Buying New, Resale, or “Distressed” Property in Florida

Weighing your options?

We all know that if you can, NOW is a great time to buy a home. Before you determine what type of home you will purchase there are three major topics to address:

1. Know your buying ‘power.’ If paying cash, how much cash is available for the purchase, closing costs, additional items (upgrades, repairs etc) If financing most or a portion of the home; talking with a lender to get pre-approved, Prior to shopping for your home is a crucial first step. Getting pre-approved now will give any offer you make more ‘weight.’

2. Know your time frame. Many realtors ask their clients when they wish to purchase. For me, knowing your best time frame to move and take occupancy is more important than when you are willing to ‘write it up.’ A Realtor’s job to qualify properties that meet your needs and time frame is a huge one. (example: we may find the perfect home today, but if the time frame doesn’t work for you…(say you need to sell first) then we haven’t gotten to the next step.

3. Know your top 3 location choices. If you’re moving across town this may be an easy one for you…if you’re moving to a new county, state or, across country; your Realtor is there to assist you with determining the best location for you. Things to consider: working outside the home: what is your desired commute time? school age children: public or private? You can learn a lot by visiting county school board sites, online tools including Great Schools. Need quick access to shopping, services, parks, medical care…write them down and let your Realtor know your Needs vs. your Wants.

Once you get through these first steps, a meeting with your Realtor (in person if possible) is the best next step. Your Realtor will educate you on the activity in the market, and make you aware of the best options for you and, of course calculate a plan of action/next steps to get you into the home that meets the majority of your wants, needs and, at the best possible price for YOU.

Next: new vs resale vs distressed: how to select the best option for YOU.

Visit: Great Schools

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FLORIDA PROPERTIES

Contact: Amy Stier