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Typically a title company or real estate attorney. Due to Florida’s history of title problems, we always recommend that the buyer hire their own title attorney (solicitor) to represent you and execute the title insurance and closing documents. It is a small price to pay for quality title work and peace of mind.

If financing, the lender will require that you get both and depending upon the sales price, the lender may even require two appraisals. If you are paying cash and comfortable with the value of the property, you do not need an appraisal however , we always recommend a survey to be assured that you are […]

The home inspections you will need will depend upon what type of property you are buying. A single family home will require a basic “comprehensive” inspections which covers roof, structural, electrical, plumbing, heat and air conditioning system, appliances and pool. Buyer will typically also have a WDO (Wood Destroying Organism) inspection which would include termites, […]

If you are financing the property it will take about 4-6 weeks. If you are paying cash than about 3 weeks. Other factors affect the closing date such as, types of inspections needed and the seller’s willingness to vacate the property. Sellers of a vacant property prefer to have quick closings. On the day of […]

Desirable properties may get several offers. If so, the seller may give all the buyers making offers a specific deadline to come up with their “highest and best” offer. The buyer then has the opportunity to raise their offer, or keep their original offer. In “highest and best” situations, typically the final sales price/highest bidder […]

Yes, but only if all the other terms of your contract are equal or comparable to other offers. While all sellers like cash offers they will not take less money just because it is cash, unless they believe that the property may have a problem with an adequate appraisal (cash transactions do not require an […]

Pre-qualifying for a mortgage is one of the first steps to take as soon as you think you want to buy a home. Financing has dramatically changed in the past few years, and lenders are scrutinizing like never before. Occasionally, a home buyer cannot qualify to purchase within the budget they had in mind due […]

You should start physically viewing homes as soon as you get a contract on your existing home, unless you can hold two mortgages at the same time, or qualify for the future home while your current home is on the market. In Central Florida Sellers do not like showing their homes to buyers that cannot […]

If the seller lives in town, usually a couple of days; if seller lives out of the country, it could be several days; on a bank owned property it usually takes less than a week; a short sale will take several months.

Legally yes, but realistically a seller will not take a verbal offer seriously. The seller will insist on a written offer with your signed signatures and maybe even an escrow deposit placed with a Title Company. The seller will also require a letter of pre-qualification from a reputable lender or a “proof of funds” if […]