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"We were first time homebuyers and they made everything so simply and easy and taught us so much!"
~ Harmony E.
With our brokers at United Real Estate Infinity, we believe in complete transparency and open communication throughout the home buying process. Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to make informed decisions and to ensure you feel confident and supported every step of the way.
We represent your best interests and are dedicated to helping you find and purchase your ideal home.
We offer expert advice, market insights and negotiation skills to ensure you get the best possible outcome.
We clearly outline our compensation structure upfront, so you know exactly how we get paid.
We explain all potential compensation scenarios, ensuring you understand how each situation might affect you.
Our compensation structure is transparent and straight forward, with no hidden fees. We will discuss all potential costs with you upfront.
We adhere to the highest ethical standards as set by the National Association of Realtors.
Guided by our commitment to integrity, respect, and personalized service, our process is designed to make your journey smooth, informed and tailored to your needs every step of the way.
At The Caruthers Team, we understand that each client is unique, and we work hard to provide a tailored approach that honors your specific needs, goals, and timeline.
From the initial consultation to the moment you receive your keys, we’re dedicated to ensuring you feel informed, supported, and confident in every decision. Each step is designed with you in mind, from carefully listening to your vision and handling the fine details to negotiating on your behalf and providing clear guidance throughout the entire process.
Meet with your real estate agent to discuss your goals, preferences, and budget.
Set a budget considering all associated costs, such as down payment, closing costs, and moving expenses.
Identify your must-haves and nice-to-haves for your new home. Use online tools, attend open houses, and view potential properties with your agent.
Work with your agent to craft a strong offer based on market conditions and comparable sales.
Conduct an appraisal to determine the home’s market value and satisfy lender requirements.
Review and sign the closing documents, including the settlement statement. Pay closing costs and transfer ownership of the property.
Review and sign the closing documents, including the settlement statement. Pay closing costs and transfer ownership of the property.
Financial awareness and preparation is crucial when purchasing a home, as it allows you to anticipate all expenses involved—from down payments and mortgage insurance to closing costs, property taxes, inspections, etc. Being aware of these costs, along with potential repair expenses and the importance of appraisals, helps you create a realistic budget and approach your home purchase with confidence and clarity.
Here, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about buying a home in SWFL. We hope they are helpful, and give you some great insight into narrowing down what you’re looking for in our beautiful slice of the world.
A pre-approval is a thorough review by a mortgage broker or lender of your credit, financials, and income. It establishes your home price maximum and helps determine your payment ceiling. Pre-approval is essential because most sellers require it before considering your offer. Additionally, we require it to ensure you’re looking at homes that fit your budget.
Your mortgage payment consists of:
Earnest money, also known as an escrow deposit, is a “good faith” deposit made by the buyer to demonstrate their serious intent to proceed with the purchase. It binds the contract.
The home inspection period, which is negotiable, typically lasts between 1 and 15 days. It allows a licensed and insured inspector to thoroughly examine the home and provide an itemized report on its condition. This report helps you decide whether to move forward with the purchase.
Important: Do not send the inspection report to the lender!
The appraisal provides the lender with an unbiased valuation of the property from a third party. This process ensures the home’s value aligns with the loan amount. The buyer pays for the appraisal, which typically costs $500 to $900, depending on the size of the home or property, and it is paid prior to the appraisal being conducted.
Navigating real estate can be overwhelming, especially with all the industry-specific terminology. We hope this cheat sheet provides some clarity of common, yet sometimes overwhelming terms, helping you feel more informed and confident throughout your home-buying journey.
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