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Buyer's Guide

A Step-by-Step First Time Buyer's Guide

Longboat Key, Sarasota, and Surrounding Areas

Buying a home is one of life's most exciting milestones. To ensure you're well-prepared, it's crucial to understand the home-buying process. This step-by-step guide, crafted by your real estate agent, will help reduce the stress and enhance the joy of buying your first home, especially in beautiful areas like Longboat Key, Sarasota, Siesta Key, Lido Shores, St. Armands, and Anna Maria Island.

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Step 1: Research

Do you know where you want to buy? Are you looking for a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Identify your desired features and explore what's currently available in the market. Whether you’re eyeing the tranquil shores of Anna Maria Island or the vibrant communities of Sarasota, researching will provide valuable insights into housing trends and help you make informed decisions.

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Step 2: Decide on Your Budget

Establishing a budget is crucial. It's not just about how much a mortgage company will lend you, but what you feel comfortable spending. Consider all expenses, including utilities, HOA fees, and maintenance costs. Moving from an apartment in Siesta Key to a larger home in Longboat Key, for instance, may introduce new expenses you hadn't considered.

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Step 3: Get Prequalified

Understanding your financial standing is essential. A mortgage company’s pre-approval will give you a clear idea of your budget and strengthen your position when making an offer. Factors like job stability, credit history, and financial issues can impact your mortgage approval, so address these early on.

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Step 4: Choose a Real Estate Agent

While it’s possible to buy a home without a real estate agent, partnering with an expert offers numerous benefits. A knowledgeable agent can identify suitable properties, arrange showings, and handle the offer process. Their expertise is particularly valuable in competitive markets like St. Armands or Lido Shores.

My goal is to provide you with the most personalized service that is designed to help you buy your dream home

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Step 5: Find the Right Home

This is the fun part! Your agent will schedule showings for homes within your budget and preferences. Pay attention to details during viewings and explore the neighborhoods. Whether it's the serene beaches of Longboat Key or the bustling streets of downtown Sarasota, ensure the area fits your lifestyle.

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Step 6: Make an Offer

When you find your dream home, work with your agent to craft a competitive offer based on comparable properties. The market conditions in areas like Siesta Key or Anna Maria Island will influence whether your offer is below, at, or above the asking price. Your agent will guide you through negotiations and help reach an agreement.

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Step 7: Have the Home Inspected

Most offers are contingent on a home inspection. This step ensures there are no major issues with the property. Your agent can help arrange this inspection, and you can renegotiate or withdraw your offer based on the findings.

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Step 8: Select Your Loan

Return to your mortgage lender to finalize your loan choice. Options include fixed-rate, variable-rate, 15-year, and 30-year mortgages, as well as special programs like VA or FHA loans. Choose the one that best suits your financial situation.

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Step 9: Get a Home Appraisal

Your lender will conduct an appraisal to determine the home’s value. This ensures everyone is paying a fair price.

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Step 10: Finish Paperwork

Although paperwork can be tedious, it's a necessary part of the process. Your lender and title company will handle most of it, ensuring you become the legal owner of your new home.

Congratulations!

After signing the final paperwork, you are now the proud owner of a new home. It may take a few days for your loan to be funded, but once complete, you can move into your dream home.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

Kerry McCarthy showed me all the special spots that I never knew existed. Well educated in the entire market and what a wonderful person to work with. She’s got good MoJo !!!!!

— Taryn M

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

Kerry is the President of our HOA in Sarasota. Her attention to detail and knowledge of the ever-changing laws in FL are second to none. She is a tireless worker. She always meets our needs. She is solution driven. She is a joy to work with.

— Scott

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

Kerry’s competitive edge combined with her big heart makes her the ideal broker to work with when searching for your next home. Her knowledge of the market is expansive and she’s an excellent listener - she’ll make you her priority. Kerry always makes me laugh and helps me keep everything in perspective - for all of these reasons, I highly recommend her!

— Tori K

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One would be hard-pressed to find a real estate group more attuned to the opulent offerings of Downtown Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Key, and St. Armands than The DiPinto Group. Their enthusiasm and positive attitude towards finding the perfect home in these idyllic locations are palpable and infectious. People trust them with their single largest asset when exploring the vibrant real estate landscape of Sarasota. It is a responsibility they shoulder with utmost seriousness. They understand that their success is a direct reflection of their clients' success in securing their dream abode in these picturesque locales. The Group's dedication is evident as they navigates the real estate market of Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Key, and St. Armands, ensuring a seamless and rewarding property acquisition experience for their clients.

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Contact Details

The DiPinto Group 

(941) 388-2021

[email protected]



53 S Palm Ave

Sarasota, Fl 34236