Create a B-a-t-t-l-e Plan & Checklist

Now that we’ve discussed a little bit about what you want to buy and the various residential property types, let’s consider what you may encounter during this homebuying journey. As your agent, it is EXTREMELY  important for you to tell me exactly what you want and for me to LISTEN to you. I have learned over the last twenty (20) years to never stereotype a buyer. I have discovered the importance of asking my customers what they want AND what they can afford rather than assuming I know what's best for them. I am here to educate you, empower your decisions, to equip you with the tools you need to make the best decision and negotiate an amazing deal. A first time buyer's needs is different from that of my Trade-Up Buyers. A buyer who has a home and wants to use the equity to purchase the trade-up may not require as much education BUT may need assistance with the changes in real estate trends, market updates, area valuations, limited inventory strategies and or the benefits of a property contingency clause in the new contract to protect the sell of the current home. I am "your home girl" and this is my wheelhouse! 

 

Deal Breakers

As a member in good standing with the Florida Association of REALTORS and NAR, I will never steer you into an area, a home or offer any generalizations about an area. I will never violate fair housing laws. When we find YOUR dream house, I am here to make the process as stress-free and organized as possible by starting early and keeping close tabs on the details. A simple search online for “moving checklist” will arm you with all the information you’ll need, and even advice on how to pack efficiently. If you are an Investor, our language and consultations should start with: Are you looking for a distressed property or deeply discounted off market property? Do you need access to my CRM of Foreclosing customers or just to hire me to locate and pricing a fixer, determining the budget to rehabilitate a property, your profit margin, holding costs budget and ARV?

It’s Ok to Dream

When you are out there trying to find a house that is perfect for you and your family, it’s a good idea to prepare a list of all your needs, wants, and don’t-wants. Yes, an open mind is helpful when shopping for a house, but you don’t need to compromise on the things you truly care about. Prioritize your top 5 “must-have” qualities in a home, your top 5 “like to have” qualities, and you top 5 “we absolutely don’t want” qualities, and take the list with you when you go house shopping. You will be able to quickly eliminate homes that don’t fit your needs and wants, and also be able to spot the homes that deserve some greater attention.

Making the Decision to Downsize, Trade Up or Trade Down will depend on your Finances, Finances, Finances!

When you are buying a home, you may be thinking “location, location, location” or “granite countertops", but before you can start having fun shopping around, you have to do a little work to get yourself ready financially. Begin your home-buying process by cleaning up your credit report and credit score and you will be able to start off on a solid financial foundation. If you need more square footage or less HOA fees, all roads lead to your mortgage loan originator or financing type to secure the new property. Let's add this to your checklist in the B-a-t-t-l-e Plan.

Picture Yourself

Before you buy a home, you may do a lot of daydreaming about what life there will be like, relaxing by the pool or enjoying s’mores made in the wood-burning fireplace. But to know what it will really be like, you’ll have to picture yourself doing the everyday things. How is the commuting experience? What sounds will you be falling asleep to at night? Can you picture yourself hosting Thanksgiving dinner in that size dining room? These are questions you’ll want to answer before you move in.