Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Josh Mick
Josh Mick is a Licensed Mortgage Loan Officer (NMLS #39767) and Divisional Sales Manager at CrossCountry Mortgage
(NMLS #3029, NMLS #1825892).
Southwest Florida’s summer heatwave may have you grabbing an extra bottle of water on your way out the door or trading your Saturday run for a relaxing float in the pool, but one thing you shouldn’t be sweating about is your next home purchase.
Buying a home is the most important financial decision of your life, and the mortgage process itself is very involved. There are numerous documents, requirements, and federal guidelines—not to mention all the people who have a stake in the transaction. But I’m here with my top 3 tips to put your nerves at ease!
Start with Your Budget
I find that buyers who know their budget are more confident and have a more gratifying home purchase experience. All it takes is pen, paper, and 15 minutes of your time to start. Print out a few of your bank or credit card statements and get to work—it’s really that simple.
When factoring home expenses into your purchase budget, it’s important to consult with a licensed mortgage loan officer. They will break down the expenses that go into your final monthly payment. Remember it’s more than principle and interest. You also have homeowner’s insurance, county taxes, mortgage insurance and maybe even homeowner’s association dues. The variables can be confusing, but us pros make it easy.
Do Your Research
I’m a firm believer in the truism knowledge is power—especially when purchasing a home. Hitting the web to gather information about down payment types, loan programs, and other qualifying factors will make you a savvier purchaser. I motivate my clients to adopt this mindset by asking them to compile a list of questions after our initial conversation. They start thinking of the ‘why’ and really take ownership of the mortgage and purchase process, trading uncertainty for action and satisfaction.
Gather Your Team
There is nothing more important than having a great team by your side. You are not alone when you are purchasing a home, you have trusted advisors all around you. My team is just one small part of the overall group effort that makes the dream of home ownership a realty. Find a realtor who is reputable among his peers and a strong negotiator—look no further than Mr. Mark Dransfield who was featured in last month’s issue! From an inspection standpoint, a highly skilled Pest Inspector like Clark Stroeter is another crucial part of your home buying journey. Assemble the right team, and you will fee confident in the decisions you are making.
Mark Dransfield
REALTOR®
MVP Realty Associates
Having worked in Finance and Real Estate since 1990, both internationally and throughout the US, Mark has a wealth of experience within the Real Estate world. He is originally from the UK and has also lived throughout Europe and Asia. He has been living, working and investing in the US for more 15 years. During that time, he has been involved with numerous Real Estate and commodity projects, in addition to working as a lender in both the public and private sectors. His personal involvement in buying and selling properties, along with his experiences of relocation has proven successful for clients all around the globe. Also a Professional Percussionist in his life before Real Estate, Mark has performed internationally with groups ranging from high-level orchestras in the UK to West End (Broadway) shows in London, England, to being a Band Leader onboard Cruise Ships, so after he’s closed your Real Estate deal, who knows, there may be a band at your house-warming party!
Web: www.TheBritishGuySellsFL.com
Cell: 239-330-4501
Email: Mark@TheBritishGuySellsFL.com
Definitive Pest Control – Clark Streeter
Phone: {239) 431-1851
www.definitivepestcontrolhomeservices.com
Email: definitivepestcontrol@gmail.com
Josh Mick – NMLS ID 397687
Divisional Sales Manager
239-206-1791 | Josh.mick@myccmortgage.com
Cross Country Mortgage, Inc. NMLS ID 3029
9975 Tamiami Trl N Ste 2, Naples Fl 34108
www.mickmortgage.com