whole story. Get a
Professional Home Inspection so the Seller, not you, pays to correct any problems.
Buy a home you can really afford. There are tax advantages to
owning a home. But, there are also on-going expenses (decorating, lawn care, trash pickup, etc.) that
you may forget in the excitement. "Buy a bit less, rather than a bit more than you
think you can afford," is good advice.
On a new home, decide what you want and stick with it. Some new home salespeople
will sell you upgrades which add little, if any, value to your home when you sell it.
For information on my services to home or condo buyers, please either E-Mail Me
or fill out my brief Home Buyers Information Request Form.
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