Simple Steps to Follow:

The first step is to select a professional real estate agent to help you find your perfect home and assist with your financial needs and help with all the . Working with a buyer agent is worth consideration since he or she is legally responsible for representing the buyer's interest in a real estate transaction as well as the seller. This means both parties involved typically end up very satisfied with their real estate transaction.

Mortgage rates may vary depending on your credit rating/score. It is important for you to understand your credit rating and how it may impact your ability to get a good interest rate. At Golf & Shore we can help you find a professional lending source, as well as help you understand the different types of loans available for mortgages. For example one-half a point can mean you will save thousands over the term of your mortgage. Or, what paying your mortgage in two monthly payments does to lower your overall interest paid.

The third step should be to get pre-qualified for a loan. This will help you determine a price range and will save you a lot of time when searching for your home or property.

• Find out how much YOU can afford before you shop.
  
• You can increase your negotiating power by pre-qualifying. No waiting – when you make an offer on a home you can afford right away it does give you more negotiating power.
  
• This process typically takes only minutes. Make sure you WRITE down the interest rate that determines your qualified payment.

Write down all of the important things you must have in a home. How many bedrooms, how many baths, one or two car garage, bonus rooms, island in the kitchen and so forth. The next step is to make a list of the items you don’t have to have but would like to see as features on your new home. As you begin house hunting you can narrow your search quickly based on the “must have” first and then the other features you would like to have. Tip: Do some searching on line using our Property Search.

Then contact your Golf & Shore Professional and go over the list of MLS numbers that met with your criteria.

Prior to your closing date make sure:

• Made Deposits necessary for the closing
  
• Completed all the paperwork provided including the title, homeowners insurance, mortgage papers, and any other paper work provided by the your agent/broker or bank. Depending on the county and state there may be paperwork to complete as well.

As silly as it seems sometimes people forget the most important items necessary for a smooth move into a new home.

• If your home has an Alarm System you need to contact the Alarm Company, and make sure it has been disarmed for your arrival and make an appointment to reset the alarm with new pass codes for your use.
  
• Turn your Electricity, water and gas on.
  
• Make sure the home has been cleaned satisfactory and carpets are replaced or cleaned prior to moving in furniture.
  
• Make sure you let your former Post Office know you are moving and give them a correct forwarding address.
  
• And, if you have to do some painting list or renovating we recommend doing this prior to move in.