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Our Buyer Services

 

If you are thinking about buying a home, lot, or residential income property in Southwest Florida, our job is to find the best fit for your objectives, preferences, style, location, budget, and financial expectations. My team can help you find the perfect property, no matter which brokerage it is listed with. We present to you all the available properties that match your criteria, not just our office property listings.  Many folks don't know that the listing brokerage typically pays the commissions.  In other words, you get my advice, experience, knowledge, hard work, and protection for "free", as you will not be paying the commission.

 

We work with buyers looking for real estate in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Sanibel Island.

 

We make sure that we have all the information on the style and price range of the properties available, and that you know what is on the market at all times. Using our “search for listings” tool, you will be able to search for retirement, second home, or investment properties. You will receive detailed listing information on properties for consideration and expert, timely showings of those you choose to tour.

 

If you choose to purchase from out of our area, we tour your choice properties, obtain photographs, research listing financials (taxes, fees, assessments, restrictions, etc.) and provide you a professional presentation of any homes you are considering. If you are a European buyer, rest assured that the process is quite efficient and smooth and that we have worked with buyers in Great Britain, Ireland, Germany, Japan, South America, Canada, France, Spain and China. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If you would like more information on the Regional Center EB-5 Program (commonly known as the “investment visa” please go to www.eb5immigration.com for more information.

 

Also, if you are purchasing through a 1031 Exchange, please note that we have experience with the Exchange process. Most investors prefer to work with Realtors who are knowledgeable about the process, especially with regards to schedule requirements and working with the intermediary.

 

As we near the offer stage, we provide you with a detailed and comprehensive analysis of comparable properties to aid in determining the details of your offer package. We can also provide support in exploring financing possibilities and put you in touch with professionals, licensed in assisting homebuyers with all the financing products available.

 

Tips for Helping Things Go Smoothly

 

A Pre-Approval letter from a local lender is extremely important. In order for us to serve your needs most effectively, a pre-approval letter should be obtained before we start looking at property. This is one of the most important steps in showing the seller that you are a serious buyer and will greatly enhance your position when it’s time to negotiate.

 

If you are planning to make a cash purchase, you will need to have a “Proof of Funds” letter from your lender.

 

Local Financing is the best way to go. Our experience has shown that it's best to choose a Southwest Florida bank mortgage broker. The market here is unique and, as a result, out-of-state underwriters have trouble keeping pace with our market changes. This is especially true if you are purchasing an income-producing property, whether a multi-family unit or a vacation rental home or condominium.

 

Buying a property here when you live out of the area is common. It is not uncommon for buyers to purchase a property "sight unseen." This typically occurs if the buyer has visited our area and is familiar with Southwest Florida. Our office, local real estate attorneys, mortgage brokers, closing companies, and title companies are all very well equipped to work with long-distance clients.

 

Using e-mail, fax, and overnight delivery, the process can proceed just as smoothly as if you were here. As your professional representatives, we are your eyes and ears. We email photos and videos of the property, provide you with all pertinent paperwork, home inspectors, appraisers, attend the inspection, facilitate transmittal of documents, and generally represent you every step of the way. It is not absolutely necessary for you to travel here for the closing, unless of course you wish to.

 

Closing Cost Estimates

 

In Florida, the bulk of the closing cost fees are paid by the seller (title insurance policy and real estate commissions). But, of course, there are some buyer expenses you’ll need to be aware of.

 

Here is a summary of estimated closing costs for a typical residential transaction:

 

•  Recording of Deed: $60

• Pro-ration of property taxes for the calendar year (annual taxes are paid in arrears in Florida)

• Pro-ration of dues (HOA, condo fees or similar)

• Property boundaries survey (if required by you or your lender): $250

• Professional property inspection: $350

• Appraisal, if required by you or your lender: $300

• Miscellaneous other fees: $150 to $300

• Transaction fee: $200

 

 

There  are additional fees if you are taking out a mortgage:

 

The above estimates are a guideline; we’ll help you get a more specific estimate by providing you with a buyer’s “net sheet” before writing a purchase contract. Also, a week or a few days before closing, the title company or real estate attorney will provide a settlement statement (called a HUD) that states all fees, to whom they are paid, and the final amount due at closing. Together, we review this carefully prior to closing.

 

• ​Documentary stamp on mortgage: 0.35 per $100 financed (e.g., on a mortgage of $250,000 the doc stamps are $875)

• Recording of Mortgage: $60

• Intangible tax on mortgage: .002 on mortgage amount (e.g., $500 on a $250,000 mortgage)

• Fees charged by your lender (processing fees, points, credit report, and so on)