Buying a Home

1

Find an Agent

Look for a licensed Compass real estate agent who is knowledgeable about the neighborhoods you’re considering, has connections to other agents, and can help guide your search.
Consider agents that you will genuinely like to work with.

2

Get Pre-Qualified

Before beginning your search, your first step is to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan. You can use any institution or our team agent will have a preferred lender they suggest. Based on your income and credit history, the mortgage broker will determine how much the bank will lend you, which will help you determine the price range for your search.

3

Visit Properties

Attend viewings and open houses spanning a range of areas and property types. Now is the time to consider your ideal home’s location and amenities. Decide what is a must have and focus on homes with those features. Our team will help you with any questions you may about specific homes.

4

Negotiate

Once you have seen a home you like, you will work with your agent to submit an offer. They will help you by comparing similar neighborhood properties to determine offer price, decide on any contingencies, and help you navigate counter offers. Once both parties come to an agreement and sign, you are under contract to purchase the property.

5

Inspection Period

You will have a limited time period 0-15 Days, (Florida is typically 7 days and under) agreed upon with the seller in your contract in which time you may conduct inspections, including but not limited to a general inspection, 4 point, wind mitigation, and termite. If something of concern is discovered during this timeframe, you will have the chance to re-open negotiations on price and terms of the sale, or even cancel the sale and have your Earnest Money Deposit returned to you.

6

Complete Loan Process

Once you are under contract and through your inspection timeframe, your loan officer may require additional documentation, and an appraisal will be ordered and completed. Once the loan officer receives all required documents and conducts a successful appraisal, they will be able to issue a clearance to close, meaning you are fully approved for the loan and the bank is ready to execute your mortgage upon successful closing.

7

Closing Scheduled

The title company will work together with the buyer, seller, and their agents to coordinate closing for the day reflecting in the Contract to Buy and Sell.

8

Final Walkthrough Scheduled

A final walk-through of the property is performed just prior to closing. This confirms that no damage has been done to the home since the time of the inspection and that the major systems and appliances are in working order.

9

Closing

Once all the conditions of the contract have been satisfied, the closing is held. The closing documents are signed, payment is exchanged, and the buyer receives the keys to their new home!

10

Welcome Home!

Congratulations! You are now a homeowner.