Pre-Approval

• Shop around and compare rates + programs + financing plans

• Choose your lender, contact me for lenders I’ve worked with in the past.

• Submit your pre-approval letter to your Realtor (email to stpetemonique@gmail.com)

• Lowest interest, low down payment loans: USDA loans for rural areas, VA loans for veterans, HUD programs, or try FloridaHousing.org

Decide

After your budget has been determined during the pre-approval process, the fun can begin. Decide on search criteria priorities. Everyone's list will be different. Focus on what is most important for your lifestyle: location, number of beds and baths, yard or condo? Once you have your basics covered, then consider finishings like granite counter tops, etc.

Visit Homes

I'll show you the best of the Bay. Receive regular emails with homes, condos, and/or commercial properties that meet your criteria. Seamlessly mark your favorites and I will coordinate showing appointments.

When we visit, as you imagine yourself in the home, I will check for the not-so-fun details...water heater age, electrical box, flooring, structural highlights or inefficiencies. 

• Take photos

• Make notes on your Full Reports for each home and store the sheets in a common place

• Utilize the Checklist included in your Buyer Welcome Packet to compare the homes you've seen

• Go to Open Houses that MEET YOUR CRITERIA and please let the agents on site know that you are working with Monique Williams of Lombardo Team Real Estate.

Pick Winners

After you have a feel for the market, it is time to narrow down your search criteria and your favorites. When you have a favorite, drive by the home at night and test your commute during rush hours to see if you can not only picture yourself in the home, but can you picture yourself in the neighborhood. 

Once you've identified favorites, I'll dig up details on permits, sale history, and more!

Make An Offer

You found THE ONE!!! I will promptly find comparable properties in the area, find answers to any burning questions, and then I will write up an offer on your behalf. You must approve the offer and provide a satisfactory earnest money deposit to show "good faith" and it then it is off to the Seller. The goal is to position yourself in a place of negotiating power by placing a strong offer, especially in today's' highly competitive real estate market.

If your offer is accepted by the Seller, the home is on track to become yours (usually within 30-days). Common ways that a buyer will opt out of a deal are if:

1. The home appraises for less than the amount of the home loan. The bank won't lend you money if the home isn't worth it!

2. The inspection reveals flaws that you are uncomfortable with & the Seller refuses to repair.

3. If you lose your job, increase debt, or suffer a declining credit score - the deal can fall through.

The home inspection will usually occur within 15 days of an accepted offer. Post-inspection, you will receive a VERY detailed report on the property. Based on this, we can request certain repairs.

Financing

While under contract, your lender may request multiple documents from you including bank statements, W-2’s, 1099’s, income verification, and may even find it necessary to make calls to your employer. The underwriter will be taking a deep dive into your credit and financial history to measure the risk of lending to you.

Once you’ve made it through the inspection period, appraisals, selected a home insurance provider (I’ll share my contacts), and been cleared from underwriting….

I will schedule a walk-through for the property. During this time, everything agreed upon in the contract should be done. The home you see at a walk-through is the home you will be moving into (if satisfactory) so check out all electric, plumbing, appliances and other details that may apply.

Close

At the Title Company, you the Buyer will "close the deal" with all funds provided and final contracts accepted/signed. The keys are yours. WELCOME HOME!!