Buyers in Clearwater Beach - Clearwater Beach Condos

Buying a home on clearwater beach

When looking for that perfect Clearwater Beach vacation, second home, or primary residence, I can help you navigate the process. There’s much to consider when buying a condominium. Allow me to help you select your perfect get-away. From contract to closing, I will guide you every step of the way. Buyers looking for great service, market knowledge and outstanding results can count on me. Let’s get started.

JMC Resort Properties offers Property Management Services to help protect your investment.

We understand the many details that go into securing an empty home, keeping it ventilated and in prime condition. We understand that making your property a comfortable, safe and enjoyable base for visitors to call home—and perhaps return to year after year—is serious business. JMC Resort Properties is particularly well-qualified to take all your usual tasks—and probably a few you haven’t thought of—off your hands.

Our property management services can actually enhance the value of your home by assuring up-to-date maintenance, thanks to year-round care and protection. In addition, JMC Resort Properties’ rental experts can handle all the details of renting your residence to carefully screened applicants, if you choose.

Before you get started, do some homework.

This handy Buyers Guide will show you some things to keep in mind as you are hunting for that home of your dreams.

Finding the Right House
How much house you can afford is largely dependent on how large a mortgage (basically, a home loan) you can handle.
We encourage you to make application with a lender before you start looking for a home. This is called getting pre-approved for a loan; it will tell you exactly how much you can afford, save you time in your search and may make the closing process smoother.
Earnest Money and Down Payments
Funds you may need when you submit an offer for purchase:
Earnest money, usually 1% to 5% of the cost of the house, which you pay as a deposit on the house when you submit your offer. It is your proof that you are a serious buyer.
Down payment, usually 10% to 20% of the cost of the house, which you must pay at closing. Some lenders are again allowing lower down payments, depending on the situation.
Mortgage insurance, paid by borrowers making a down payment of less than 20% Closing costs, usually 3% to 4% of the cost of the house, to pay for processing all the paperwork.
Don’t forget the day-to-day expenses you may incur once you own that home.
This includes:
- Utilities
- Homeowner or condo association dues
- Property taxes
- City and/or County taxes
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Shopping for a new home
The internet is a quick way to see whether the houses currently available meet the criteria for your lifestyle. If you find after your internet search that few properties meet with your expectations, you may want to adjust your criteria and increase your chances of finding a home that works for you. Not everything available is on the web. Contact me for current homes available.
Stay Focused
When it’s time to look a homes that appeal to you, bring your checklist of those items that are important in your home search.

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Hire a Pro
All Real Estate is local.
A professional has access to a network of contacts and can draw from extensive market knowledge to help pinpoint the right home for you quickly. Beyond the negotiating, a Realtor has the local market knowledge to help you locate and secure that home you’ve been dreaming of. Navigating the transaction is an art – from mortgages, to title insurance, inspections and paperwork…leave it to the pros.
And best of all, our professional services are at no cost to you!
When you need a loan for that home purchase
There are a variety of mortgage types available today, each with advantages and disadvantages.
A fixed-rate mortgage is the most common. In a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate stays the same for the life of the loan. An adjustable-rate mortgage usually starts out at lower interest rates and lower monthly payments than a fixed-rate mortgage, but your rate and monthly payments may rise and fall based on a financial index.
There are also several government mortgage programs available, including FHA and VA mortgages.
Offer Process
When your offer has been accepted, the contingency period begins. This is time that allows you to obtain financing, perform inspections and satisfy any other contingencies of your purchase agreement.
Obtaining financing might include loan approval, which will include an appraisal of the property. Also be prepared to make your down payment, which is usually due several days before the close of escrow.
Now is the time to schedule a professional inspection of the property; it is one of the best safeguards you can take before buying. A home inspector should check (and may give you a rough price for repairs on) the electrical system, plumbing and waste disposal, the water heater, insulation and ventilation, water source and quality, pests, foundation, doors, windows, ceilings, walls, floors and roof.
Keep in mind that the inspector isn’t there to tell you whether you’re getting a good deal. He or she is there to give you an educated and professional opinion on whether the house is structurally and mechanically sound and fill you in on any repairs that are needed.
Homeowners Insurance
A paid homeowners insurance policy is required at closing.
Often a real estate professional will help make sure your insurance company and your title officer are working together to put your policy in effect by the close of escrow.
But, if you get your insurance agent involved early in your home-buying process, he or she may also help point out ways to help keep your insurance premiums lower.
Closing your Sale
When the property you’re buying has been inspected and you’ve had your final walk-through of the property to see that all contingency conditions such as final repairs made by the seller — have been met, its time to face the final paperwork.
You will be signing loan documents and closing papers, paying the balance of your down payment and closing costs.
This is the day you get the keys to your new home. Congratulations!
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