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The "Really" Real Life Guide To Buying A Home
By Wayne Unger

            Keywords here are "really real". In my quest to always provide helpful and accurate information I noticed a pattern with home buying /guides/blogs. They are  written by someone who is not a real estate professional that contain inaccuracies and lack insight of someone who  has actually sold homes professionally. Or, they are written by a real estate professional in a style that directs you to them as opposed to providing unbiased information for you to make a decision that is best for you and your family, This is where I come in. I will advise you on the steps to take and the proper order as well as the questions you and your family should be asking yourselves. 

Step One: This is similar to asking the question: Which came first, the chicken or the egg? In most cases I am the first to be contacted by customers. They usually have seen a home on my website that they are interested in. That being said, before you search for a home you should get pre-approved for a mortgage. If you have a mortgage person speak to them. If you don't know where to begin, ask your realtor. I do not receive any compensation for referring you. Speaking for myself (but I find this true of most realtors), I'm very selective as to who I recommend to customers. I use the term recommend, but in actuality, I generally direct people to the “Apply For A Loan” page on my website. There you will find a list of lenders who my customers have been satisfied with in previous sale. They will be an extension of my reputation and without a mortgage I cannot sell you a home unless you are making a cash purchase. They can tell you how much home you are qualified to purchase as well as find a loan program that suits your needs and financial profile best. Also, sellers will not accept offers without a written pre-approval or proof of funds in the event you are paying cash.

Step Two: Now that you have a mortgage pre-approval (I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt that you were smart enough to read and follow through on step one) and know what your price range is, how are you going to find your home? Most buyers go to one of the many real estate websites and start browsing. Sometimes they will browse on many different websites. If you have done this in the past you probably noticed they all have the same homes for sale. That's because of the Multiple Listing Service or MLS. When a realtor lists a home for sale, they will post it on the MLS so other realtors can see it and if it matches what one of their buyers is looking for, they will pass it on to them. There are two key points from that last sentence. The first one is, despite all the information available on the internet, it's in your best interest as a buyer to have me as a realtor. The listing realtor/agent is representing the person selling the home. While there are rules concerning what is known as dual agency, the listing agents job is still to get the best price and terms for the seller. A buyers agent represents you and is there to negotiate price and terms. An example of some terms would be inspection period (I will cover that later), contingencies. what appliances/fixtures are staying, reviewing the sellers disclosure and more. You are entering into a contract to make a large purchase. Use a professional to guide you. 
            The second point is matching you to the right home. I personally do not like to be labeled as a salesperson because I do not try to sell someone on a home. I consider myself a "matchmaker" and I sleep very well knowing I adhere to that. I ask buyers a lot of questions. The first and most obvious is price and if their price was determined by speaking to a qualified lender. Once that is established I ask if there are any particular areas they prefer and why. It helps me to determine what their priorities are such as schools, commute to their job(s), close proximity to family members, etc. The next question is the size of the home in regards to square footage, number of bedrooms, the size of the property itself, etc. I don't stop there. Particularly if their budget falls short of their wants and needs. I will ask if they are both comfortable as well as capable of doing their own repairs or renovations. That might help them match their wants and needs to their budget. 
          I can go on, but I prefer you reach out and call me. There is no obligation. I have a protective nature so I’m always happy to give someone good information.

Wayne Unger 407-551-9561 or waynesellsorlando@gmail.com