by Mike Colpitts 
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that buying a home is the largest investment that most people make in a lifetime. But it does take careful consideration and a good examination of people to pick the right real estate agent to determine how to buy a home.
In order to make sure that your purchase of a home or other property goes smoothly, it’s vital to choose the right agent to represent your interests. The right agent will be one whose experience, honesty and integrity you trust. The National Association of Realtors code of ethics is an integral part of the profession.
That means you should feel comfortable with the person. Experience counts when it comes to real estate and so does hard work. Some people are lazy and the last thing you want is anyone working with you who is lazy or who lacks integrity.
After 23 years in real estate, I realize there are a lot of things that people want when it comes to a real estate agent. But honesty and integrity are the most important. You want a Realtor who is sworn to uphold ethical values and who will represent your interests when you buy property in the best light possible.
It’s also important that your transaction is accomplished in the least amount of time and that you sustain the least amount of stress when you are learning how to buy a home. The home buying process isn’t something most of us go through very often and there are a lot of considerations to make sure that you have the best experience possible. There are a series of steps to take to insure things go as well as possible.
Best Steps How to Buy a Home
There’s nothing more frustrating than looking for a home and then discovering that it is out of your price range. Get pre-approved by a lender first so you won’t have to possibly go through this. A good agent can recommend a lender who can determine different financing options available to you.
When you find the right lender, have them get started on the paperwork process right away so that you are ready to buy when you find the right home. Conditions in the home buying market are always changing. Today’s market in Fort Myers is in favor of the buyers but things will definitely be changing back to be a seller’s market in time.
A pre-approval letter, including a check of your credit worthiness can go a long way to getting your offer accepted over another buyer’s. If you think you may have difficulty obtaining conventional financing, owner financing may be another option.
Avoid Making Major Purchases to Buy a Home
Lenders use pre-determined debt ratios calculated from your income and debt to determine the amount or price of a home you qualify for and that ratio is at the very heart of the home buying process. Income and debt are the two key factors. The ratio is based on the percentage of your gross income compared to debt.
It includes monthly housing costs, car payments, student loans, credit card debt and any other installment loans. If you take on more debt just before buying a home it is going to have an impact on the amount of the loan the lender will finance.
Home Inspections are a Must
One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to buy a home inspection when you purchase a home. Look at it this way. It’s like buying insurance. If there are problems with the home you are considering, you can either opt to purchase the home or bail.
Often times, the seller will agree to make the necessary improvements before the sale closes. Your peace of mind is a vital ingredient in the buying process. It’s better to be smart about things and make sure the home doesn’t have unexpected problems before you close escrow.
After all you wouldn’t want to be buying a new air-conditioner weeks after moving into a new home in the middle of our hot summers. Saving a few dollars on a home inspection is not the smartest decision that can be made.
A purchase contract will usually have a clause that states that the contract is contingent upon the buyer’s acceptance of a satisfactory home inspection, or you can add the provision to a contract to purchase. As you can see, there are all sorts of issues that can come up in the buying process, which is why it’s so important to get the right real estate agent to work with to learn how to buy a home.
There are a series of other inspections that might also be an important part of the home buying process for the home you have selected, including inspections for mold, termites and even radon. The right ethical agent will make recommendations, so you are protected in your home buying process.
If you’re considering a purchase in the Fort Myers area, I’d be pleased to help. I’m Mike Colpitts and you can contact me through this website or by calling (239) 379-2552.