7 Steps to Buying a House in Florida August 27, 2018Home Buying

Buying a house is one of the biggest decisions we make in our lifetimes. With the huge investment that comes with taking this step, it is important to ensure that everything is done right. The real estate market is characterized by complex transactions, a factor that makes it very important to work with experienced professionals in this field. Every real estate market is unique. If you are thinking of buying a house in Florida, you will need to familiarize yourself with the following before making a purchase:

• Current market conditions

• The true value of home inspections

• The necessity of a quality real estate agent

• Related expenses you will face

• Steps to buying a house in Florida

Current Market Conditions If you are going to make the best investment for you and your family, you should have a clear understanding of the current market conditions. As with any real estate market, trends are constantly changing in Florida and vary from county to county. Working with a reliable real estate agent will help you establish the average home price in the area and ensure you get a good deal.

Value of Home Inspections Every prospective home buyer in Florida should appreciate the value of a professional home inspection. Some of the homes for sale in the market may have material defects or other hidden issues, resulting in extra costs and headaches. While this may seem to be an expensive exercise, a thorough and independent pre-purchase home inspection will give you confidence and certainty that everything is in order before you buy the home of your dreams.

Importance of a Quality Real Estate Agent Just like a home inspection, working with a reliable real estate agent will offer you numerous benefits. A real estate expert will have knowledge of the market and be experienced in real estate issues, which puts them in a great position to offer the expert advice and guidance you need as you handle the process of finding and buying a new home.

Related Expenses Besides the price you pay for the house, there are a number of other expenses you are likely to incur. Familiarizing yourself with these costs will give you a chance to better prepare for the purchase. Some of these expenses include closing costs, property taxes, and homeowners insurance.

7 Steps to Buying a House in Florida Once you have familiarized yourself with the Florida real estate market, you should follow these steps to ensure that the entire process is smooth and seamless.

1. Engage a Florida Realtor The first step when it comes to buying a house is to engage a Florida realtor. A great realtor will be trustworthy, have the information you need, and represent you effectively. This will make the process smooth and help you find a home that suits your lifestyle.

2. Find a Property Once you have found your realtor, you can work with them to find the right property for you and your family. There is a good chance that your realtor will have access to Multiple Listings Service. Before you make a final decision, you may want to have a look at different options so you can determine the best property within your budget that suits your lifestyle goals.

3. Request a Professional Home Inspection A professional home inspection will help to establish the soundness of the foundation and structure while identifying any pest infestations / evidence of wood destroying organisms, presence of mold, and issues related to electrical, plumbing, drainage, and heating/cooling systems.

4. Mortgage Pre-Approval Buying a home can be an expensive undertaking. Once the property has undergone a pre-purchase inspection, you should ensure that you have the financing you need. If you are keen on getting a mortgage, you should obtain your pre-approval letter. If you are paying cash, you should proceed to make an offer.

5. Make an Offer In Florida, making an offer will involve the use of a formal contract, laying out specific requirements and terms agreed upon by both the buyer and seller. The law in Florida does not require that you have a lawyer to represent you at this point. This means that you can choose to work with either your realtor or a lawyer.

6. Offer Acceptance The period after your offer has been accepted is bound to be exciting. However, you should keep a level head to ensure that all the steps are completed without any major issues or problems. After offer acceptance, you will be required to sign the contract and pay earnest money.

7. Contracts and Closing Towards the end of the process, your realtor will draw up a purchase contract that captures all the details of the transaction. This contract is to be signed by both the seller and the buyer. The final step would then be to have a closing meeting. After the lawyer and realtor have checked that everything is as it should be, funds will be transferred to the seller and you will get your keys.

Requirements to Buy a House in Florida Generally, the requirements to buy a house in Florida include:

• Valid contract

• Representation by a real estate professional

• Financing, including closing costs

While this process may not make buying a house in Florida easy, it will certainly help you get value for your money. Once you have made a purchase, it is important to buy the right homeowner’s insurance to ensure that your investment is properly protected.