Buyer Resources
Your Guide to Home Ownership: Buying with Confidence
The path to finding your dream home doesn’t have to be stressful. We simplify the complexities of the market and equip you with the resources needed to make a confident decision.
Focus Points:
The Right Home, Right Now: Access up-to-the-minute listings tailored to your family’s specific needs and price point across Central Florida.
Worry-Free Process: We walk you through every critical stage—from pre-approval and making a competitive offer to navigating inspections and closing day.
Neighborhood Focus: Get the inside track on local schools, community amenities, and future growth areas to ensure your home is a smart, lasting investment for your family.
7 Steps to Buying
Step 1: Decide to Purchase
I know it sounds silly but this decision needs to be made before you move forward.
Step 2: Contact ME, Your Real Estate Agent
Remember, as a Buyer’s agent. My services to you are virtually free! On typical deals the Seller pays the Buyer’s agent commission. So, take advantage of my free services. Together we will discuss what you want in a home and come up with a game plan of what’s next.
Step 3: Get Pre-approved
Getting pre-approved and knowing exactly how much house you can afford before shopping for a home is key to winning over sellers, real estate agents agree. I can get you in touch with a preferred Lender, if you don’t have a relationship with one yet.
Step 4: Find Your Perfect Home
Together, we will view properties and narrow the prospects down to your favorite one!
Step 5: Make an Offer
Making an offer is a big deal! Once accepted by the Seller, it becomes your binding contract! Don’t worry. That’s where I come in handy. I will help you figure out what a fair offer is based off comparable homes in the market and other details of the contract. There is a lot that goes into a contract and having me on your side is ideal.
Step 6: Fulfill Your Due Dilligence
There are several documents myself or your lender will need from you. Including your signature on additional documents. Time is of the essence. Please be diligent in getting documents back to us in a timely manner.
Step 7: Closing Day!
Closings take typically 30-45 days to close. Depending on your type of financing and your lender’s workload. I will be working closely with your Lender to assure a smooth process for you. Closings are typically held at the title company and I will set the exact time of close with you about a week prior. Be sure to bring your Driver’s License.
Why You Should Choose Me As Your Real Estate Agent?
Ethical Representation: As a member of the Lakeland Association of Realtors, I abide by a strict Code of Ethics. This means I’m obligated to deal honestly with all parties and always put your interests ahead of my own.
True Pricing Expertise: We go far beyond online comparisons. We use our experience to accurately determine if a house is truly overpriced or underpriced, considering factors beyond the basic price per square foot.
Access to All Homes: While most listings are online, some sellers prefer to keep their sale quiet. I have access to these unpublicized listings, ensuring you see every available home that fits your criteria.
Mastering the Paperwork: Buying a home generates mountains of contracts, offers, counter-offers, and addendums. I take care of managing all documents and deadlines, handling the numerous processes behind the scenes to ensure a smooth closing.
Unemotional Negotiation: It’s easy to lose your cool when fighting over a crucial repair. I write requests and conduct negotiations objectively, saving you the stress and preventing emotional decisions from killing your deal.
Strategic Repair Handling: I can identify potential trouble you might miss and will recommend a trusted home inspector. I then help you sort through the inspection report to determine what repair requests are reasonable, important, and worth negotiating, taking that anxiety away from you.
Closing Pitfall Prevention: The final hours before closing are notorious for hidden pitfalls that can derail a sale. I know exactly what to watch for and am skilled at troubleshooting and quickly resolving issues to successfully get you to the closing table.
EMAIL ADDRESS:
tiffany.flrealtor@gmail.com
PHONE NUMBER:
863-535-6289
Opting For New Home Construction
Whether to buy an existing home or have one built is yet another decision to make during the home-buying process. If you decide to go with new construction, a real estate agent can be a powerful advocate in your corner as you negotiate upgrades, a move-in date and other terms with the home builder.
Below are some basic pointers to prepare you for the journey ahead.
> Selecting a builder
Shopping for a large production or custom home builder can be a daunting task. Start by defining what architectural styles appeal to you and then seek out the builders in your area who offer those styles. Due diligence is essential. Ask friends for referrals to get firsthand accounts; verify the builder’s state license status, if applicable; and check whether they’re certified by the National Association of Home Builders.
> The builder representative and your real estate agent
A builder representative’s ultimate goal is to sell you a home. His or her role is to provide a wide range of information to help you in your decision-making, from building restrictions, roads and easements to inspections, warranties, rebates and upgrades. A real estate agent knowledgeable in new-home construction will be able to help you wade through all the data and point out the downsides and upsides of each line item. Your agent also can look out for your interests in reviewing the builder’s contract, which often contains more legal jargon than consumer-friendly language.
> It’s all about timing
Market conditions greatly dictate a builder’s incentive to make a deal you cannot refuse. When a builder has inventory on his hands, his carrying costs start adding up. When this happens, a builder might be more amenable to strike a favorable deal, whether it’s throwing in upgrades or taking a bit off the asking price. A real estate agent can help you know when market conditions are right for these benefits. Also, watch for builder close-out sales. Builders promote these special events when a new subdivision is near completion but empty inventory still remains.
> A word about paying up
While there are always exceptions, most builders require a deposit when a purchase agreement is signed. They also require that the buyer pay for any upgrades prior to closing. If you back out prior to closing, unless the agreement states otherwise, you will lose that money. Make sure you understand every detail in the builder’s contract before signing it.
Buyer's Etiquette - the Do's & the Don'ts
Get pre-approved for a home loan
Getting pre-approved and knowing exactly how much house you can afford before shopping for a home is key to winning over sellers, real estate agents agree. I can get you in touch with a preferred Lender, if you don’t have a relationship with one yet.
Ask permission before taking photos
Want to take a few pictures or shoot some video to help you remember all those small details? Ask first. There might be concerns about privacy that you’re not aware of.
Don’t bring an entourage
Limit property viewings to your top two or three homes before bringing along family. Too many outside opinions can be confusing and prolong the process. If you bring children, for safety reasons, please ensure they do not wander during the tour.
Don’t Enter A Home Without an Agent
Even if the doors are unlocked, do not enter the home without a Real Estate Agent. Whether the home is vacant or not. It is considered unauthorized entrance and we don’t want the police called. Please be patient and wait to setup an appointment with me.
Don’t linger too long
Just how long is long enough to truly take in a home? While there’s no formal rule, but anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes is typical for a first showing. Taking a bit longer may be okay, but remember: You can always go back for a second showing and will likely need to.