6 Steps to Buying a Home: How to Prepare for the Home Buying Process.

chris.ha • February 26, 2020

When buying a home, the process may seem a little daunting. It’s a large purchase with a long commitment. Buying is a bit stressful and requires a lot of time and patience. In order to have the best and easiest experience, we have provided a step-by-step process to assist you in preparing for what would be required for you and/or your spouse when buying a home.

STEP 1: Understand and Improve Your Credit Score

Having a good credit score is always an important factor when making any large purchase. You could offer a larger percent deposit down on the home, make a steady income, and still get denied because your credit score is too low. A low credit score will also affect your loan amount and your interest rate. So, first things first, CHECK YOUR CREDIT SCORE. Don’t just rely on your FICO score card , you will also want to check, Equifax, Experian, and Transunion. You want to review all three of these to get the most accurate depiction of where you stand with your credit, The same information isn’t always reported to the same industries so the scores may be slightly varied. Even if you have a nearly perfect score, you should always be sure to check. You want to make sure that the score is as accurate as possible and ensure that no mistakes were made when reporting your score.

STEP 2: Identify Your Budget

As soon as you have decided to purchase a property, it is imperative to work out some numbers to see what exactly you can afford. Understand that you should budget for what homes you can need, and not the homes you want. The best way to start is to research the average utilities, HOA fees, and property taxes in all of the neighborhoods that you are interested in. Now, take those average costs, and deduct it from your income, and be sure to include your other expenses, such as car payments, monthly groceries, credit card payments, or any other recurring monthly payments. Whatever you have remaining is an estimate of what you will be able to pay for your mortgage each month. You don’t have to do all of these calculations by hand! There are websites that provide mortgage calculators to assist you in understanding where your budget stands. Also, keep in mind that you would have to account for closing costs, and the deposit for the property, so be sure to factor that information in as well.

STEP 3: Know What Type of Home You Want to Buy

You know your credit score and you have a strong understanding of what your budget looks like. Now you need to look at what kind of home you want. The first thing you want in a home is something that will satisfy your needs. Make sure that the house is big enough for your current family or if it will be able to sustain the potential growth of your family. You want to look at the amount of bedrooms, and bathrooms, the size of the yard, the overall location, and school district. Then once you understand your “needs” you can start to factor in your “wants” does it have a pool? is there an updated kitchen? etc. Separate your needs and wants in a list and try to find a home that meets the criteria of your “needs” first then start addressing the other features that you would like in your new home. Once that’s finalized you can start looking!

STEP 4: Find Your Agent

Before you can start looking at the home you are interested in, you need a real estate agent to get you in. Start by looking for someone in your local area and read some of their reviews. Ask for recommendations from friends or family, and neighbors and try to get a strong list of qualified agents. You can reach out to them and set up an appointment to meet. You should prepare some questions to ask that you feel are important for you to know before you decide on who to work with. Be sure to specify that you are just exploring your options when meeting with them. Once you find the best agent for you, let them know that you are working with them exclusively. and be sure to inform the other agents that you have decided to work with someone else. Listen to your agent and trust that they have all of the knowledge and expertise to help you with any concerns you may have about a potential home. They may also suggest other homes that you might have missed that may not have checked every one of your boxes. Go ahead and look at it anyway. You never know if it could potentially the home of your dreams. Remember, your agent wants to help you and find you a house that you love. They’re your best friend through out this entire process.

STEP 5: Write, Negotiate, Apply, Inspect.

Once you’ve found a home you are absolutely in love with, you can begin to write an offer. Have your agent write it with you so you know exactly what to include and make an offer that you are pleased with. This is important because once you write an offer, and it has been accepted, you will now be in a legally binding contract. You want to make sure that everything is featured in the offer and all everything in it is correct. Once the seller has signed, no changes can be made in the written offer, so be sure to read it, read it again and have your agent do the same.

As soon as the inspection has been complete you can start negotiating with the seller depending on whether or not there have been any issues with the home. Once your offer has been accepted, you can apply for your mortgage! If you’ve been pre-approved and nothing has changed, it should be a fairly easy process. Especially if you have organized your finances before hand. Next is to stay in touch and respond to the inspection and appraisal. The inspection essentially summarizes the state of the home and identifies any issues the home may have that could potentially effect your home in the future. Now, this is going to dive deep into the bones of the house and see anything that wasn’t visible when you originally saw the home. Physical damage that has been seen should already been included in the offer and not brought up for negotiation after the inspection. Based on the results and findings is when you may or may not have to renegotiate the price again. Before moving forward be sure to thoroughly check everything to ensure there are no mistakes.

STEP 6: Close the Sale

You’ve finally found the home of your dreams and it’s time for your closing meeting. The seller has there own meeting prior, where they sign over the home, and they are no longer the owner. The buyer has their meeting with their agent where they give their deposit money, and sign the mortgage and purchase paperwork. Once everything has been confirmed, the home is yours!

We hope while reading this, it helps you understand the process of buying a home a bit easier. If you ever have any questions moving forward, you can always reach out to us at The Brown Home Group at 321-348-8720. We will gladly answer any questions you may have.

Written By: Alyssa Brown

Brown Home Group at Keller Williams Advantage II Realty

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Thinking About a Fixer-Upper? Here’s What Nobody Warns You About

By Rick Brown • December 2, 2025

Buying a fixer-upper seems like a clever move—cheap price, great potential, maybe a shot at living in a zip code you thought was off-limits. On paper, it feels romantic: grit, tools, a vision, and weekends full of transformation. In reality? It’s a grind. First-timers often underestimate how fast “a few projects” can spiral into structural chaos. And once the walls come down, you can’t unsee the mess. If you're eyeing a house that “just needs a little work,” here’s what you need to figure out before that offer goes in. Evaluating the Neighborhood and Location That perfect price tag means nothing if the neighborhood’s going nowhere . You can replace the plumbing, sure—but not the next-door neighbor with six cars in the yard. Look around. Are homes maintained? Do people walk their dogs here? Is there a weird smell you can’t place? The area carries your resale, your insurance, even your peace of mind. A great house in the wrong pocket is like dressing up for a party that doesn’t exist. Conducting a Thorough Property Inspection That retro tile might be hiding water damage. That "character" might be code for structural rot. A true inspection isn’t just a formality— it’s your reality check . Bring someone with no emotional investment and an eye for bad news. Better yet, get a contractor in early to ballpark costs. Because if the foundation’s shifting or there’s mold tucked behind those charming built-ins? You’ll want out before you're locked in. Planning for Financing and Total Costs You’re not just buying a house—you’re buying a renovation timeline, a tool habit, and a parade of invoices. Loans that roll repairs into the mortgage can save you from cash chaos. But even with financing? Add padding. Always. Something will break, someone will ghost, a wall will reveal an ancient plumbing sin. Treat your first estimate like a rough sketch, not gospel. And never assume you’ll stay on schedule. You won’t. Addressing Structural and Safety Systems Before you touch a single finish, make sure the house is sound. Roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC—those boring systems matter more than whatever backsplash you’ve been eyeing. It’s not sexy, but it’s safety. If it’s leaking, shocking, or freezing you out, it's a priority. Cosmetic upgrades can wait. And if you have to choose between "looks good" and "won’t burn down"? Choose the latter. Every. Time. Making Essential Electrical Upgrades Old houses and electricity are a risky pair. Before you get clever with lighting or appliances, have a licensed electrician look at the entire system—panels, outlets, wiring. Plenty of older homes can’t handle modern loads, and that’s not just an inconvenience, it’s a fire risk. Start with top‑quality parts from trusted brands—explore these sources for electrical supply needs . Shoddy electrical work comes back to bite—usually when it’s too late to fix cheap. Identifying Common Fixer-Upper Repairs Certain repairs show up like clockwork. Roof leaks? Count on it. Drainage issues? Common. Old galvanized pipes, drafty windows, termite damage, dodgy subfloors— these are classic fixer-upper problems . And they aren’t always visible at first glance. Start with what's dangerous or actively decaying. Then handle what snowballs into bigger issues later. Cosmetic stuff can come last—or never. There’s no award for “prettiest unfinished project.” There’s pride in buying a home that needs you. But don’t romanticize the mess. Renovating takes grit, time, and more backup plans than you think you’ll need. Your fixer-upper might become your dream home—but only if you stay clear-eyed, ask hard questions, and know when to slow down. Don’t let charm blind you to cost. And don’t try to do it all alone. Buy the project you’re actually ready for, not the one you wish you were. Discover the key to your real estate dreams with Brown Home Group , where our dedicated team of experienced realtors goes above and beyond to ensure you buy or sell with confidence in Central Florida.

Selling a Vacant Home? Here’s How to Do It Without Losing Money or Momentum

By Rick Brown • November 17, 2025

You’ve moved out. The house is empty. And every day it sits unsold, it costs you—emotionally and financially. Selling a vacant property comes with a unique set of risks and responsibilities. But with the right strategy, you can attract serious buyers, manage expenses smartly, and close the deal from wherever you are. These seven sections walk you through the most critical moves to make now. Keep Costs Predictable, Even From Afar The moment your home is vacant, you're still on the hook for utilities, insurance, taxes, and upkeep—but without the daily visibility you once had. Before problems escalate, get ahead of your spending. Create a budget that includes real estate commission, home prep, staging, and potential concessions. You don’t want surprise expenses hitting at closing. Knowing what home‑selling fees to expect lets you estimate your break-even point and time your price adjustments with confidence. Maintain a “Lived-In” Look Without Living There Empty homes feel cold. Worse, they signal neglect to buyers. If you’ve already left, set up systems that keep the home visually appealing. Schedule weekly landscaping. Arrange for packages and flyers to be removed from the porch. And invest in basic curb appeal—new mulch, trimmed bushes, fresh doormat. These curb appeal tips for a vacant property give your place a lived-in energy, even if no one’s been there for weeks. Make It Easy for Buyers to Emotionally Connect An empty house forces buyers to use their imagination. And not all of them are good at it. Visual staging fills that gap. Focus on key areas: living room, primary bedroom, dining space. Add just enough furniture to give a sense of scale and flow. And make sure your agent is using digital walk-throughs, interactive floor plans, and smart scheduling tools to guide remote buyers. These vacant home staging essentials create warmth and orientation without requiring you to restage the entire property. Shrink Monthly Carrying Costs Without Cutting Corners Don’t let a vacant home drain your wallet. The big four to watch are utilities, insurance, cleaning, and lawn care. Start by talking to your utility companies —you may qualify for an “inactive-but-maintained” rate. Some home insurance carriers offer vacancy policies that cost less but still meet requirements. And there’s no shame in automating small stuff. Stage Strategically—Not Expensively You don’t need a warehouse of designer furniture to make your house feel like home. A few well-placed items—lamps, neutral art, entryway rug, a small bistro table in the kitchen—can create a “this could be us” vibe. Many homeowners go the DIY route: inflatable beds for bedrooms, baskets for towels, mirrors for light. Don’t overdo it. Your goal isn’t HGTV— it's comfort and clarity . Offer Peace of Mind With Protection Plans When you’re not around to address buyer concerns in person, the smallest unknowns can feel like big risks. One way to calm nerves is by working with your real estate agent to offer a home warranty or listing-period protection plan. These policies can ease inspection-related fears, especially in vacant homes where buyers can’t easily ask, “What’s that noise?” or “Was that just fixed?” By covering certain systems or appliances, you reduce the chances of last-minute negotiations over minor issues. To see how these plans can add buyer confidence, check this out . Close the Sale From Anywhere (Without Drama) You no longer need to be in town—or even in the same time zone—to close on your home. Remote closings, mobile notaries, and e-signatures are all standard now. Just make sure your title company and agent know you’re remote from the start. You’ll also want to confirm how funds are disbursed and whether there’s anything you need to sign in person. This explainer on the remote closing process for sellers lays out the exact steps and timelines so you’re not scrambling when the deal goes live. Selling a vacant home doesn’t need to feel like a logistical headache. With the right setup—clear communication, practical staging, remote closing support—you can keep momentum high and hold costs low. And when buyers walk in, they’ll feel like someone just stepped out to grab coffee—not like they’re the first ones back in after a long time. That’s the kind of energy that sells homes quickly—and cleanly—from a distance.

Read This Before You Rip Out a Wall

October 28, 2025

There’s this moment before the demolition starts—before the hammer swings, before the contractor texts you “running late”—where it all feels possible. You’ve got your Pinterest board, maybe a sketch on a napkin, some color swatches you’re already half-committed to. And then, pretty quick, it turns into noise. Timelines slip. Dust finds its way into your underwear drawer. People stop showing up when they said they would. And suddenly you’re Googling “is it normal to cry during a remodel.” So here’s the deal. This isn’t a blueprint. It’s a gut-check. Planning Isn’t Optional Winging it will eat your lunch. If you’re thinking “we’ll just figure it out as we go,” go ahead and budget double. You’ve got to define your renovation scope before you do anything. Write it down; get specific. What’s staying. What’s getting ripped out. Where can you flex if costs balloon. People will ask “what’s the plan?” and you’ll think you have one, but unless it’s down on paper? You don’t. This isn’t HGTV. This is your house. Clarity protects you. Don’t Hire the Vibe — Hire the Plan The smooth-talking guy might not show up after deposit day. You need receipts, not vibes. When you’re talking to contractors, don’t get hypnotized by jargon or charisma. Push for structure. Get everything in writing. Start date, payment schedule, who’s responsible for hauling out the mess — all of it. If they squirm, that’s your cue. Be direct. Ask for clear contractor commitments and make sure they don’t treat it like a weird request. It’s not personal. It’s your sanity on the line. Your Docs Will Get Out of Hand. Tame Them. Permits. Receipts. Contracts. Mood boards. Estimates. You’ll think, “Oh, I’ll remember where that is.” You won’t. They’ll be in six different inboxes and three cloud folders. And right when you need that signed plumbing quote, it’ll be buried under something labeled “Final FINAL v3.” Merge your PDFs. All of them. Stick ‘em in one place. Bookmark it. Reference it. It’ll save you mid-panic. If you need a no-hassle way to do that, just take a look and pull your renovation paperwork together before it unravels. Your Budget is Lying to You Whatever your estimate is, add 20%. Just do it. Even if everything feels locked. Even if your spreadsheet color codes make you feel safe. You will discover something behind a wall or under a floor that makes your electrician say “uhh, we’ve got a problem.” And then you’ll either panic or pull from the padding you had the foresight to set aside. The smart move is to budget with a contingency buffer . It’s much better to have leftover money than an unfinished bathroom and maxed card. Your House Will Not Be Livable. Accept That Now. There’s no such thing as a dust-free renovation. It will get in your socks. It will float into your cereal. Your door might be off the hinges for days. Water might be shut off. One night you’ll try to find your toothbrush and discover it under a tarp next to a pile of grout. Even if your contractor promises otherwise, lead times can extend project delays and suddenly you’re eating takeout on an upside-down laundry basket. Make peace with chaos early. It’s coming, either way. The Curveballs Hit Hardest When You’re Tired You’ll make your worst decisions on day 32 when you're over it and just want it to end. That’s when you say yes to the wrong tile or skip a final inspection. Don’t. Force yourself to stay sharp when everything’s blurry. Renovations don’t fall apart all at once — they drift. You skip a walkthrough. You ignore a bad gut feeling. You rush because you’re done emotionally. Don’t do that. Prepare for what most homeowners miss entirely : the fatigue. It’s the invisible enemy, and it wrecks more projects than bad tile ever could. It’s Not Done When It’s “Done” The crew might pack up. The floors might look shiny. But you’re not out of the woods yet. There will be fixes, touch-ups, little weird quirks you don’t notice until week two. Make a punch list. Schedule a walkthrough. Don’t ghost the finish. That last 5%? It’s everything. Set yourself up to follow a simple renovation checklist that keeps you honest when all you want to do is collapse on your new couch and pretend it’s over. Finish strong. Or live with regrets. Renovating your home will test you. You will second-guess your choices. You’ll hate paint colors you once loved. You’ll wonder if the crew is ever coming back. And then, weirdly, one day — it’ll be done. The house will be quieter. The walls smoother. You’ll notice you stop holding your breath when you walk into the kitchen. That’s when it hits you. It was never just about the tile or the lights. It was about holding the line when everything wanted to slide. And you did.

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As we approach Independence Day, we’re filled with gratitude—for freedom, for community, and for the place we all call home. 🏡✨ This season reminds us of the importance of unity, resilience, and celebrating life’s meaningful moments with the ones we love. Whether you're lighting up the sky with fireworks, sharing a meal with neighbors, or simply relaxing under the summer sun, we hope your Fourth is filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. From our family to yours, Happy Independence Day! Here's to the red, white, and blue—and to finding your perfect place to call home. ❤️🤍💙 With warmest wishes, – The Brown Home Group