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Buying - How can
I help you?
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Real
estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments
most people experience in their lifetime. At the same time,
real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated.
New technology, laws, procedures and the increasing sophistication
sellers require real estate practitioners to perform at an
ever-increasing level of professionalism. So it's more important
than ever that you work with an agent who has a keen understanding
of the real estate business. Transactions today usually exceed
$100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would
you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If
you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it
without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside
cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider
a deal in real estate without the professional assistance
of a REALTORŪ!
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| Looking:
Once you know how much you can and want to invest, the next
step is to find the properties that most fit your needs. I am
a Licensed State of Florida Realtor, a member of the NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF REALTORŪ, a real estate trade association, and
all members agree to abide by a 17 article Code of Ethics. Sometimes
the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised
in the market. It will take some investigation by your agent
to find all available properties. |
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| Choosing
a property: Your
job is to make the final selection of the right property for
you. This is when excitement and emotion run high. I can assist
you in the selection process by providing objective information
about each property. I can provide local community information
on utilities, zoning, schools, etc. There are two things you'll
want to know. First, will the property provide the environment
I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have
resale value when I am ready to sell? |
| Negotiating:
There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited
to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the
inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment.
The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you
to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the
property before you are bound to complete the purchase. I will
advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended
or required. |
| Due
diligence:
With a negotiated agreement in hand, it is time to complete
the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property,
this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos,
faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests,
just to name a few. I will assist you in finding qualified responsible
professionals to do most of these investigations and provide
you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary
report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership
of property. The title to most properties will have some limitations;
for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. |
| Closing
or settlement:
Finally, there is the closing, or settlement, as it is known
in different parts of the country. Every area has its own unique
customs. In some areas, the title or escrow company will handle
this process. In other parts of the country, an attorney does
it all. I will guide you through this process and make sure
everything flows together smoothly. |
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