HOME PURCHASING IN TODAYS MARKET

First, we all probably know by now that times have changed and the market has changed in this down economy. Statistics say that 84% of buyers begin their home search on the internet. Therefore, to make your search easier, contact me for your own personal portal to the MLS system in Jacksonville, FL at bkgravitt@comcast.net. Just put "portal" in the subject line, and provide your contact information including email address. I will provide you with a user ID and password that you can change once you have logged into the portal. To search for property all over Florida you can visit www.coralshoresrealty.com.

In addition, if you would like me to send you a list of homes available that meet the criteria of the home you are looking for, then, include in your email the area of Jacksonville, # of bedrooms and baths, price range, type of financing you will be utilizing, and age or condition of property you are looking for. I will set you up on auto email so you will be one of the first to know when the home you are looking for becomes available. The list will include all foreclosures, short sales, and seller owned properties in the price range you select.

Please keep in mind that even though the media is saying that it is a buyer's market, it is still very competitive for the best deals. Every offer I have submitted this year has been in a multiple offer situation. This is partly because I research to find the best deals for the customers I am working with and notify them as soon as possible so they have the opportunity to preview the property before it is sold.

Second, you must have a loan preapproval letter before you can submit an offer on the home of your choice. There are various government programs available to assist with your down payment, even if you are not a firsttime homebuyer. To name a few: NSP, FL assist, SHIP, H2H, FHLBA, and FHOP. Each has different requirements. Contact me to discuss your options and I will be happy to recommend some loan officers that participate in the different programs. There are also some properties that provide seller held mortgages. These usually require a 10% down payment. Some sellers may allow you to use your tax credit toward the down payment. If you purchase a property that needs renovating you may want to check out the FHA 203k loan or a HomePath renovation mortgage. These require a 3%-3.5% down payment. The income tax credit has been extended until April 30, 2010 and expanded to include existing homeowners who have owned a home in 5 out of the last 8 years, even if you have not owned a home in the last 2 years. 

Third, please keep in mind that the real estate associate you choose can make all the difference in reducing the stress of purchasing your new home. Please interview several and make a wise choice. Find someone that you feel comfortable working with that is truly interested in your families needs. We have lost about 2000 Realtors in the Jacksonville area due to the economy so there are less to choose from. Any Realtor can show you all the properties that are available regardless of which company or agent has the listing. This means that you can see 8 homes back to back without having to set up 8 appointments. Please allow approximately 20 minutes per house for previewing and travel time.

Let's get together and talk about your home buying and/or selling plans. Call me at the office (904-573-9638) or on my cell phone (904-238-9314) or send me an email (bkgravitt@comcast.net), we'll set up a time that is easy and convenient for you to meet.

P.S. If you're not ready to meet in person, please tour through my website. I'm sure you'll find the resources here useful and helpful. Enjoy!

www.trulia.com/profile/brendagravitt

www.fl.living.net/Realtor/brendagravitt

www.myspace.com/bkgravitt