Are you looking to purchase a new home in Islamorada or throughout the Florida Keys? Jamie Engel, Realtor can help.

	When you're ready to get started, simply contact me here or send e-mail to Jamie@BuyInTheKeys.com. I'm happy to answer any questions you have regarding this information.

Step 1 – Get ready to buy a home
There are plenty of things you need to take into account prior to beginning your home search. You'll probably want to create a list of features you want to have, get a plan of what school districts and neighborhoods you'd like to live in, and start working on your budget. Ensuring your mortgage payment is no more than 30 percent of your monthly income is a good principle to follow.

Step 2 – Talk to a real estate agent in Islamorada
That's where I can help. We'll book a time to get together so we can talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll talk about the mortgage and housing industries, other economic factors that may affect your purchase today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and schools in the Islamorada area.

I can also help you get started on your loan. Jamie Engel, Realtor works with some of the best mortgage professionals in Islamorada, so you'll be in great hands. They can help you figure out which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Begin looking for a house
Following our first meeting, I'll start looking for available houses on the market that suit your needs. I'll preview most of the homes and reject the bad ones, and then we'll book appointments to view the houses at a time that's convenient for you.

When we view the houses, I'll identify good features, as well as negative ones. I'll even ask you about things you like and don't like. As a rule, buyers revise their list of must-haves as we view houses and some items become far more necessary than others. If such is the case, I'll go back through all the listings another time and trim it down to the house you've been wishing for.

Step 4 – Understand the housing market
My knowledge of the Islamorada market is a crucial benefit in your house search. I'm conscious of all the school districts and neighborhoods, and I'll alert you to certain neighborhoods are "hot" and require immediate action and some that are "cool" and allow for cautiousness.

As we tour houses, I'll be sure to tell you if the seller's list price has room for negotiation or if I believe the house is "priced to sell." Be careful and make sure you ask your agent a lot of questions, as any real estate agent will claim to comprehend the home market. If it appears they don't know everything, contact me at (305) 394-2500 or e-mail me at Jamie@BuyInTheKeys.com, and I'll be glad to answer your questions. My knowledge of the market will keep you a step above the rest through the entire process.

Step 5 – Find your dream house
I'm sure we'll find your dream house in the Florida Keys, and when we do, I'll precisely create your purchase offer. The offer will be made keeping your needs in mind. Whenever necessary, I never forget to make contracts contingent upon items like your ability to secure financing and the results of the home inspection.

When we submit your purchase offer, you'll likely want to submit "earnest money." This is a cash deposit submitted to a seller to secure an offer to buy the property. The amount is usually applied to the closing costs. If the seller accepts your offer, we should close about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows sufficient time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
A lot of contracts aren't closed on the beginning offer – it's widely common to receive a counter offer. But don't let it discourage you. We'll talk about whether or not to agree to the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and go on.

How aggressively we negotiate the deal depends on market conditions. We'll also work within your financing limits. And when it's all said and done, we'll compose a deal that's best for you.

Step 7 – Get a loan
Once we sign the final contract, you'll start working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. If you've been pre-approved, it shouldn't take very long at all, but you'll want to stay in close contact with your lender. And I'll take care of all the property information your lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) outlining closing costs from your lender within three days of accepting your loan application. The estimate rests on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements order that it has to involve all closing costs and fall within a close range of accuracy. I'll study the estimate and let you know if everything looks adequate.

Then we'll close on your house. This will probably happen at a title company or escrow office and will probably be a smooth and peaceful occurrence.

Step 9 – Move in
Success! It's time to move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything or have any questions, make sure you contact me at (305) 394-2500 or send me an e-mail.