Items to Consider When Buying a Home
YOUR BUYING POWER
It’s important to identify what you are able to afford when it comes to a home and how much a lender is willing to loan based on key factors such as income, debt, expenses etc.
Colleen will help you work within that budget and take into account other considerations as it relates to the property you seek.
TYPE OF PROPERTY
Are you looking for a single-family home, townhouse, condominium, or a multi-family building? Will you be renting the property out, or will it be your primary residence?
Colleen will help you think through the many options and considerations for each that will impact your search.
YOUR MUST HAVES
Identify your must-haves and list them out in priority, for both you and whomever you may be purchasing your home with. Do you need a pool, tennis courts or other amenities on-site? How about a water or oceanview?
Make a list of your non-negotiables when it comes to a home and take that with you when you are looking at homes.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
This is one of the most important factors to consider when you’re looking for your new home, because the location of the property cannot be changed.
Are wanting to be on Amelia Island, or are you looking for an island off-island in the Fernandina Beach or Yulee area? Colleen can help you weigh the pros and cons of living "on island" vs. "off-island."
Colleen's Steps for Buying a Home
Gain Mortgage Pre-Approval
(if financing)
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is an important step in the home buying process. It shows sellers that you're a serious buyer and it gives you an idea of how much you can afford to borrow. It also gives you a chance to compare interest rates and fees from different lenders.
Colleen works with a variety of lenders in the Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach area is happy to assist you with finding one that is a good fit.
Initial Consultation with Colleen
Shop for Your Property
Offers & Negotiations
Once you find the property you've dreamed of, Colleen will assist you with writing a competitive offer and negotiate the ideal terms and prices based on your goals.
She is dedicated to acting in the best interest of each of her clients, and represents her clients with skill, dedication and transparency.
Home Inspection
Appraisal
Finalize Documents
Colleen will guide you through the final stages of the buying journey, including managing your transaction with utmost care, closing preparations and after sale services to support you.
Colleen has strong communication skills that enable her to keep you and all parties in the transaction “in the loop” throughout the contract to closing process.
Final Walk Through
Just before closing, Colleen will schedule a final walkthrough of the property. This is your last chance to make sure that the property is in the same condition as it was when you made your offer, and that any agreed-upon repairs have been made.
The closing process is where the buyer and seller execute and sign all remaining legal documents and pay closing costs and escrow items. Once all paperwork is executed you will receive the keys to your new home and then all that’s left to do is celebrate!
