Finding Your New Home

One of the most common mistakes people make during the search for their new home is doing it unprepared. Your home will likely will be the biggest investment you ever make, so it's of the utmost importance that you consider all of your options and find something that you truly love. If you've never purchased a new home before or just want some help in the process, read some of these helpful tips:

• Get prequalified for your mortgage: One of the first things we always recommended is getting your mortgage before even searching for a house, which you can do right now from the Florida Fixed Rate Mortgage website! By getting your mortgage first, you'll set a clear limit for yourself and make your search that much easier.
• Side-by-side comparisons: Make a checklist of what each house you visit has or lacks, then compare all of them when you're done.
• Needs vs. Wants: Early on in the process you'll have to figure out what you really need in your home and what you just want. Do you need a huge backyard if you rarely spend time in it or do you just want one?
• Location, Location, Location: Your new home's location is just as important as the home itself. If you have children, are there schools nearby? Do you have easy freeway access? How much money will you have to spend on gas if you live in a new community and have a long commute everyday?
• Do your homework: The internet contains a wealth of information about recent trends in the housing market, averages prices of homes in different areas, and useful information about various neighborhoods.
• See through decorations: Many agents avoid taking their clients to homes that a seller is currently living in because first time buyers are easily distracted by the inhabitant's decorations, furniture, etc. Learn to see through these things and focus on what can't be changed in the house.
• Take a camera: If you end up visiting many different houses, you'll have a hard time remembering the details of each one. Take some pictures while you're visiting them, it'll help refresh your memory.

If you have any questions, please check out our FAQ page.