Homes For Sale In Florida - The Independent Buyer

If you're looking at homes for sale in Florida and you're the independent type who wants to avoid a Realtor at all costs, you can of course do that. Many people do. They probably like the increased personal involvement and they know they will be working directly with an owner, but they believe there are better bargains that way and they don't believe they're taking a big risk by this approach.

If you're of the same view and you have the confidence and the experience, good for you and good luck! To help you out, here are some questions to think about just as back-up and so that things go as smoothly as possible:

- After recent months of falling prices, is the asking price realistic? How will you know?

- Is the Seller "motivated" - does he really want to sell, or is he just testing the market? How easy will he be to deal with?

- How should you handle negotiations? Are you prepared to haggle and get the best price that you can? Can walk the line between striking the best bargain and offending the seller?

- What form of contract will you use and how will you know it reflects the latest legal changes in Florida? Are there conditions you should insist upon and some which are less important? When do buyers and sellers become legally bound by the contract?

- What expenses will you be required to pay in addition to the purchase price? What should the Seller be asked to pay?

- What happens if the finance company doesn't come up with the money until after the specified closing date?

- Is it ok to use just a Title Company or do you need an attorney?

- When should the sale close? How should you agree a closing date?

- Who is liable to pay for repairs that the Home Inspection will inevitably reveal?

- What are your rights and obligations if the sale falls through? What if the Seller backs out of the contract after it's signed? How do you guard against this?

Of course, all of these questions can be answered with the right amount of research and/or experience - and some buyers enjoy working their way through the process.

On the other hand, if you think you might need help in dealing with the issues, please visit the website at Homes For Sale In Florida for more information.

by Colin Stafford