Are you buying your home in Tallahassee? Lastowski Realty and Property Services can help.

Purchasing a home is a stressful event for most people, but with some planning ahead of time, it isn't that confusing. I like to provide buyers with an overview of the entire deal so they'll know exactly what to expect. Here are my nine steps to buying a home. Should you have any questions about this information or if you're prepared to get started, simply contact me here or e-mail me at .

Step 1 – Prepare to buy a home
Before you start searching for a home, there are plenty of things you need to take into account. You'll probably want to create a check list of features you need, get a plan of what neighborhoods you'd like to live in, and start planning your budget. Keeping your mortgage payment less than or around 1/3 of your monthly income is a good rule of thumb to go by.

Step 2 – Contact a real estate agent in Tallahassee
This is where Lastowski Realty and Property Services can help. I'd be happy to arrange a time to get together with you and speak with you about your real estate needs and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll discuss everything from neighborhoods, school districts in the Tallahassee area, the mortgage industry, to any other economic factors that may potentially affect your buying decision today or in the future.

I can also assist you with getting started on your loan. There are some very good mortgage professionals in Tallahassee, and I work with a lot of them, so you're in great hands. They will help you choose which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get approved.

Step 3 – Start your search
After our first meeting, I'll start searching for houses on the market that suit your needs. I'll get a sneak peek of many of the houses and exclude the bad ones, and then we'll schedule appointments to view the houses when it's convenient for you.

As we tour houses, I'll identify positive features, as well as bad ones. I'll also ask you about things you like and don't like. It's common for buyers to update their must-have list as we view houses and some things become more essential than others. If that happens, I'll go back through all the listings one more time and trim it down to the home you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Get a grasp of the market
My knowledge of the Tallahassee market is a necessary component in your house search. I am acquainted with all the schools and neighborhoods, and I will let you know which areas are "hot" and call for immediate action and some that are "cold" and allow for cautiousness.

When we view homes, I'll make sure to communicate if the list price has room for bargaining or if I believe the home is "priced to sell." Any real estate agent will tell you they understand the home market, but take notice, and be sure to ask your agent lots of questions. If things don't add up, contact me at 8505246336 or e-mail me at , and I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. My knowledge of the market will help you stay a step ahead through the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the house you've been waiting for
We'll find your dream house in Tallahassee, and when we do, I'll precisely develop your home purchase offer. The offer will be tailored keeping your needs in mind and the home, including a lot of contingencies. A few examples are getting financing, completing the home inspection, and a clear title.

When submitting your purchase offer, you'll want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to the seller to secure an offer to buy the property, and it's typically applied to the cost of closing. If the seller accepts your offer, we should close about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
A lot of contracts don't close on the beginning offer – it's pretty common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it intimidate you. We'll talk about whether or not to accept the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and move on.

The state of the market determines how aggressively we negotiate the contract. In addition, we'll work within your financing limits. And when it's all said and done, we'll put together a contract that is best for you.

Step 7 – Secure a loan
After the deal is complete, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan. If you're already pre-qualified, it won't take long at all, but you should to stay in close contact with your lender. And I'll handle all the property information your mortgage lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your lender will provide you with a Loan Estimate (LE) detailing your closing costs within three days of receiving your loan application. You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) of closing costs from your mortgage lender within three days of accepting your loan application. The estimate depends on the loan amount. RESPA requirements mandate that it has to contain all closing costs and fall within a precise range of accuracy, and I'll review the estimate and let you know if everything looks adequate.

Then we'll close on your house. This should occur at a title company or escrow office and will probably be 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, just call me at 8505246336 or e-mail me at .