Mike Doman

Realtor®

Cell (850) 910-2589

Florida License #SL3395665

Buying A New Home?

Buying a new home can be a daunting task.  I have lived in Northwest Florida my whole life and know this area like the back of my hand.  Also being an avid fisherman and boater, I am familiar with waterfront properties that will best suit your needs.  Here are a few essential tips for making the process as smooth as possible.

Hire a professional.
While the Internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings and resources, many aspects of the buying process require a level of expertise you can’t pick up from surfing the web. That’s why you’re better off using a professional agent than going it alone.

Get your finances in order.
Start by getting a full picture of your credit. Obtain copies of your credit report. Make sure the facts are correct, and fix any problems you find. Next, find a suitable lender and get pre-approved for a loan. This will put you in a better position to make a serious offer when you do find the right house.  There are also a number of tools and calculators online that can help you understand how your income, debt, and expenses affect what you can afford. Don’t forget, too, that there are lots of considerations beyond the sticker price, including property taxes, energy costs, etc.

Think long term.
Obviously, you shouldn’t buy unless you’re sure you’ll be staying put for at least a few years. Beyond that, you should buy in a neighborhood with good schools. Whether you have children or not, this will have an impact on your new home’s resale value down the line. When it comes to the house itself, you should hire your own home inspector, termite inspector and surveyor who can point out potential problems that could require costly repairs in the future.