Valerie Ostrom :: Ocala Florida Realtor® :: Real Estate Buyer Agent and Seller Agent

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Ocala Marion County Florida Real Estate Listings :: Ocala Florida Homes For Sale

Tips For First Time Ocala Homebuyers

  1. Be realistic – there is no such thing as the perfect home. It’s a question of trade offs.
  2. Decide specifically what features you want in a home and which are most important to you. Make a list starting with what you need then going to what you want.
  3. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and your closing costs.
  4. Talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage before you start looking. There’s nothing more depressing than looking at $300K houses only to discover you only qualify for $175K !!
  5. Think long-term. You should plan on staying in this home at least 3 years. You need time to build equity.
  6. Don’t max yourself out on that mortgage. Leave money in your budget for other things. Live in this house 3 to 5 years and then trade up to something better.
  7. A home inspection is a must have and, if possible, get a home warranty from the seller to cover defects the first year.
  8. Hire a REALTOR® as a buyers representative. Unlike a listing agent, a buyers agent is working only for you. It doesn’t cost the buyer anything and you’re crazy not to have one.
© Copyright 2006-2022 Valerie Ostrom | Ocala Florida Realtor®