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Now is the best time to buy your home in Northeast Florida

Spring has sprung and you are ready to begin your new home search.  Spring is a great time to start looking for a new home in preparation for a summer move.  Summer is a great time to buy a home.  

Let's look at some of the reasons why now is the time to begin planning.

1.  Summer is a great time to buy a home because you can see your potential new home in all of its glory.  You will be able to see if the lawn is green, if the foliage is alive and in good condition etc.

2.  Have a vision of what you want before you begin your house hunting. Think about what local  activities your family will require, the proximity to your work, how close the home is to your needs such as groceries, daycare etc.
 
3.  Budget.  Get your financial plan together.  Can you afford a Home Owners Association fee if you find the perfect home?  What about any other related expenses - landscaping, pool services etc?

4.  Select a Realtor you trust to help you through the entire buying process.  Select Millie Gil and Carlos J. Gil as your Realtors.

5.  Select a mortgage company or financial institution to help you with the pre-approval needs for your new home.  Your realtor will be able to recommend some reputable companies based on their daily experience in dealing with mortgage companies.

6.  Get a reality check.  No matter how much you have to spend, it is unlikely that you will get 100% of everything you want in a home.  Select a few "must haves" and let the rest of your wants come as they may.  Some people have too many "must haves" and they end up tirelessly searching for that perfect home that just doesn't exist.  The same thing goes for your champagne taste and your beer budget.  If your realtor has shown you several homes that you want but have sold for more than you can spend, you may need to realize that you have to live within your means.  Continuing your search for homes that you cannot afford will only delay the inevitable - finding a suitable home that you can afford!

7.  Do your market research.  Have your realtor do some market research for the area you are considering.  This will help you to focus on what is real.  Yes, there are many foreclosures and distressed properties out there but do you really want to go this route - dealing with the banks and their red tape.  Then you will  have to deal with the contractors once you purchase the home?   Let your realtor help you find a home that is suitable for you and your family.

8.  Read everything before you sign it or before proceeding with the deal. Read Everything!  Enough said.

9.  Don't get discouraged.  It is normal to make offers on more than one home before you have a seller accept your offer.  Don't worry, this is to be expected.

10.  Don't let the competition get the better of you.  It is not uncommon for buyers to start a bidding war for a home they want.  But don't let temptation get the better of you.  You do not want to end up spending thousands of dollars over your budget just because you want to "win" the deal.  Remember, there are plenty of homes out there and if you miss out on this one there will be others.  Guaranteed!

Your realtor will help you stay focused.  So don't hesitate to talk to them about your wants and needs.  Your agent knows the game and will be able to help you get the most for your money without getting into a bidding war.