Florida Home Buying Tips

source: http://www.panload.com/page.php?id=394889
1. Buy a home if you can commit to living there at least 3 years
2. You do not need a down payment because real estate appreciates.  Therefore, it is more important to find a home that is priced right and that will appreciate then to try to save money for down payment.
3. Get Pre-Qualified with a mortgage broker.  You will know how much your monthly payment will be and how much you can afford to spend on a home.
4. Consult a quality Realtor (like John Curri) as soon as possible.  They have access to multiple listing systems, know the legal aspects and the steps necessary to secure your transaction and avoid costly mistakes.
5. Make two lists, a list of must haves and a list of wants for your home search to help keep yourself organized.
6. Pick Your Favorite Neighborhoods You can always make changes to your house, but you can never change its location.
7. after you have done all the research and put in the time, be confident and make your decision so another buyer does not take the home you want to purchase.

source: http://activerain.com/blogsview/293223/When-you-are-a
Here is a list of the people involved in the real estate transaction process including the real estate agent, real estate broker, mortgage broker, lender, inspector, escrow officer, financial and tax advisors, Real estate attorney.

source: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/20/business/realestate/main2954402.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_2954402
Time to Buy?
The bottom line is that the current trends point to a rise in the number of sellers eager to cut a deal, which is the good news that many home buyers have been waiting for. All local real estate markets are different, national and even state trends are not necessarily going to be relevant to a particular local market. To be confident that the price you are paying is a good one where the home will appreciate in value follow this list of suggestions:
1. Research the local housing market. Get the listings of the houses in your desired price range and area. Compare the original list prices and final sales prices to determine price reductions sellers are accepting. A house that has been on the market for a few months or more, or one where the seller has dropped the asking price several times, would be an indicator that the seller is more willing to deal, giving you more room to bargain and get an even better price.
2. Ask how long ago they purchased the home and why they are selling.  Both answers will be helpful in the price negotiation.
3. Look for a home that is in a great location but looks "tired” You may be able to get a much lower price and only have to invest a small amount of time and money in repainting or replacing fixtures to greatly increase the homes value.
4. Get an Inspection and Deduct Cost of Repairs.  Use these costs to negotiate lower selling price.

source: http://i.abcnews.com/WN/BusinessOfLife/story?id=3529775&page=1
If you are looking to buy, this is a great time for you. Interest rates are still at a very low mark, there are a lot more houses available in certain areas and buyers can take their time selecting a home because places are staying on the market longer. Tips for Buyers:
1. Be a Careful Shopper. It is a buyers market with a wide variety of choices, so do not make a hurried decision.
2.  However, do make a decision soon.  it might pay to make a decision in the next few months. The housing market is expected to pick up in three to six months when the uncertainty in the mortgage market settles, so the window of opportunity may not favor buyers through 2008.
3.  Don't Try to Time the Market. It is best to work with your sales associate to make an offer based upon the prices at which similar homes in the market are selling. In a buyer's market, there are more opportunities for negotiations, but making an offer is an important step.