Your Guide to Purchasing a Home in St. Augustine
Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, and I’m here to make the process easier for you. Whether you’re buying a family home, an investment property, land, or a condo, I’ll guide you every step of the way.
The home-buying process can sometimes feel overwhelming, but with me by your side, you’ll have an experienced advocate, advisor, and guide, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish.
The Steps to Purchasing Your Dream Home
Here’s a simple breakdown of the home-buying process:
1. Assess Your Finances & Get Pre-Approved
-
Check your credit score and review your budget.
-
Get pre-approved for a mortgage to determine your buying power.
-
Consider loan options such as FHA, VA, or conventional loans.
2. Hire Chaz The Realtor
-
Work with an experienced local agent who understands the Florida market.
-
They will help you find properties, negotiate deals, and navigate the process.
3. Start House Hunting
-
Define your needs (location, size, budget, features).
-
Attend open houses and schedule private showings.
-
Research HOA fees, insurance costs, and property taxes.
4. Make an Offer & Negotiate
-
Submit a competitive offer based on market analysis.
-
Negotiate terms such as price, closing costs, and contingencies.
5. Get a Home Inspection & Appraisal
-
Hire a licensed home inspector to check for issues.
-
Your lender will require an appraisal to confirm the home’s value.
-
Renegotiate if repairs are needed.
6. Secure Financing & Finalize the Loan
-
Submit all required documents to your lender.
-
Lock in your mortgage rate.
-
Obtain homeowners insurance (Florida homes may require additional flood or hurricane insurance).
7. Conduct a Final Walkthrough
-
Ensure all agreed-upon repairs were completed.
-
Verify the home is in the expected condition before closing.
8. Close on Your New Home
-
Sign the final paperwork at the title company.
-
Pay closing costs (which may include taxes, lender fees, and title insurance).
-
Receive the keys and officially become a homeowner!