I want to buy a house

House in St Johns County

I know I should buy a house, and I want to buy a house, but I’m not sure of how to buy a house. Or, if I can buy a house.

…says practically everyone, at some point in their lives.

Including me. Have no fear, though- it’s easy, and after I bought a house for the first time, I kicked myself for waiting as long as I did.

There’s a lot of moving parts, and it’s a process to buy a house… But, with a little guidance from a Jacksonville Realtor® (like me!), it should be a pretty painless one:

Step 1: Figure out your budget, needs, and wants. Maybe you want the 4,000 square foot McMansion with the lap pool, but maybe it would be smarter to start a bit smaller?

Financial calculators are plentiful, but I like this one: https://www.nerdwallet.com/mortgages/how-much-house-can-i-afford/calculate-affordability

Step 2: Find a licensed real estate professional, preferably a Jacksonville Realtor®. If you’re in Jacksonville or NE Florida, you found me, and you can go right to Step 2. If you’re not in the Jacksonville / St Augustine area, I’m still happy to help you find the right person for your search.

Search for a Realtor here: https://www.realtor.com/thats-who-we-r/

Or, you can just skip the search and call me, Jacksonville Realtor Brian Tuttle: 904-219-3891

Step 3: Financing- get a pre-approval! I remember being uncertain about this process, but the lender I worked with personally, and the lenders I recommend to you, today, can get pre-approvals done over the phone and in less than 30 minutes.

    • Basic info is needed, but nothing major. Have your pay statements, expense estimates, etc.
    • CONGRATS! With a pre-approval, you can make an offer when you find the right house!

Step 4: Find the right house that will become your home! Your Jacksonville Realtor should be sending you listings based on your budget, needs and wants, but they won’t all be perfect, so communicate! Let your Realtor know your thoughts, and get ready for the fun part, GO SEE SOME HOUSES! Take notes on what you like or didn’t like!

Interior home in Jacksonville, FL

Step 5: Okay, this is actually the fun part. When you find the home you want to buy, work with your Realtor to create an offer, and submit it! Market conditions may change, but houses are going quickly… Make the offer that will win, when you find the house that’s right for you.

Step 6: Once your offer is accepted, CONGRATS again! Your lender will schedule an appraisal, your Realtor will schedule home inspections and work with the seller (and their real estate agent) to negotiate any repairs, changes, concessions, etc. This part, while you’ll have to answer a bunch of questions, should be fun. The end, the part where you get a key to your new home, is getting close!

Step 7: Closing time! Paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork. Once everything has been resolved, clarified and documented (from a financing and legal standpoint), you’ll meet to sign all the documents. Keys!

Step 8: Now that you have keys and possession of the house, get going! Call your friend with the pickup, order some pizzas, and move into your new home!

About me: my name is Brian Tuttle, and I am a Licensed Jacksonville Realtor. While I speak for myself here, I work with Keller Williams Jacksonville and would be honored to speak with you about your Jacksonville Real Estate needs. I can be reached at 904-219-3891 or brian@briantuttle.org