Dianne Drinkwater, Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Florida Network RealtyPhone:
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Excited to shop for your first home? Before you schedule showings and attending open houses, there are a few steps you should take to prepare.
If you're like most first-time homebuyers, you'll need to take out a mortgage in order to pay for your home. Before you apply for any kind of home loan, it's a good idea to know where your credit stands. After all, your credit will be a major determining factor in whether your mortgage application will be approved.
Reviewing your credit score also gives you an opportunity to scrutinize your report for any mistakes or errors that need to be disputed and resolved before you apply for a mortgage.
Next, it's time to secure a pre-approval letter for a home loan. While a pre-approval is not a guarantee that your formal application will be approved, this is a good way for you to get a better idea of how much you'll be able to borrow.
If you haven't already found a real estate agent, now is the time to do so. Because sellers typically pay an agent's commission, you shouldn't have to pay a thing to work with a real estate agent as a first-time buyer. Ideally, you'll want to work with somebody who is familiar with the area in which you wish you buy and has experience helping first-time buyers.
Last but certainly not least, make sure you've saved up some money for your down payment, closing costs and other expenses related to buying your first home. These can add up quickly, so you'll want to be prepared and start saving as soon as possible. Keep in mind that the down payment you are required to make may vary based on your lender and the type of mortgage you choose.
There's a lot that has to happen before you buy your first home. By following these steps, however, you'll be set up for greater success when it's time to shop around!
Dianne is a full time, full service, state licensed Realtor®, member of Northeast Florida Regional Association of Realtors® (NEFAR), St. Augustine/ St.Johns County Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), and Northeast Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service And St. Augustine/St. Johns (MLS), Shearwater Certified, and Military on the Move Designation.
She provides a unique blend of leadership, sales acumen, project management, technology, and world class customer relation skills to enhance Watson Realty Corporation's values in the real estate sales and mortgage marketplace. She is a decisive take action solution-oriented professional with 25+ years of progressive business experience who efficiently utilizes technology to improve results. She has lived in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area since 2005 and has seen the area continue to flourish and stays well informed of future growth plans within Northeast Florida.
Let's take a look at the lighter side of Dianne. She loves life is artistic loves music, the arts, yoga and genealogy! She loves to explore and hates to be bored. She loves the outdoors, especially plant life and wildlife. She has been a Master Gardener in Florida and Maine; as a photography enthusiast she has the eye to spot the perfect shot, which spills over to the photos she makes of the properties she markets AND frequently hires the best specialized real estate photographers/drone and videographers who make the difference in the sale. And, she loves to share her knowledge of the local real estate market and all aspects of the process to guide you through each step as a coach rather than a salesperson.
So, let's sum it up. Buying or selling your home is an important life decision. Reasons can vary greatly from change of lifestyle, to relocation or life challenges. You need someone you can trust, count on, respect and help shoulder the stress, anxiety and time commitment involved. Doesn't this sound like someone you want working for you?
So, what's the next step? Contacting Dianne of course. It is all about YOUR needs, goals, timeline and DREAMS! She's here to help you achieve them and she looks forward to hearing from you.
What are you looking for in a Realtor? - Someone who will really listen to your wants and needs? Someone who will expertly market your home until the SOLD sign adorns your front lawn or if you are a buyer tirelessly researches your wish list to find that perfect home? - How about someone who will always be honest, holds ethics in high regard as a realtor, who works aggressively to get you the best price for your home and someone who knows the market?
Selling or buying a home is a partnership with your trusted advisor- Dianne Drinkwater