Buying or selling a home? Metro Properties can help.

Purchasing a home is intimidating for a lot of people. However, with a bit of up-front planning, it isn't that complicated. So they'll know exactly what they can expect, I'll give buyers an overview of the entire deal. Below are my nine steps to buying a home. When you're ready to get started, just contact me here or e-mail me at . I'm happy to address any questions you have about this information.

Step 1 – Prepare to purchase a home
There are a lot of things you should contemplate before beginning your home search. When you start your search, you'll probably want to put together an outline of must-haves, plan for what neighborhoods you'd like to live in, and begin planning your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment less than or around 30 percent of your net monthly income is a good rule to adhere to.

Step 2 – Connect with a real estate agent in Naples
This is where Metro Properties can help. I'd like to plan a time to get together with you and talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your future plans. We'll discuss neighborhoods, schools in the Naples area, the mortgage and housing industries, and any additional economic factors that could affect your buying decision today or in the future.

I'll also help you begin the loan process. I partner with some of the best mortgage professionals in Naples, so you can rest assured that you're in great hands. They will assist you with determining which kind of loan is best for you and help you get approved.

Step 3 – Begin looking for a home
After we meet, I'll begin looking for available houses on the market that meet your needs. I'll research many of the houses and exclude the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to view the homes whenever it's most convenient for you.

When we view houses, I'll show you the good features, as well as bad ones. I'll even ask you to point out what things you like and don't like. Most often, buyers amend their wish list as we view houses and some things become far more necessary than others. If that happens, I'll go back through all the listings one more time and narrow it down to the home you've been dreaming about.

Step 4 – Understand the market
My knowledge of the Naples home market is a crucial agent in your home search. I'm acquainted with all the neighborhoods and schools, and I will let you know certain districts are "hot" and demand immediate action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for thoughtful consideration.

When we tour houses, I'll let you know when the list price has room for bargaining and also when I trust the home is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be mindful and make sure you ask plenty of questions, as any real estate agent in Naples will claim to truly understand the home market. If things don't add up, call me at 866-300-1550 or e-mail me at , and I'd be glad to answer any questions you have. My understanding of the market will help you stay a step ahead through the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the house of your dreams
We'll find the home of your dreams in the Naples area, and when we do, I'll carefully develop your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be made to fit your needs and the home. We'll include a lot of contingencies, such as acquiring financing, completing the home inspection, and a clear title.

Upon presenting your offer, most likely you'll want to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to a home seller to secure an offer to purchase the property. The amount is typically applied to the cost of closing. If the offer is accepted, we should close on the property within 30 to 60 days after. This allows necessary time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
Unfortunately most deals don't close on the first offer, and it's extremely common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it intimidate you. We'll figure out whether or not to consent to the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or refuse the seller's offer and move on.

How aggressively we negotiate the contract depends on market circumstances. In addition, we'll work within your financing budget. And at the end of the day, we'll compose a contract that's best for you.

Step 7 – Get a loan
After the contract is finished, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you're already pre-approved, this shouldn't take much time at all, but you need to stay in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll look after all the property information your lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing closing costs from your lender within three days of accepting your loan application. This estimate is formed from the loan amount. RESPA requirements order that it has to contain all closing costs and fall within a narrow range of accuracy, and I'll examine the estimate and let you know if everything looks okay.

Then we'll close on your house. This will probably happen at a title company or escrow office and is often a smooth and comfortable event.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, make sure you call me at 866-300-1550 or e-mail me at .