Thinking of buying property in Naples? Do your Homework!

BUYERS

Thinking of buying property in Naples Florida is an exciting and dream worthy prospect! But whether you’re a local already, or you’re searching for your dream home from across the world, due diligence is needed to set yourself up for a smooth and successful purchase.

We’re talking the finer points of mortgage pre-approval, ensuring enough cash is available on hand for the down-payment or purchase, contigency home sales, motivation to buy and of course location, location, location!

We’ll wrap up by talking about internal considerations (like time management) and external factors (like time of the year, market trends and weather).

 

START WITH A PRE-APPROVAL

While knowing how much you can afford is the first step, sellers will be much more receptive to potential buyers who have been pre-approved. You’ll also avoid being disappointed when going after homes that are out of your price range.

With Pre-Approval, the buyer actually applies for a mortgage and receives a commitment in writing from a lender. This way, assuming the home you’re interested in is at or under the amount you are pre-qualified for, the seller knows immediately that you are a serious buyer for that property.

Costs for pre-approval are generally nominal and lenders will usually permit you to pay them when you close your loan.

Thinking of buying a house in naples

THE CASH OFFER

You don´t need to finance? Even better – but don´t forget to make sure that the money is available for the downpayments! Normally the first one in the first 3 days and the second one after the inspection which is normally 15 days from signing the contract. Take note: If you have your money in stocks or in a foreign country it takes a while until it is transferred, which is a common hold up in closing. 
 

NEED TO SELL YOUR HOME FIRST – CONTINGENCIES

A contingency is when you need the money coming out of the sale of your existing home to purchase a new one. This changes the home buying and contract/offer process considerably. Ask yourself, what makes more sense? – Selling the existing one and hoping to find a new one as soon as possible? Or taking another Mortgage if possible to finance the new property? That is not as complicated as you might think, but you” definitely want an expert in your corner to help set this up properly. Give us a call and we can assist you with both selling and buying of your properties!

 

WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION TO BUY?

Are you searching for an Investment? Is this your First or second home? Would you like to rent this property out? What is your motivation?

This is very important to be clear about when you start to search. For instance, if you want to buy a property to rent it out,  we need to check first whether you’re able! Some communiteis do not allow renting or sub-letting because of their associateions bylaws, rules and regulations. 

CREATE A LIST OF WANTS AND NEEDS

At this stage, we’ve found it best to make 2 lists:

1 list for you Must Haves:

  • number of bedrooms
  • location
  • square footage
  • lot size
  • floorplan (one story, two story), condo or home etc.

1 list for you Wish to Haves:  

These are things you would like to have but that are not absolutely necessary, or deal breakers in any way, for example:

  • 2 car garage
  • pool
  • spa
  • guesthouse/ in-law suite

Be realistic here, especially if you need to stay in a certain budget range. You will probably not get everything on your wish list but it help to keep us all focused and prevent us from getting lost with all the possibilities.

Buying Property in Naples
Buying Property in Naples Florida

CHOOSING THE RIGHT LOCATION

Which location fits your needs and lifestyle? If you have children maybe you are looking for a special school district – get some information about the areas school ratings.

Do you like to be close to work?

Check the crime rate (hard to find in the neighborhood of Naples)

Is the location connected to shopping, parks or freeway access?

Think about the location/neighborhood you like to be in before you start to search or ask your agent to help you understand the area and location if you are new to the city.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THESE NAPLES NEIGHBORHOODS

Vanderbilt BeachTiburonPark ShorePelican BayPelican MarshPine RidgePort RoyalMooringsMoorings/Coquina SandsGrey Oaks

Buying Homes in Naples Fl

TIME MANAGEMENT

Your own time management – Internal Factors

  • When would you like to move?
  • Are there special times you are not able to move because of work/school etc.?
  • Get organized with the showing appointments
  • Remember you need some time if you need a mortgage
  • Searching for the perfect home takes a lot of time especially in an area with a lot of properties for sale, sometimes you will need hours of your valuable time to go through thousands of offered properties – don´t underestimate this time!

External Factors

  • Are there times of the year you will find less properties on the market?
  • Are there times of the year it is not easy to go out for a showing – heavy rain, too hot? 

All of the above can make you feel overwhelmed! Let us help you to get you on the right path with the information you need to make the right purchasing decision!