Jacksonville Residential Real Estate Attorney
Whether you are buying your first home or even if you have been through the process before, taking an orderly approach can ensure ultimate success in any home purchase. You are committing to a personal expenditure that is one of the largest in your life. Do not rush through this critical process.
Timeline when buying a home
Follow these steps to ensure the best possible outcome for your home purchase
- Check your finances: The recent real estate crisis in this country has taught everyone an important lesson: do not buy a home before you are financially ready. Get copies of your credit reports and look at the savings you have and any outstanding debt to get an idea of how much home you can afford and how much of a down payment you can make.
- Educate yourself about mortgages: Become familiar with the details of each type of mortgage available before you determine which type is right for you and how each may affect your current and anticipated future situation. Many lenders offer to pre-approve your loan, which may be helpful when negotiating the terms of a home purchase.
- Find a home: There are many options when looking for a home. Many people prefer to retain a real estate agent, who can find homes that meet your criteria and they can handle the paperwork.
- Make an offer: When you find the house you want, make an offer. If you are not using a sales agent, you will want your attorney to prepare the offer. The chances are that your first offer may not be accepted, with both the seller and you making counter offers, either directly, or through your attorney or real estate agents.
- Retain a lawyer: Before signing any contract, Northeast Florida home purchasers should seek experienced local legal support, such as that provided by a Jacksonville residential real estate lawyer. This lawyer can look after your interests for the rest of the process. Your lawyer can review the Jacksonville real estate contract that you may have signed and represent you through the rest of the process. If you have not already had a home inspection, your lawyer can help find an inspector and negotiate how any flaws are to be handled.
- The closing: A Jacksonville real estate closing is essentially a meeting where the buyer, seller, and both sets of lawyers go through the deed, the mortgage, and all other legal processes. At this time, both parties agree on the exact move-in date since there are occasions where the seller cannot vacate as of the closing date. In the end, ownership is transferred from the seller to the buyer in accordance with the agreement.
Whether you are buying or selling, C. Guy Bond attorneys have your back
When you are purchasing a home in the greater Jacksonville area, a Jacksonville residential real estate lawyer at the Law Offices of C. Guy Bond, P.A. will guide you to the most cost-effective way to complete your transaction. With more than 30 years of legal experience in Florida real estate matters, our law firm is the top choice for homeowners and home seekers east of I-95. Call our office at 904-647-4644 or contact us online today.
