When you're ready to get started, you can contact me here or send e-mail to realtyteam@cafarelliagency.com.     I'm happy to address any questions you have regarding this information.

Step 1 – Get ready to purchase
There are a lot of things you should take into account before beginning your home search. When you start your search, you'll probably want to create a checklist of items you need, get a feel for what neighborhoods you'd like to live in, and begin working on your budget. A good rule of thumb to adhere to is that your mortgage payment should be no more than 1/3 of your monthly income.

Step 2 – Get in touch with a real estate agent
That's where I can help. I'd be happy to arrange a time to meet with you and talk about your real estate needs and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll talk about everything from neighborhoods, school districts in the "North Shore" or "Shore Shore" and the surrounding areas, the mortgage and housing industries, to any other economic factors that could affect your buying decision today or in the future.

In addition, I'll assist you in getting started on your loan. There are some very good mortgage professionals on Long Island in Nassau/Suffolk County, and I partner with a lot of them, so you're in great hands. They can help you figure out which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Start your home search
After our initial meeting, I'll start finding houses on the market that meet your needs. I'll get a sneak peek of many of the homes and exclude the bad ones, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the homes when it's convenient for you.

When we view homes, I'll identify positive features, as well as negative ones. And I'll ask you what things you like and don't like. It's common for buyers to amend their list of must-haves as we tour houses and some features become far more essential than others. If that's the case, I'll look through the listings one more time and narrow it down to the house you've been dreaming about.

Step 4 – Know the market
An agent's understanding of Long Island's "North Shore" or "South Shore" and the surrounding market areas is an imperative element in your house search. And I assure you I'm familiar with all the neighborhoods and schools, and I will alert you to certain areas that are "hot" and demand prompt action and some that are "cool" and allow for cautiousness.

As we tour homes, I'll let you know when the asking price has room for bargaining and when I think the house is "priced to sell." Be careful and make sure you ask your agent a lot of questions, as any REALTOR^® will convince you they comprehend the home market. If things don't add up, just call me at 631-543-6363 or e-mail me at realtyteam@cafarelliagency.com, and I'll be happy to answer your questions. My understanding of the market will help you stay a step above the rest throughout the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the house you've been looking for
I know we'll find your dream home in the "North Shore" or "South Shore" or the surrounding areas, and when we do, I'll thoroughly develop your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be written keeping your needs in mind. Whenever necessary, I never forget to make contracts contingent upon items like your ability to secure financing and the results of the home inspection.

Upon presenting your offer, you'll need to submit " earnest money." This is a cash deposit given to a home seller to secure an offer to purchase the property and is usually applied to the cost of closing. If the offer is accepted, we should close about 30 to 60 days after. This allows enough time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate
A lot of deals don't close on the initial offer – it's extremely common to receive a counter offer. But don't let this alarm you. We'll figure out whether or not to consent to the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and go on.

The state of the market determines how aggressively we negotiate the deal. In addition, we'll work within your financing constraints. And at the end of the day, we'll create a deal that works well for you.

Step 7 – Secure financing
Upon completion of the contract, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan. It shouldn't take much time at all if you're already pre-qualified, but you need to stay in close contact with your lender. And I'll manage all the property information your mortgage lender will need to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your mortgage lender will give you a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) outlining closing costs within three days of accepting your loan application. The estimate depends on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements mandate that it has to involve all closing costs and fall within a tight range of accuracy. I'll examine the estimate and let you know if everything looks adequate.

Then we'll close on your home. This will most likely take place at a title company or escrow office and should be a smooth and relaxing affair.

Step 9 – Move in
You made it! Now you can move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, make sure you contact me at 631-543-6363 or send me an e-mail.