Breaking it Down: 6 Steps in the Home Buying Process

In buying a home, a question that inevitably comes up is, “How long does it take?” The answer will usually vary depending on what kind of buyer you are. It will also vary if the home is sold in a traditional, short sale, or foreclosure sale.

12 Months Out: What You Should Know About Buying Your First Home

Making the transition from renting to owning can be a thrilling one, but when it comes to doing it for the first time ever, it can be somewhat overwhelming. Buying a home in one year is possible! Check out our timeline for our recommendations for how to buy a home in 12 months.

9 Questions Every First Time Home Owner Has: Part 1

Whether it’s your first time or your third time buying a home, the process can be daunting. It can bring on many emotions and/or questions. But, when it is your first time buying a home, it’s important to feel as prepared as possible.

9 Questions Every First Time Home Owner Has: Part 2

Your REALTOR® is a great resource when it comes to getting your questions answered, which is exactly why we’re here today. So, just what are the other common questions every first time homebuyer has before they start their home search?

First-Time Home Buyer Checklist

Our free checklist for first-time home buyers will guide you through the beginning stages of the home buying process and help you navigate the twists and turns that can come along when buying your first home.

Three Important Things to Consider When Searching for a Home

You’ve finally decided it’s time to buy that home you’ve been dreaming of. Finding your dream home takes time, effort, insight, and a little more than daydreaming your lunch break away.

Who to Call When Searching for Your First Home

You’ve decided you are ready to live the American dream and buy your first home. The only problem is, you aren’t quite sure where to start or what to do as a first time home buyer. Here’s a list of four people you should contact when you are looking to buy a house for the first time.

What Comes First, the Buy or the Sell?

You’ve decided that you are ready to sell your current home and buy a new home, but you aren’t quite sure where to start. Do you buy first and then sell? Do you sell first and then buy? Or are you the adventurous type that does both at the same time?

Road Blocks You May Face When Buying a Home: Part 1

Many people have dreams of playing out their favorite house hunting reality show when it comes to home buying, but that is not always the case. On shows like this, you’ll often see a very condensed version of what the home buying process really looks like.

Road Blocks You May Face When Buying a Home: Part 2

Here are some of the road blocks you may face when buying a home. We’re not talking about road blocks that will stop you from home buying altogether, but there are issues you should be aware of when going into the process of finding your dream home.

What if a Home I Want to Buy Has a Renter?

You’ve been trekking up and down the street of your favorite subdivision with your favorite REALTOR®, and you’ve narrowed your options down to one home. The only catch is that it is tenant occupied. What do you do?

Buying a Home with Your Dog in Tow

It’s commonly said that man’s best friend is his dog. For many, these four-legged furry friends are a deciding factor in many of the things we do in life, and buying a home with your dog in tow is no different.

It’s More Than Just a Simple Showing

Home showings are an important part of the buying and selling process, but safety is equally important and is sometimes overlooked in the process.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Touring a Home for Sale in Central Florida

They say the early bird gets the worm, and the same goes for the buyer who sets up a tour of a home they think could be “the one.” But when it comes to a showing, there are a few do’s and don’ts of touring a home for sale in Central Florida that buyers should be aware of.

Don’t Do It: Buying a “For Sale by Owner” Home

Yes, I’m a REALTOR®, so naturally I think it’s in your best interest to use a real estate professional when buying a new home. But I promise it’s not because it benefits me – using a trusted REALTOR® benefits you, too.

What is a CDD? Explained in 100 Words (or less!)

When buying your home, there are some key terms that might be hard to understand. This is especially true if you are looking in the newer communities that are focused on offering a plethora of amenities such as community pools, parks, and recreation areas that are both attractive and convenient.

What’s the Difference Between HOA and CDD?

There are many questions you will have to ask yourself during the home buying process. Along with those questions might come a few real estate terms you might be unfamiliar with.

What’s a Settlement Statement?

Knowing what the Settlement Statement is and understanding what the Settlement Statement is can be two very different things. We want to make sure you feel confident in both.

Appraisals: The Skinny On How They Make or Break Your Transaction

When buying or selling a home, having an appraisal done is an important part of the process for both the buyer AND the seller. First, let’s discuss what an appraisal is and why you need one in the first place.

Home Inspections 101

A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home. Many times it is done in connection with the sale of a home, but can take place at any time if the need for one should arise.

The 5 Benefits of Building vs. Buying a Home

Here are five benefits of building vs. buying a home. That Pinterest-inspired home you’ve been dreaming of could become a reality after reading our tips.

The Nail Biter of Real Estate: Negotiations and Buyer Representation, the Secret Ingredients with New Home Construction

When buying or selling a home, many people think of negotiating the price, but there are a plethora of aspects in the contract that need to be negotiated – some things you might have never even thought of before.

11 Questions to Ask Your REALTOR® When Buying New Construction – Part 1

We want you to bear in mind that there are things you should be asking your REALTOR® when purchasing a house that is being built from the ground up, from the first chat you have with the builder to the moment you’re signing on that dotted line.

11 Questions to Ask Your REALTOR® When Buying New Construction – Part 2

The biggest point we’re trying to make when it comes to purchasing a home in a new community is that you involve your REALTOR® in the process early on, as they are essential to making sure your interests are represented.

Goal Setting When the Goal is Buying a New Home

Before you begin your home search, it’s important to start by setting realistic goals. One of the most important goals you should have when buying a house is to budget properly and save as much money as possible in every step of the home buying process.

3 Common Mortgage-Related Questions Answered

The mortgage industry is constantly changing and consulting a mortgage professional is still the best way to navigate the loan process.

The Beginner’s Guide to Home Loans

Buying a home for the first time comes with many new terms to learn and steps to conquer, with figuring out the type of loan you’ll need being just one of them.

The Great Debate: 15-year Mortgages vs. 30-year Mortgages

If you’re new at this whole home buying thing, one step in the financing process is deciding how long to finance your mortgage: 15 years vs. 30 years.

How Much Can I Afford When Buying a Home in Central Florida?

Qualifying for a mortgage will depend on your monthly gross income (before taxes), credit history, and down payment. So, how much house can you really afford? To know that, you need to understand the concept of debt-to-income ratios.

Is Using Your Tax Refund Toward Your Home a Good Idea?

Homeownership has been and remains to be a cornerstone of the American Dream, and a strong desire remains among Americans to own their own home. Who knew you could use your tax refund and turn it into a lifelong investment?

Popular Central Florida Neighborhoods

Learn more about eight of Central Florida’s most popular neighborhoods and find out which one may be the right area for you!

A Comparison of the HOA Fees in Your Favorite Osceola County Neighborhoods

There are a number of popular neighborhoods in Osceola County that home buyers, like yourself, are flocking to when trying to find their dream home. And because many of these neighborhoods are newer, or offer community amenities, they often have HOA or CDD fees attached to them.

Benefits of Owning a Home in a Golf Community

We all know Florida is dubbed the “Sunshine State” thanks to its warm and often sunny weather. The better the weather, the more tee times you can take advantage of. Plus, the benefits of owning a home in a golf community are pretty interesting, too.

Multiple Factors that Make a Community Appealing to Any Home Buyer

Oftentimes there are varying details that make a community appealing to a home buyer. We’re sharing some of the factors we hear about most from our potential home buyers.

6 Things to Look for in a Great REALTOR®

Here’s a list of six things you should expect from your REALTOR® when buying a home in Central Florida.

Real Estate Designations & Certifications

At Dream Builders Realty, we believe in “excellence every time!” These designations and certifications are examples of what makes our firm distinctly different, ensures we are capable of providing our customers with the best service available and allows you to work with certified REALTORS® in Central Florida.

Not All Real Estate Websites Are Created Equal

A lot of companies know consumers, like you, are interested in and are looking for information about homes and real estate and have created slick looking websites to attract you to their sites. What you may not know is they are really just interested in using web traffic to increase the value of their ad space and then selling those ads to major companies.

What’s in a Title? We Have Specialties to Meet Your Needs

At Dream Builders Realty, we have a team of highly qualified REALTORS® with a wide range of certifications and designations. This means that whatever you may be looking for when it comes to buying or selling a home, we have a specialist that can help you.

Buying My Dream Home with Dream Builders Realty

One of the reasons our company is called Dream Builders Realty is that we’re in the dream building business. What do I mean by that? My team has the opportunity each and every day to help people find their dream home, and that makes what we do truly special.

Our Work in the Community

Learn more about how Dream Builders Realty gives back to our community!

DBR’s Guide to Home Inspections

We decided it would be a good idea to also share about types of inspections out there and which ones you should consider when going through this process.

Sold! What Happens After a Contract is Accepted

You’ve found a house, or a buyer has found yours, and everyone has agreed on a price. So what happens between now and the time it becomes legally owned by you or another party?

Signing on the Dotted Line, It’s Closing Time!

You’ve made it to the finish line. That in itself is cause for celebration! But we know, the celebrating is going to start the minute you’ve signed the last paper and are holding those new keys in your hand.

The Mover’s Guide to Packing Everything

We’re bringing you tips from a REAL Dream Builders Realty customer – a person just like you who recently bought a new home and had to move her family from one house to the next. This mover has the real packing tips and tricks that you are looking for.

6 Things You Don’t Want to Forget to do After You Move

The days leading up to closing can be filled with a whirlwind of emotions and a list a mile long of tasks you need to do. There are a few things, though, that you may be forgetting to add to that post-move to-do list you’ve started.

Sign Up for Our New Home Buyer Email Series!

Are you a first time home buyer looking for answers to all of your questions related to buying a home in Florida? Our email series may be just what you’re looking for.