A List of Things to do When Buying a House in Naples

Buying a new home or condo in Naples comes with a short list of tasks that you will want to complete. Luckily, they're all very easy and I recommend doing many of these just before closing. There's no need to wait! Get Your Utilities and Mail in Order Get your television ordered The two most popular options for television in Naples are XFinity and DirecTV. Both often have a delay in getting an appointment so definitely get on their schedule before your closing date. If closing doesn't happen on time, you can always reschedule the appointment. Also, consider streaming your TV. There are so many streaming services out there and some offer great TV packages for very good prices. Check out YouTube TV for example. Order Internet access XFinity and CenturyLink are the two main service providers for Internet in Naples. Ask both about deals when you bundle TV and Internet. Transfer electric into your name When you're buying an existing home or condo, the current owners have electricity of course. That means all that you need to do is have the service transferred into your name. Our electric company here is Florida Power and Light (FPL) and they have a great page to change service into your name. Under our real estate contract, the current owner must keep the service on until closing so order electric in your name to be started as of your closing date. Feel free to do this ahead of closing. Water Collier County has a transfer of property ownership page that details what documents you need to transfer water into your name. Unfortunately, you cannot transfer ownership of the water bill until you own the property so this will have to wait for your closing date to come. Forward your mail to your new address This is very easy to do online. Visit the USPS Change of Address site and knock this chore out in no time. Things to do Once You Own Your Home File for homestead exemption There are many benefits to filing for the Florida Homestead Exemption other than reduced property taxes. To keep it brief, have a look at the county's website with all of the details on how to file for homestead exemption in Naples. Order A/C Filters in bulk from Amazon Your A/C filters need to be changed monthly and they are very inexpensive when you order them from Amazon. Check the size of the filter and then order here. I like to order 6 at a time and leave them in the garage so I always have one handy. Sign up for an A/C service plan Speaking of your new air conditioner… this is one of the most expensive single items in your home so take care of it! The best way to take care of your A/C is to have a service agreement with a reputable company. I highly recommend Conditioned Air. They've been around for ages and do a really great job at a fair price. Have your dryer vents cleaned Dryer vents filled with lint are fire hazards and they prevent your dryer from running efficiently. It's inexpensive to have your vents professionally cleaned so take care of that task when you move in. I just recently used a company called Lint Out and they did a great job at a great price. You can reach them at (239) 332-5468."

MORE

Quiet! You're Being Watched? Buyers Beware

Don't talk about the price you'd be willing to offer or the home's worth: Avoid discussing sensitive financial details, such as the price you're willing to offer or how much you think the home is worth. Save these discussions for private conversations with your real estate agent to maintain confidentiality. Don't talk about tearing down and rebuilding: While it's natural to envision modifications or renovations, avoid discussing plans to tear down and rebuild the property during the viewing. Such conversations could give sellers an advantage during negotiations or affect their perception of your offer. Be respectful of the seller's home and belongings: Remember that you are a guest in the seller's home, so it's crucial to treat their property and personal belongings with respect. Refrain from making negative comments or laughing at their furniture, decor, or personal collections. Show appreciation for the seller's style and maintain a polite demeanor throughout the tour. Take off your shoes and refrain from snooping: Adhere to standard etiquette by removing your shoes upon entering the property. Avoid going through the seller's personal belongings or snooping around private areas of the home. Respect boundaries and maintain a focus on the property's features and suitability for your needs. Leave the home as you found it: When concluding the tour, ensure that you leave the property in the same condition as when you arrived. Close doors, turn off lights, and refrain from leaving any personal belongings behind. Demonstrating respect for the seller's space will leave a positive impression and maintain professionalism. Conclusion: When touring potential homes, it's essential to be mindful of potential surveillance and respect the seller's privacy. Avoid discussing sensitive financial information, refrain from making disrespectful comments about the property or personal belongings, and maintain proper etiquette throughout the viewing process. By adhering to these guidelines, you can protect your privacy and maintain a professional and respectful demeanor while searching for your dream home.

MORE

Top 10 Things Every New Home Buyer Needs to Do

Buying a home for the first time is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a complex process filled with many steps. To help you navigate this journey, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 things every new home buyer needs to do. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Before you start house hunting, it's crucial to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This not only helps you understand how much house you can afford but also shows sellers that you are a serious buyer. Determine Your Budget Consider all the costs associated with buying a home, including the down payment, closing costs, and moving expenses. Establishing a clear budget can help you avoid overspending and ensure you’re financially prepared for homeownership. Hire a Real Estate Agent A knowledgeable real estate agent can be an invaluable resource. They can help you find homes that meet your criteria, negotiate offers, and guide you through the buying process. Make a Wish List Identify the features that are most important to you in a home. This might include the number of bedrooms, proximity to work or schools, or specific amenities like a backyard or a garage Research Neighborhoods Location is key in real estate. Research different neighborhoods to find one that fits your lifestyle, budget, and future plans. Consider factors such as school districts, crime rates, and community amenities. Attend Open Houses and Schedule Showings Seeing homes in person can give you a better sense of their condition and layout. Attend open houses and schedule private showings to get a feel for what’s available in your price range. Make an Offer Once you find the right home, work with your real estate agent to make a competitive offer. Be prepared to negotiate with the seller to reach a mutually agreeable price. Get a Home Inspection A home inspection is essential to identify any potential issues with the property. If the inspection reveals significant problems, you may need to renegotiate the terms of your offer or decide whether to proceed with the purchase. Review and Sign the Contract Carefully review the purchase agreement and ensure you understand all the terms and conditions. It’s often advisable to have a real estate attorney review the contract before you sign it. Close the Deal The final step is closing, where you’ll sign all the necessary paperwork, pay closing costs, and receive the keys to your new home. Be sure to review closing documents carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear. Wrapping Up  Buying a home is a significant investment, and taking these steps can help ensure a smooth and successful process. With careful planning and the right support, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect home.

MORE