Buyer Tips

The home buying process can seem overwhelming and complicated but with Karen Arbutine & Associates and RE/MAX by your side you will soon be holding the keys to your new home.

To get you started, here are some tips and what you can expect through the home buying process.

Hire a Real Estate Professional

An important first step is selecting a home buying professional to help you find your dream home and fine-tune your financial expectations. Working with a REALTOR® is worth consideration because he or she is legally responsible for representing the buyer's interest in a real estate transaction. Before making a decision, however, have a REALTOR® explain the pros and cons of using a buyer agent versus a dual agent. Karen Arbutine & Associates with RE/MAX Central Realty can guide you through every step of the home buying process.?

Shop for Mortgage Rates and Terms?

A difference of even half a percentage point can mean a considerable savings over the life of a loan. For example, the difference in the monthly payment on a $100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about $35 per month. Over 30 years, that's $12,600. ?

Prequalify for a Loan

You will want to get prequalified for a mortgage loan early in the home buying process, this will help you to determine how much you can afford. It allows you to move swiftly when you find the right home, especially when there are other interested buyers. It also indicates to the seller that you are serious about home buying and can afford to buy the property. ?

Outline What you Want

?The next step in home buying is to create a realistic idea of the property you'd like to buy. What features are most important to you? Make two lists: one of the items you can't live without and one of the features you would enjoy. Refine the lists as you house-hunt. It is also helpful to search online to see what is currently available on the market. Once you have an idea of what you are after Karen Arbutine & Associates can send you new homes as they come on the market. ?

Visit Properties

?Now you're ready to visit houses that are for sale. Karen Arbutine & Associates will arrange showings for the homes you would like to see. Be sure to keep track of the properties you've seen. Each time you venture out to see more properties, revisit your notes to immediately eliminate any that clearly do not meet your standards.?

Know the Features that Help or Hurt Resale

?In some areas, a swimming pool actually detracts from a home's value and makes it harder to sell. In neighborhoods with two-car, attached garages, a single-car or detached garage may affect the home buying prospects and future value. Your RE/MAX professional can point out features that hurt or help resale value.?

Rate the Homes you Tour

?After touring each home, write down what you liked and didn't like. Develop a rating system that will help narrow the home buying field. For example, pick the house you like best on day one and compare all other houses to it. When you find a better one, use the new favorite as the standard. Avoid trying to track more than four top choices at any given time since this can quickly become overwhelming.?

Make an Offer

?Once you've pinpointed your dream house, it's time to get serious about the financial and contractual side of the purchase. Karen Arbutine & Associates will guide you through this sensitive home buying process. Because you and the seller have different goals, rely on your RE/MAX agent's experience and expertise to bring order and calm to the process - and help both parties reach a favorable outcome.?

Arrange For a Home Inspection

After your offer is accepted, set up a home inspection. It's common to find problems, including leaky roofs, cracked walls, insect infestations and foundation problems. Your real estate professional can help find a reputable inspector, and will negotiate to get you the most for your money once the inspector's report is final. If you negotiate repairs as part of the purchase, ask for a "walk through" before finalizing the home buying paperwork. Ask your real estate expert about home protection plans, which may save you money in the near future.?

Close

?Before your closing date, make sure you've made all necessary deposits and completed the paperwork - including mortgage, title, homeowner's insurance and any other paperwork required by local or state governments when home buying. Your RE/MAX agent will be there to help you complete that closing checklist and avoid any last-minute snags. You deserve to enjoy every moment of the home buying process.?

Prepare for Life in Your New Home

Before rolling out the welcome mat, consider some moving basics: arranging for an alarm company, turning on electricity, water and gas, cleaning or replacing the carpet, and notifying your local post office of your new address. The best time for renovations is often before you move in.

If you are ready to begin the home buying process, contact Karen Arbutine & Associates at 888.727.7778 they will help you find the answers - and give you peace of mind.
 

See more properties for sale below

MLS #L4623093 | Winter Haven Commercial / 2 Bathrooms For Rent	5927 STATE ROAD 542 Winter Haven, FL 33880
ROLLOVER TO VIEW 10 PHOTOS $1.00 per sqft Winter Haven For Rent/Lease 2 baths, 2680 living sqft Triple Net Lease. Warehouse with office space in convenient location very close to Polk Parkway. Warehouse with office space in convenient location very close to Polk Parkway. Features insulated warehouse 2 large offices, 2 restrooms, plenty ... Top Features: for rent , Lot SQFT: 11891sqft , Built in  1991

MLS #T2365822 | Tampa Commercial For Rent Banza Banza	2812 N 22ND ST Tampa, FL 33605
$1.00 per sqft Tampa For Rent/Lease 3500 living sqft Commercial office space available for lease on first level of office building. Only $495 a month! Located off busy 22nd Street next to the East Tampa Business & Civic Association offices not far from Historic Ybor City or interstate I-4. Top Features: for rent , Subdivision: Banza Banza , Lot SQFT: 3611sqft , Built in  1950

MLS #L4615388 | Lakeland Commercial For Rent	2520 KNIGHTS STATION ROAD Lakeland, FL 33810
ROLLOVER TO VIEW 2 PHOTOS $1.00 per sqft Lakeland For Rent/Lease Nnn lease Top Features: for rent , Lot SQFT: 538401sqft , Built in  1998

MLS #O4885519 | Orlando Commercial For Sale	7721 NARCOOSSEE Orlando, FL 32822
$1.00 per sqft Orlando Commercial For Sale ****rare***availiable frontage on narccoossee road cheap. fenced and ready now. one half mile from the 528 and a short distance to airport, 436, lake nonas medical city. property has two access points so there is east access if you have big ... Top Features: for sale , Lot SQFT: 38999sqft

MLS #C7009520 | Punta Gorda Commercial / 3 Bathrooms For Rent Pineapple Centre	610 CHARLOTTE ST Punta Gorda, FL 33950
ROLLOVER TO VIEW 7 PHOTOS $1.00 per sqft Punta Gorda For Rent/Lease 3 baths, 6000 living sqft Zoned ci - 3 units for lease - bays 24' x 50' w/12'x12' drive-in door plus man-door. 16' height eve, 100amps elec, ada restroom. 1,200sf or 2,400sf or 3,600sf $5.75/sf gross plus elec - close to hwy 17 / i-75 property is also for sale ml... Top Features: for rent , Subdivision: Pineapple Centre , Lot SQFT: 20037sqft , Built in  2000

MLS #M505057 | Sarasota Commercial / 4 Bathrooms For Sale	2044 47TH ST Sarasota, FL 34234
ROLLOVER TO VIEW 5 PHOTOS $2.00 per sqft Sarasota Commercial For Sale 4 baths, 36884 living sqft Price reduced $1.00 since 4/21/09 | $1.99 per square foot!! great visibility from us 301. ilw zoning allows for many potential uses. over 41,000 cars per day daily traffic on us 301. 8 grade level overhead doors. 2500+/- square feet of existing office. csx railroad door and spur. ... Top Features: for sale , Lot SQFT: 64050sqft , Built in  1958

MLS #T2406571 | Tampa Commercial For Sale Lesley's J T Addition	Tampa, FL 33605
ROLLOVER TO VIEW 6 PHOTOS $4.00 per sqft Tampa Commercial For Sale 29205 living sqft Top Features: for sale , Subdivision: Lesley's J T Addition , Lot SQFT: 25700sqft , Built in  1942

MLS #M5798222 | Sarasota Commercial / 2 Bathrooms For Sale Parkland Center Ph I	2280 TRAILMATE DR Sarasota, FL 34243
ROLLOVER TO VIEW 5 PHOTOS $5.00 per sqft Sarasota Commercial For Sale 2 baths, Price reduced $1.00 since 4/21/09 | Great newer building near airport in southern Manatee County. CAM includes water, sewer, taxes, insurance, outside maintenance, fire alarm. Tenant pays own elec and phone. Office is air conditioned. Warehouse does not have AC. Top Features: for sale , Subdivision: Parkland Center Ph I , Lot SQFT: 111078sqft , Built in  2001

MLS #C7010228 | Punta Gorda Commercial / 8 Bathrooms For Sale	6025 TAYLOR RD Punta Gorda, FL 33950
ROLLOVER TO VIEW 8 PHOTOS $5.00 per sqft Punta Gorda Commercial For Sale 8 baths, 26322 living sqft Beaumont business center 1,200sf - 26,400sf office warehouse space at $4.99/sf gross - you pay rent and utilities - no extra charges - lowest priced space of it's kind on the market - drive-in doors with automatic-openers take your pick of ... Top Features: for sale , Lot SQFT: 229866sqft , Built in  2004

MLS #O4909305 | Apopka Commercial For Sale Flemings D H Add To Zellwood	5851 W PONKAN RD Apopka, FL 32703
$5.00 per sqft Apopka Commercial For Sale 6400 living sqft A rare find. This 13,680++ sq.ft. building is currently occupied by a fern business, but has many possibilities including manufacturing. This Ground level, modular-metal building includes grade and dock-high doors, loading pads, 6400sq.ft.+ ... Top Features: for sale , Subdivision: Flemings D H Add To Zellwood , Lot SQFT: 243935sqft , Built in  1983

Karen is in the News Again Sold $8M Seminole County Home - Sale Price Breaks Record Click play on the video to the left. As featured on: MSNBC: Sales Price Breaks Record Orlando Sentinel: Record $8 million for Longwood mansion Orlando Business Journal

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