Buying or selling a home? Blue to Green Realty can help.

Purchasing a home is a stressful event for many people, but with a little up-front planning, it isn't very confusing. So they'll understand exactly what to expect, I like to furnish buyers with an overview of the entire deal. Below are my nine steps to purchasing a home. When you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm happy to address questions you have regarding this information.

Step 1 – Prepare to buy
There are several things you need to contemplate prior to starting your home search. You'll probably want to create a check list of must-haves, get a feeling for what school districts you'd like to live in, and start working on your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is less than or close to a third of your net monthly income is a good principle to go by.

Step 2 – Contact a real estate agent
This is where Blue to Green Realty can help. I'd like to plan a time to meet with you and communicate with you regarding your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll talk about everything from neighborhoods, school districts in the West Palm Beach area, the mortgage industry, to any other economic factors that may potentially affect your buying decision today or in the future.

I'll also assist you in getting started on your loan. I partner with some of the finest mortgage professionals in West Palm Beach, so you'll be in great hands. They will help you decide which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin looking
After our initial meeting, I'll begin finding available houses on the market that are good for you. I'll research many of the houses and remove the duds, and then we'll schedule appointments to view the houses whenever it's most convenient for you.

As we view homes, I'll identify good features, as well as bad ones. And I'll ask you to tell us about things you like and don't like. Most often, buyers revise their must-have list as we tour homes and some things become more essential than others. If that's the situation, I'll go back through all the listings one more time and trim it down to the home you've been dreaming about.

Step 4 – Know the housing market
An agent's knowledge of the West Palm Beach home market is a crucial aspect in your house search. And I can assure you I'm mindful of all the schools and neighborhoods, and I can let you know some areas are "hot" and warrant immediate action and others that are "cool" and allow for careful analysis.

When we view homes, I'll be sure to tell you if the seller's list price has room for bargaining or if I believe the home is "priced to sell." Any REALTOR will claim to understand the home market, but be mindful, and be sure to ask lots of questions. If things don't add up, call me at 561-868-0591 or e-mail me at , and I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. My understanding of the market will keep you a step ahead through the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the home you've been looking for
I'm confident we'll find the house of your dreams in West Palm Beach. When that happens, I'll meticulously create your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored keeping your needs in mind and the home, including several contingencies, such as obtaining financing, carrying out the home inspection, and a clear title.

When sending in your offer, you'll want to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to the seller to secure the offer to purchase the property. The amount is typically put towards the closing costs. If the offer is accepted by the seller, we should close on the property about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows necessary time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
A lot of contracts aren't closed on the beginning offer, and it's pretty common to receive a counter offer. Don't let this discourage you. We'll figure out whether or not to take the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and go on.

Market circumstances determine how aggressively we negotiate the contract. We'll also work within your financing constraints. And when it's all said and done, we'll put together a deal that is best for you.

Step 7 – Obtain financing
Once we sign the final contract, you'll begin working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're pre-qualified, it won't be a long process at all. But you'll need to keep in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll manage all the property information your lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) outlining closing costs from your lender within three days of taking your loan application. This estimate depends on the loan amount. RESPA requirements mandate that it has to contain all closing costs and fall within a narrow range of accuracy, and I'll study the estimate and let you know if it all looks adequate.

Then we'll close on your house. This will most likely happen at a title company or escrow office and should be a smooth and relaxed affair.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new home. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, make sure you contact me at 561-868-0591 or e-mail me at .