It's time to start looking for a new home, sounds like fun!...and it is, but many buyers get frazzled along the way because of the seemingly endless list of to-dos. But it doesn't have to be stressful. If this is your first home, or your tenth, this simple checklist should help take away the confusion about what needs to be done when, and by whom.

As soon as you think it's time to get serious about buying a home, the first step is finding out exactly how much you have to work with. Contact several lenders and explain your situation, what you hope to achieve, discuss their programs and fees. Narrow it down to who you want to work with and get a pre-approval letter. This will let you know how much you will be able to spend, as well as giving you better negotiating in a contract with a seller.

1. [ ] Interviewed lenders
2. [ ] Narrowed down list
3. [ ] Obtained pre-approval letter

After looking around at different homes in your price range, and narrowing it down to the one you want to make an offer on, you and your real-estate agent will write up a Purchase & Sale Agreement, which is a contract with how much you want to offer on the home, time frames to which certain steps will take place, how much you are willing to put up as a good-faith deposit, etc. When this is signed by you, you are bound until the stated time in which the seller has to agree or counter-offer. A good faith deposit is any amount you are willing to put up-front to let the seller know you're serious. It goes into an escrow, third-party holding account, and is credited back to you at closing. Only if you default on the contract does the seller ever get that money. The contract also states (unless modified) that you have 30 days to get financing in order.

1. [ ] Found home
2. [ ] Decided on offer price / contingencies
3. [ ] Completed contract / Good faith deposit

Most times a contract is presented to the seller there will be a counter-offer of sorts given back to buyer. This can be for many reasons: price, time limits, contingencies, etc. were not to the seller's liking. This can go back and forth several times before a settled negotiation is reached between both parties. During this time you need to be discussing what you are willing to accept and if you might look into other options.

1. [ ] Discussed counter-offers
2. [ ] Decided on final contract

After the effective date of a traditional contract, which is the final date the last signature / initial is attached, the buyer has 20 days to have, in writing, an inspection report and/or WDO report to the sellers with what needs to be repaired per amount stated in contract under Standard D & N. This means you will need to call around and decide which inspector you want to work with and usually your agent will have recommendations and can schedule final appointment. Note: inspections are not required, only recommended, to buyers at their expense. This will traditionally run between $200-450. During this time, your lender will probably order an appraisal, and the title company will have a survey conducted. The surveyor can be chosen by you, and both of these services will be part of your closing costs. Your lender will probably require you to obtain home insurance, which will necessitate you doing research on best price/service from different insurance companies. Because of weather conditions in Florida it is recommended that you obtain this early as possible because of stops placed on issuance preceding hurricanes, etc.

1. [ ] Researched inspectors
2. [ ] Ordered inspection report
3. [ ] Ordered WDO report
4. [ ] Provided written list of needed repairs to seller per contract
5. [ ] Obtained home insurance coverage

It's a good habit to check up regularly with your Real Estate agent and mortgage lender throughout the time between contract and closing (avg. 45 days). Also, expect to be sending paperwork, sometimes last minute, to the loan-processing center of your financial records. Note: DO NOT make any changes in credit history, personal information during this time, such as buying a car, adding a credit card, changing jobs, etc. This can cause an entire deal to fall through! Check in with your agent to see how inspection reports, title work, etc is coming along.

1. [ ] Checked in with mortgage lender
2. [ ] Checked in with real estate agent
3. [ ] Was careful with credit

Several days before closing, you and your agent should receive a closing statement to look over. This will give you a little time to go over fees, etc listed on there. Don't panic if you do not receive this that soon, many times this is not the case, but the title company will explain each fee at closing. It's a good idea to call, or have your agent call, your lender for a last minute check. Also, the title company should contact you to let you know the exact amount you need to bring to the closing table. If you are time-crunched to obtain the correct form of monies, you can call the title company yourself.

1. [ ] Looked over closing statement
2. [ ] Checked in with lender
3. [ ] Was contacted with closing amt
4. [ ] Requested schedule for final walk-through to ensure proper repairs have been made

Obtain a certified or cashier's check or money order with exact amount of closing costs. Show up to closing agency and get ready to sign your name many times and then leave with the keys to your new home!

1. [ ] Enjoy your new home!