The first stages of the buying process set the expectations for your buying experience. You must get a handle on what you can afford to spend, on where you want to move and what type of community you want to live, and on your needs and desires for the house itself. If you are moving, or need to sell a house first, knowing when you should buy a new home can be complicated, and seeking help from your real estate agent mortgage broker will be helpful.

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The next stages focus on balancing all of that with what is available on the market: by creating searches, getting alerts when new properties hit the market, and viewing properties in person.

When you find the perfect match, it’s time to make an offer and negotiate a deal. Offers are legally binding contracts, so understanding the options you have when making an offer is paramount. If you are a first-time homebuyer, or moving from out of state, then Florida’s real estate laws, tax rules, and norms of practice, will be unfamiliar to you, as they differ from state to state.

Most first-time buyers don’t realize how much work remains after a deal is made. Now it is time to hustle to meet contractual deadlines in preparation for closing day: to find the best deal on a mortgage and complete the applications, to hire and schedule inspectors, to get an appraisal, to complete title work, and to get homeowner’s insurance. There’s often an opportunity for renegotiation after the inspection and appraisal; however the pros and cons of renegotiation should be considered, as they are different in each circumstance.

Possession of property in Florida happens at the time of closing, so coordinating your move with the scheduled closing date is important. Prior to closing you will get draft documents to review and approve. At closing, all the “i’s” must be dotted, and “t’s” crossed or else closing can be delayed. If all is good, you will leave the closing table with the keys to your new home!

I bring value to your homebuying effort by:

1. Making a plan for success: Right off the bat, we'll discuss your needs, preferences, and budget for a home. I can provide insight into the local real estate market, including pricing trends and neighborhood characteristics, which will help us prioritize and set expectations for the search.

2. Property Search: With search tools and alerts, I can help you stay on top of changes in the market and new properties. I can also reach out to the over 600 agents at Michael Saunders to see if they have anything not-yet listed that fits. I’ll also help coordinate plan showings of properties that you wish to see. If you are busy, or can’t travel, I can also do virtual tours: sending you video and pictures of the property as I view it.

3. Negotiation: All pricing and purchasing decisions are yours, however, as a transaction broker, I work with you and the selling agent to help you reach a favorable purchase price.

4. Handling Paperwork: There is always lots of paperwork. I can help manage the complex paperwork and help you understand and find answers to the legal aspects of the transaction.

5. Financing Guidance: I’ve worked with many different mortgage brokers and can help you choose the right one for your situation.

6. Inspection and Repairs: You’ll want to find a good property inspection service, and I can help with that. I’ll also coordinate the inspection visits and the delivery of the inspection report so that you meet any timelines stipulated by the contract.

7. Closing Assistance: I help manage your checklist to be sure all necessary steps are completed for the closing process, including answering questions for the title company and appraiser, and the final walk-through and document preparation.

8. Post-Closing Support: After closing, I can provide important reminders such as when to register for your homestead exemption, and tax savings resources, as well as recommending contractors for home improvements.

Throughout the process, my goal is to act as your guide and advocate, making the home buying journey smoother and more efficient.

FILL OUT THE FORM ON THIS PAGE TO GET YOUR COMPREHENSIVE BUYER’S GUIDE AND CHECKLIST.

I work hard for my customers with the expectation to be paid for my efforts if you buy a property. The Exclusive Buyer Broker Agreement is a statement of commitment between you and Michael Saunders that we will each do our part to make our investment in time and money worthwhile. As of August 2024, this agreement is now standard across the industry.

Michael Saunders & Co. has over 600 agents in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte counties. That vast amount of local knowledge and real-time information is a huge asset to you as a buyer. Our internal communication tools allow me to publish my buyer’s needs and ask other realtors about properties they are preparing for listing…before they get to MLS!

The Michael Saunders team of affiliates include MSC Title, to handle your title search and closing documentation, MSC Mortgage, to provide creative and competitive mortgage solutions, and Guided Solutions, for all you homeowner insurance needs. We also have a Relocation Service, so coming or going, we can assist with your move. Of course, you can choose to work with any company for these services, but I recommend you talk with these providers. I know you will be impressed.

FILL OUT THE FORM ON THIS PAGE TO GET YOUR COMPREHENSIVE BUYER’S GUIDE AND CHECKLIST.