The Chiodo Team - Florida

If you’re a first time homebuyer in Florida, the entire process of finding a reputable real estate agent, securing financing and making an offer can be daunting. Purchasing your own home is a great investment and is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Working with the CHIODO team can make the first time homebuying process that much easier and ensure that you will be making the right investment. Take a close look at the homebuying process for first time homebuyers, and explore some resources for the latest trends and news about homebuying in Florida:

Homebuying Process for First Time Homebuyers

The homebuying process consists of eight key steps. All first time homebuyers go through the following process:

Step 1: Deciding to Buy
Whether you’re tired of renting or you’re just ready to become a homeowner, making the decision to buy a home means you need to get prequalified for a loan. The CHIODO team works with a network of lenders and financial professionals who can help you get started with the prequalification and preapproval process so you know how much home you can truly afford.

Step 2: Working with an Agent
Your real estate agent is a valuable resource in the homebuying process. The real estate professionals with the CHIODO team can educate you about your market, negotiate on your behalf, connect you with reputable professionals in the area, and work through all of the paperwork involved with securing financing and closing on your dream home. We’re also prepared to answer any questions or concerns you may have about homebuying, and are committed to providing you with objective information every step of the way.

Step 3: Securing Financing
When you’re ready to get a mortgage, you will need to work with a reputable loan officer and get your loan application preapproved. The CHIODO team can connect you with reputable lenders in the area so that you can choose the loan package that best suits your needs.

Step 4: Finding the Home
Finding a home on your own can be time-consuming and frustrating, so your best strategy is to work directly with an experienced real estate agent who knows the area and can present a wide range of options. You need to work with someone you can trust. The CHIODO team has several reputable agents on staff to help you find the best home that meets your needs.

Step 5: Making an Offer
When making the offer as a first time homebuyer, you’ll need to review the price, terms and contingencies associated with the sale. This part of the homebuying process can be intimidating for many first time homebuyers, but the CHIODO team can help you get started.

Step 6: Inspections and Insurance
You will need to purchase home owner’s insurance to protect against loss or damage to the property. The CHIODO team can help you find a reputable and trustworthy insurance provider. Since you also need to make sure the property does not have any major structural defects or mechanical problems, you’ll need to schedule a thorough home inspection. The CHIODO team can recommend several home inspectors for this part of the homebuying process.

Step 7: Closing
After completing a final walk-through of your selected property with the agent, you will need to go through the closing process. This is another complex process that many first time homebuyers have a lot of questions about. The CHIODO team can help you understand the settlement statement, go through all of your preclosing responsibilities with you, and help you verify all financing information with your lender.

Step 8: Protecting the Investment
There are still a number of things to take care of after the closing. Your CHIODO real estate agent will provide extended services including tracking your home’s current market value, keeping you up-to-date on rate changes that may affect your mortgage, and other details that will make your homebuying decision that much better. If you need routine maintenance services to keep your home’s systems in good shape, we can recommend service providers in your area to you so that you are only working with a reputable and trustworthy contractor.

Resources for First Time Homebuyers in Florida

Some recommended resource for first time homebuyers in Florida:

Florida Homeownership Assistance Programs
http://www.hud.gov/local/fl/homeownership/programs/countylist11.cfm

Florida Housing Finance Corporation First Time Homebuyers Guide
http://www.floridahousing.org/Home/HomebuyersRenters/default.htm

Florida Homebuyer Center
http://www.floridarealtors.org/AboutFar/homebuyercenter/index.cfm

Florida Homebuyer Opportunity Program
http://www.floridahousing.org/Home/HousingPartners/LocalGovernments/FL_HOP.htm

The CHIODO team can help you work through all of the details as a first time homebuyer and guide you through this often-complex process. Contact us today to get started on your search for the perfect home in Florida!