How do you select the best Brokerage to represent you? Buying real estate is an emotional experience. Your agent should be respectful and not lose sight of this important fact. Knowledge and experience working an entire region is recommended. Buyers relocating have a wide variety of wants and needs. Go with an agent that has worked in all types of communities.

Even prior to doing your on line search for homes, consider the following - length of your stay, schools, area restrictions and bylaws, budget, and personal wants & needs. Condos and single family homes and the most popular choices but their are other options. Set your budget. It’s very difficult to see million dollar homes and then have to settle with much less!

It is always a good idea to build a relationship with a Lender - someone you knows your area of interest and will communicate with you once you are under contract. A Seller will want to see at least a qualification letter along with your offer. A pre-approval is a stronger form of proof of funds. Your Realtor should be able to help you frame the correct questions before you lock in with a Lender.

There are essential and desirable home search criteria. First and foremost is safety and security for you and your family. If you have children, schooling information is an integral part of your search. Commute times, size of property, amenities and floor plan are some key considerations. Work with your Realtor to better understand these elements.

Now it is time to visit properties in neighborhoods that align with your needs. Your Realtor may recommend area touring - especially if you are relocating from another city or country. Familiarizing yourself with neighborhoods will allow you to visualize where you will make your home. Desirable features will now come into play - size, age, amenities, etc.

Make one offer at a time! Your Realtor will write the offer (standard Florida contracts are available). An attorney can review documents if you are not comfortable. Typically a small good faith deposit (to be held by your Attorney or Settlement Agent) will be required with your offer. Negotiations can become emotional - it’s best to relax and enjoy the process.

Legal and professional representation is necessary at this stage. There are many components in the due diligence phase. Usually within 10-15 days all those involved will be informed if the property is acceptable and Buyer will move forward with the purchase. Title work begins, Homeowner Associations are contacted, Lenders applications go to Underwriting, second deposits are due and Sellers will begin to formalize their move out process. At this point, escrow funds are at risk. This is also the time you will be shopping for property insurance in preparation for the closing.

Lenders require a “walk through” take place a few hours before closing. This is not to be considered an inspection. However, its a good time before funds transfer to Sellers to ensure there was nothing major hidden or no catastrophic activity involved in or around the house. The insurance company will also need to bind the property prior to closing. Any receipts for repairs or services agreed to should be available for the buyers. Your agent should be available to attend the closing and receive the keys on your behalf of you are not in attendance.