Debra R Johnson - Broker

Priority number one:

Find a lender so you can know how much house you can afford. Once you get a loan approval the home search can begin. 

With the market the way it is realtors will not look at your offer if you are not preapproved for your loan and we can show proof of financing. If you need help finding a lender, we can help. We have several lenders that can help you.

 If you are purchasing with cash we will need to show proof of funds. This can be from a money market account, stock account, etc. 

Here are more tips and information.

When looking for a home, you spend your day looking at homes with a Realtor. You've looked at 5-6 homes and one of the homes just steals your heart. You've got to have that home so you put in an offer at full listing price. Your offer states you will pay a large sum of money at closing and finance a small portion of the home and you put a significant amount of money in escrow for your deposit and want a 10 day inspection period. The offer is submitted to the listing agent giving the sellers 48 hours to accept your offer. The following morning your Realtor gets notice the sellers have accepted another offer that is all cash with a 5 day inspection period.
So what do you and your Realtor do from here, you ask?
1. You can wait to see if the buyer backs out of the contract and resubmit your offer.
2. You can put an offer in on your second choice.
3. You can ask your Realtor to show you more homes.
4. You can give up.
Buying a home is very stressful. There are disappointments, hoops to jump through and going through the closing process can sometimes be smooth or it can be stressful.
When your contract/offer is accepted you will spend approximately $1,000.00 - $1,500.00 for inspections, etc.
Here are some very important tips for you as a home buyer and this applies to first time home buyers too.
1. If you are financing your home always have your pre-approval for your loan so you know what you can afford. Have the lender send your Realtor the pre-approval letter to submit with your offer. In todays market, most offers will not be considered unless the pre-approval letter is submitted with the contract and all other documents necessary.
2. If you are buying your home with cash, you will need to have proof of funds from your bank, stock broker, etc. to give to your Realtor to submit with your contract/offer.
3. Most Realtors allow 24-48 hours for your contract/offer to be accepted. You will feel like this is the longest time in your life.
4. When your contract/offer is accepted you can then move forward with any and all inspections necessary by a licensed home inspector.
5.  A good Realtor will always suggest you have the following inspections done:
           A) Full home inspection - This inspection checks everything in the home. A good home inspector will go up in the attic and check to see if there is or has been any water damage from maybe a roof leak. He/She will check to see if the dishwasher, range, range hood, built-in microwave, refrigerator, washer and dryer are working properly. He/She will check the faucets in the home and check to see if the sinks drain properly and there are no leaks. He/She will flush the toilets to make sure they work properly and there are no leaks. He/She will check the electrical outlets in the home. He/She will open the windows and doors to make sure they work properly and he/she will check the roof.
           B) 4-Point Inspection - This inspection can be done along with the home inspection if the home inspector does a 4-Point.
With a 4-Point Inspection the inspector will check the following:
                    1) Electrical
                    2) A/C
                    3) Roof
                    4) Plumbing
            C) Termite inspection by a Licensed Inspector
            D) Pool Inspection if needed - Many times the 4-Point will check the pool pump, pool heater, etc.
I know this is a lot for a home buyer but, these inspections are necessary but, they are strictly for the buyers information except for the 4-Point. The 4-Point is required to get the home insured.
After getting all your inspections then you can make your decision as to whether you want to proceed with the purchase of the home or cancel your contract. All of this is done within your inspection period which is normally anywhere from 5-10 days after your contract/offer is accepted.
I know this is a lot to remember but, that is why you always hire a Realtor to guide you through the buying process. This is why I work with Buyers. You are paying a lot for your home and it is the largest investment you will make in your lifetime so make sure you are represented by a knowledgeable Realtor. If you have question please call me 813-713-2422. I'm here to help you.

When selling your home it is important for the seller to consider the following:

1. Declutter your home. Put all what-not's etc away and dust all areas, vacuum all carpets and have carpets cleaned if necessary.  

2. Clear off your kitchen countertops. By doing this the seller is accentuating how much counter space there is. If you are selling the refrigerator with the home please make sure it is clean and organized. 

3. Put all your personal pictures away. Remember you are moving so go ahead and box them up. (Be sure to mark your boxes so you know what is in them)

4. In the bedrooms always have your beds made. Clean off and dust your dressers, chest of drawers, night stands and put clothes away. Don't forget to clean the mirrors. 

5. In the bathrooms clean the tubs, showers, sinks and mirrors. Do not leave anything in the shower or on the countertops (i.e. shampoos, conditioners, bar soap, shower gels, etc.). Make everything sparkle.

6. Make sure all your lights are working properly. Replace any light bulbs that may need replaced. 

7. Clean all your windows inside and outside. This will allow the natural light to shine into the home making it brighter. 

8. Landscaping is the first thing a buyer sees. Make sure your shrubs are trimmed, grass is mowed, trimmed and the sidewalks, driveway, etc., edged. 

9. Power wash your driveway, sidewalks, pool area, etc. 

10. Replace any light bulbs outside that need replaced. (flood lights, security lights, lights inside your pool, etc.)

11. Keep your pool clean and clean the pool cage should you have one. Power wash the deck area if needed. 

These are just a few tips to help you with the sale of your home. Let us know if you have any questions.