Step 1 – Prepare to purchase
Before you commence your home search, there are several things you should do. When you begin your search, you'll want to form an index of features you want, get a plan of what neighborhoods you want to live in, and begin planning around your budget. A good rule of thumb to adhere to is that your mortgage payment should be less than or around 1/3 of your monthly income.

Step 2 – Talk to a real estate agent in DELRAY BEACH
This is where I can help. We'll set up a time to meet so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your future plans. We'll discuss neighborhoods, schools in the DELRAY BEACH area, the mortgage and housing industries, and any additional economic factors that could affect your purchase today or in the future.

I can also help you begin the loan process. I work with some of DELRAY BEACH's finest mortgage professionals, so you're in great hands. They can help you determine which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get approved.

Step 3 – Start looking for a home
Following our initial meeting, I'll start looking for available houses on the market that are a great fit for you. I'll research many of the houses and ignore the duds, and then we'll schedule appointments to view the houses whenever it's convenient for you.

When we view the houses, I'll point out good features, as well as negative ones. And I'll ask you to talk about things you like and don't like. It's pretty common for buyers to amend their must-have list as we tour homes and some items become more necessary than others. If such is the case, I'll go back through all the listings another time and narrow it down to the home of your dreams.

Step 4 – Understand the housing market
An agent's knowledge of the DELRAY BEACH home market is an essential component in your home search. And I can assure you I'm conscious of all the neighborhoods and schools, and I can alert you to certain neighborhoods are "hot" and warrant prompt action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for thoughtful consideration.

When we tour houses, I'll make sure to communicate when the seller's asking price has room for negotiation and also when I believe the home is "priced to sell." Be mindful and be sure to ask your agent a lot of questions, as every REALTOR^® in DELRAY BEACH will convince you they understand the home market. If things don't add up, call me at 561-637-4559 or e-mail me at damara@mangroverealty.com, and I'll be glad to answer any questions you might have. My understanding of the market will keep you a step ahead throughout the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find your dream home
I'm positive we'll find your dream home in DELRAY BEACH, and when we do, I'll carefully develop your home purchase offer. The offer will be written to suit your needs. Whenever necessary, I never forget to make contracts contingent upon items like your ability to secure financing and the results of the home inspection.

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

Step 6 – Negotiate
Most deals aren't closed on the initial offer. It's really common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it intimidate you. We'll consider whether or not to accept the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and move on.

How aggressively we negotiate the contract depends on market circumstances. In addition, we'll work within your budget. And at the end of the day, we'll formulate a deal that works well for you.

Step 7 – Obtain a loan
Once we sign the final contract, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're already pre-qualified, this shouldn't take very long at all, but you'll want 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
Your lender will send you a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) detailing closing costs within three days of accepting your application. You'll get a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of your closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of getting your application. The estimate is formed from the loan amount. RESPA requirements require that it has to contain all closing costs and fall within a strict range of accuracy, and I'll analyze the estimate and let you know if it all looks okay.

Then we'll close on your home. This will most often happen at a title company or escrow office and should be a smooth and stress-free event.

Step 9 – Move in
You made it! Now you can move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, just contact me at 561-637-4559 or send me an e-mail.