Buyers Guide

The real estate professionals at Destin Real Estate Company commit to deliver the highest level of service to every client we represent. To ensure your purchase process is as smooth as possible we would like to suggest the following steps:

Financing

We suggest that you pre-qualify for a loan. This process will benefit you by:

• establishing the price range of property you can capably purchase
• outlining the types of loans you can qualify for
• determining what your monthly payment will be
• estimating your down payment and closing costs

Finding and Choosing Your Purchase Property

Our experts will offer you a thorough approach to buying property designed to achieve your goals.

Our real estate professionals will discuss your needs with you to establish personalized search criteria. Once your Realtor has researched, identified and previewed suitable properties, appointments are set with you to view them.

Making an Offer

After you find the property you wish to purchase your expert will help you structure an effective offer. Working together with your real estate professional you will arrive at the price and terms you wish to offer. This is a critical step in the purchase process and your Realtor will expertly handle negotiations on your behalf.

If the seller does not consider your offer acceptable they may make changes and submit a counter-offer. The expertise, experience and professionalism of your Realtor are a valuable asset at this stage as they negotiate on your behalf for the best purchase price on your property.

Your real estate professional will explain the purchase process and familiarize you with the steps you will experience as well as the necessary documents.

Managing the Escrow

When the purchase agreement is accepted and signed by all parties our transaction processing department handles every detail of the closing process, from scheduling inspections to all of the interim steps leading to closing. When you use a lender we will see to it that they are notified of the property you have chosen and deliver a copy of the contract to them so the property value appraisal can be ordered and your loan processed.

Property Inspections

Ordering a thorough inspection of your prospective property purchase by a reputable inspector can help ease your concerns and answer any questions you may have. Inspections are typically performed by licensed contractors, often certified and provide an in-depth report describing the condition of the property.

Homeowners Insurance

We advise our buyers to purchase a fire and hazard insurance policy prior to closing. In many cases the lender requires the first year’s insurance premium be paid in advance at closing.

Escrow Fees and Title Insurance

The buyer and seller may negotiate who pays the title and escrow fees in the contract. Typically, the owner’s policy is paid by the buyer and covers their interest and title to the new property. The buyer also typically pays for the lender’s policy that covers the new lender’s interest in the title to the property. The escrow fee charged by the escrow company for Florida documentary stamps tax on the deed is typically paid by the seller.

Closing Escrow

The title and escrow company is a neutral third party that will receive, hold and disburse all funds associated with your transaction. When all of the conditions of the purchase agreement have been met, the loan documents and closing paperwork will need to be signed. The title and escrow company will help ensure the closing documents are executed by all parties and recorded at the County Clerk’s office to reach a successful closing.