Get pre-approved. Many realtors won’t spend time showing you homes if you are not pre-approved. This allows you and your realtor to be clear on what your budget is. A mistake many home buyers make is diving into online realty sites to look at properties before knowing how much home they can buy. You might be surprised. So why take chances? Find out before you begin your search.

Technically, no. However, you really should. Not only are realtors properly trained, but we will also provide you resources for inspections, mortgage brokers and more. Realtors work with home sellers and buyers every single day; they know exactly what to look for and can prevent you from making a mistake.

Nothing. All fees are paid by the seller so, in a typical transaction, the commission is split by the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent. As a buyer, you can have someone work for you at no cost to you. Just make sure it is someone you can trust.

Yes. However, this can sometimes be tricky. It is possible to have “back-to-back” closings, but all contingencies need to be completed in a timely fashion. You must have constant communication between all parties, and organization is a must-have.

This is always a YES!! Always, always, always, get a home inspection. This is the single “best card in your hand” that will protect you in the purchase of your new home. Even if you’re buying new construction, get a home inspection.

Once you have a signed contract where all the terms have been agreed upon by all parties, you are bound by a legal document. However, within that contract there are usually several contingencies that need to be met first, like a home inspection. You can’t just walk away from the transaction without penalty, but there are safeguards that will protect you. For instance, if you get your inspection completed within the correct time frame in the contract and both parties do not agree on the repairs needed, you can back out of the contract without being penalized.

It could vary depending on the situation. Typically, you should be able to close within 30 – 45 days if you have a conventional mortgage. If you’re getting an FHA or VA loan, you probably need around 45 days to close. If you are buying a foreclosure, plan on a couple of months. Short sale transactions are notoriously slow and could take 2 to 6 months to close.

Your down payment depends on what kind of loan program that you use. For instance, FHA loans require at least 3.5% down. Other factors that could influence how much that you must put down are what type of property you want to buy, your credit history, and if the home is an investment property or not. You should figure paying at least 3 to 5% as a down payment.

Anything that’s considered a fixture is typically included when purchasing a house — think cabinets, fans, and faucets. However, there could be items that you think are included with the home but actually aren’t. The listing description should spell out any exclusions that the seller is not including, but that’s not always the case.

Let’s face it: roofs are necessary and expensive. If the roof has existing damage or is near the end of it’s useful life, your lender or insurance company may require that it be repaired in order to approve your loan. In other words, if the listing description doesn’t list the roof’s age, make sure to find out ASAP. The roof can be negotiated, like everything else.

Short answer: No.

It is not required by law to hire a real estate attorney in Florida, but it is highly advisable. An attorney can help you understand the legal jargon in real estate contracts, negotiate on your behalf, and protect your interests at closing.

If you are buying or selling a home in Florida, you should weigh the pros and cons of hiring an attorney. While it may add to the cost of your transaction, it can give you peace of mind and help protect your interests.