Buying Floridas First Coast

buying florida’s

First Coast

your trusted

Real Estate Professional A United States Navy Veteran and a skilled tradesman with 11 years of experience in residential and commercial plumbing, Robby made the leap into real estate to try a new challenge in his life and to have more quality time with his family. His children are his driving force for success day in and day out. Robby leverages his expertise to help his customers not only find the perfect home, but answer questions about their new home along the way. He was born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and relocated to St. Augustine, Florida. He enjoys helping others, which is his favorite part of working as a Realtor. Robby volunteers as a local youth football coach here in St. Augustine and is a proud supporter of K9s For Warriors.

robby whittington realtor®, mrp

904.806.3265 robby@jlhometeam.com robbyw.cbfloridahomes.com

661 a1a beach blvd | st. augustine, fl 32080

1

Process

the

Below is an outline of the steps you’ll be taking as part of becoming a homeowner.

•

How much can you afford?

• •

•

Deciding on a lender

Fine tuning your budget

Begin searching for a home • •

Making an offer

Your offer is accepted •

2

The closing

getting

Started

You’ve decided to purchase a home! Buying a home is an exciting and smart investment.

Homeownership brings a sense of security and the freedom of having your own space.

Financially, it can provide a tax shelter and the opportunity to build equity.

This guide is designed to walk you through the process of buying a home so you are prepared to act quickly when you find the perfect one. As you work through the home buying process, you’ll find that your professional real estate agent is a valuable resource, and you can feel confident your search for a new home will be successful.

Your agent will help you find the home that fits your lifestyle and your budget.

3

how much

Can You Afford?

Before you begin searching for a new home, you need to determine a realistic budget that takes into consideration your current debt (credit cards, loans, etc.) as well as homeowner expenses such as taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance.

4

getting

Pre-Approved

A lender will only allow you to borrow money if they are sure your credit is strong and if they are confident you can pay them back.

To determine if you’re a good candidate for a loan, they look at your credit score and study your financial history, income, federal tax returns and long-term debt such as credit cards, auto loans, child support, etc. If your credit looks good, you have an excellent chance of obtaining a mortgage.

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is an important first step when buying a home.

Your agent will help you find the home that fits your lifestyle and your budget.

5

Establishing good credit

At one time or another, many people blemish their credit report. If your credit report is tarnished, there are steps you can take to repair the damage.

First, examine the credit report thoroughly and make sure it’s accurate. If there are mistakes on the report, contact the credit reporting agency and ask them to remove the mistakes immediately.

Here are some other helpful tips: - Pay your bills on time and in full - Limit how many credit cards you have - Keep separate checking and savings accounts - Stay at your current job for a few years; the longer the better.

Be sure your credit report is accurate and take steps to remove any mistakes immediately.

6

decide on a

Mortgage After you are pre-approved for a mortgage, it’s time to decide on a mortgage type. There are many types of mortgages, and choosing the right one for you is an important decision. The two most common mortgages are a Fixed Rate Mortgage and an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM). If you are interested in exploring additional mortgage programs, talk to a local mortgage professional.

FIXED RATE MORTGAGE:

but it usually includes a lifetime

The interest rate remains the same

cap on the interest rate increase in

for the entire term of the loan --

order to protect the borrower. The

usually 15 to 30 years -- meaning

advantage of an Adjustable Rate

the principal and interest portions

Mortgage is that it offers lower

of your loan will never change.

initial payments, making it easier

With a Fixed Rate Mortgage,

for buyers to qualify.

your payments are stable and

When you apply for a mortgage,

predictable; however, interest

have the following items available

rates tend to be higher than with

for each applicant:

an adjustable rate.

- Two most recent pay stubs

ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE:

- Summary of current debt (credit

The interest rate is linked to

cards, loans, child support, etc.)

the financial index so the rate

- W-2s for the last two years

fluctuates with changes in market

- Federal tax returns for the last

conditions. With an Adjustable

two years

Rate Mortgage, your payments

- Last two months’ bank

will vary over the life of the loan,

statements

7

Fine Tune your budget

Now it’s time to calculate your budget in more detail. To help you, here are three major costs associated with purchasing a property. Work with your agent to determine all costs associated with purchasing a home.

1. Down Payment: This is how much you pay upfront. The larger the down payment, the smaller your mortgage. The standard down payment is 20% of the cost of the home, but other programs are available, especially for first-time homebuyers. Your real estate agent can help you determine which program is the best fit for you.

2. Monthly Mortgage Costs: Include the mortgage, homeowner’s insurance, mortgage insurance (if applicable), property taxes and escrow deposits, which can be combined with the monthly mortgage payment.

3. Closing Costs: Include appraisals, title insurance, inspections, attorneys, title transfers and additional fees.

To estimate fees and other closing costs, fill out the Estimated Closing Costs Worksheet on the next page. Your agent will help you estimate these costs.

8

The Fun Begins Your financial papers are in order, you’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage, and you’ve calculated your budget, now it’s time to start searching for a new home!

One of the many advantages of working with me is having access

to multiple listings. I can provide a detailed description of any property that interests you. The more I know about what you’re looking for, the easier it will be to find the perfect match.

9

make an

Offer

You’ve found the perfect home! Now it’s time to make an offer. Your real estate agent will help you decide on an offer based on your pre-approved loan, current market conditions and competition.

After you’ve determined an offer amount, your agent will present it to the seller on your behalf. Negotiations may follow between you and the seller as you work toward an agreement. This is normal, and your agent can support you through the process objectively and professionally.

10

Accepted

your offer is

Now it’s time to finalize your loan and have inspections completed. Based on the inspection results, repairs may need to be completed. The property is appraised, the title analyzed, the title insurance commitment is issued and the property is surveyed if necessary. At this point you need to secure homeowner’s insurance.

11

the

Closing

This is the day you’ve been waiting for! If closing is a new experience, try not to worry, your real estate agent will guide you through it.

Bring

identification,

documents

requested

by

the title company, your lender and agent and the closing money owed. All fees and transaction charges will be disclosed as separate line items within the statement. Check with the title company to determine how they want fees to be paid (i.e. cashier’s check, wire transfer).

During closing, the sale transaction is finalized.

The Disclosure Statement* is released, money is exchanged, all paperwork and agreements are signed, and the title of property is transferred--the home is now yours!

Congratulations!

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*Often in real estate transactions, the seller will present a Disclosure State. The statement includes the age and condition of the property and a list of any additional features (pool, garage, etc.) The Disclosure Statement protects the seller against liability from a buyer who charges that they were not informed of a particular condition, as well as providing the buyer with an extensive review of the property so that they can make a full-informed decision before they purchase the house.

Frequently Asked Questions What types of mortgage programs are offered? There are many types of mortgages, and choosing the right one for you is an important decision. Below lists several programs, but talk to a local mortgage professional to see which program is right for you.

- 15, 20, or 30-year Fixed Rate loans - Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) - New Construction financing - VA and FHA loans

How long does a mortgage application take to process? It typically takes 30 to 45 days to process an application. The time depends on how quickly the lender can get an appraisal of the property, review your financial statements, employment and credit information.

What could delay my loan approval? Delays could result if the lender discovers credit problems or if your employment and/or financial status changes between the time you submitted an application and the final loan approval. There may also be a delay if the

What’s included in my house payment?

Principal and interest on your loan.

Depending on the terms of your loan, the payment may also include homeowner’s insurance, mortgage insurance and property taxes.

Can I pay those other things separately?

With most loans you can pay taxes and insurance separately if you borrowed no more than 80 percent of the purchase price or appraised value of your home.

Check with your lender to be sure.

What do the closing costs include?

Closing costs cover processing and administration of your loan. You may also have to prepay interest charges to cover the partial month in which you close and deposit money into an escrow account for property taxes, homeowner’s and mortgage insurance.

home you selected appraised for less than the agreed purchase price.

13

things to avoid after

Mortgage Approval After being approved for a mortgage, it is crucial to maintain financial stability and avoid certain actions that could jeopardize your loan or your financial well-being.

Here are some things you should avoid:

1. Changing your employment. Changing

2. Making large purchases. Avoid making

jobs or careers shortly before or during the

significant purchases on credit before

mortgage process can be risky. Lenders

closing on your home. Large credit card

typically prefer to see stable employment

transactions or taking out new loans can

and income. If you must change jobs, consult

impact your credit score and debt-to-

with your mortgage lender to understand

income ratio, potentially affecting your

how it might affect your affect.

mortgage terms.

3. Missing payments. Continue to pay all

4. Opening new credit accounts. Avoid

your bills on time. Late payments, especially

opening new credit accounts, such as credit

on existing loans and credit cards, can

cards or personal loans, as it can increase

negatively impact your credit score, which

your overral debt load and impact your

can, in turn, affect your mortgage rate.

credit score.

5. Co-signing for others. Co-signing for

6. Draining your savings. Don’t use up your

someone else’s loan or credit can affect

savings for the down payment and closing

your

credit

costs. It’s essential to have an emergency

score, potentially causing issues with your

fund for unexpected expenses, repairs, and

mortgage approval.

mortgage-related costs.

14

debt-to-income

ratio

and

7. Making large cash deposits. Large,

8.

Neglecting

homeowners’

insurance.

unexplained cash deposits into your bank

Ensure you have homeowners’ insurnace

accounts can raise concerns for mortgage

coverage in place before closing on your

lenders. Always document the source of

home. Lenders typically require insurance

any significant deposits.

to protect their investment.

9. Skipping home inspections. Don’t skip a

10. Changing your financial situation. Avoid

professional home inspection. It’s essential

major financial changes, such as divorces,

to identify any potential issues with the

large gifts, or substantial investments,

property before closing, as this can impact

as these can complicate your mortgage

your decision or provide an opportunity to

approval.

negotiate repairs or price adjustments with the seller.

11.

Failing

to

maintain

good

credit.

12.

Ignoring

your

lender’s

advice.

Continue to monitor and manage your

Stay in close communication with your

credit responsibility. Avoid maxing out

mortgage lender. Follow their guidance

credit cards, paying only the minimum

and instructions throughout the process to

balance, and running up new debts.

ensure a smooth closing.

It is important to remember that mortgage approval is not the end of the process; it is the beginning of your homeownership journey. Maintaining financial stability and responsible financial behavior is critical to a successful and stress-free homeownership experience. Always consult with your mortgage lender if you have any questions or concerns about your financial decisions during this period.

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These

Top 5 Spots

Coffee Spots Kookaburra

|

Foxtail Coffee Co.

Sunrise Brew Coffee

|

|

Dos Coffee

City Perks Coffee

Breakfast Spots Beachside Dinner

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The Spot Cafe

|

|

Roosevelt Room

Ancient City Brunch Bar Blue Hen

Dinner Spots River and Fort

|

Sunset Grill

|

Columbia

The Black Molly

|

Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille

Attractions Alligator Farm Old Jail

|

|

Castillo De San Marcos

Fountain of Youth

St Augustine Lighthouse

Beaches

Vilano Beach

|

Crescent Beach

Butler Beach

|

Mickler’s Beach

St Augustine Beach

17

Pet Moving checklist

Pets have many needs which become complicated when moving off island. This moving checklist for pets lists all of the hurdles of pet relocation.

Before Moving q

Visit the vet. Make sure to pick up your pet’s medical records. Have your pet vaccinated and stock up on any pet

meds needed until you settle into your new home. If your move is difficult for a pet, as your vet to prescribe sedatives to be given on and around moving day.

q q

Update your pet ID tags. Have new tags created with the pet’s name and your new contact information.

Check licensing laws. Contact the proper authority in your new location for information on pet licensing

requirements. Secure a valid license for your pet.

q Flying with your pet. If your move requires flying with your pet, check with your airline to see what requirements they may have for pet travel. Try to choose nonstop flights since pets may become unsettled by air pressure changes and airport handling. Be aware of airline policies regarding temperatures, permitted animal breeds, and carrier requirements.

q

Moving pets internationally. Those moving to another country should check with that country’s embassy or

consulate about any quarantine or health issues related to pet moving. If moving a bird, make sure to secure proper documentation required by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

Moving Day q

Temporary residence. Your pet is best kept away from all your moving day activities. They’ll likely get agitated

when seeing items being removed from the home. Have pets stay with friends or board them in a kennel for the day.

q Settling into your new home. Once you are somewhat settled into your new home, let your pet roam around and get used to the new space. Since pets will initially be confused about their new surroundings, keep them confined or leashed until you are certain they will not run away from home. Pets that are stressed and confused can be kept confined in a small room with their bed, toys, and other items.

q

If your pet has a microchip, contact the company and provide your updated contact information.

18

Moving Young Kids Tips and tricks to encourage a smooth transition.

children. It can also be a stressful and sad time. Moving

TELLING YOUNGER CHILDREN ABOUT THE MOVE

represents change, which can be difficult at any age.

• Explain where and why you are moving

Sharing and reading picture books about moving is a great

• Highlight benefits of moving that your kids can

Your family’s move can be an exciting time for you and your

way to prepare kids for what’s ahead and give voice to the range of feelings that they may be experiencing.

understand • Use maps and pictures to help illustrate where you are going and make the move more concrete

Most children have an adventurous, curious side to them.

Try appealing to this side when telling them that the family

• Reassure them that their life won’t change dramatically

is moving. This way, you’ll help them view the move as an experience that can lead to exciting discoveries.

MOVING TIPS • Make a list of all the questions your child has

Even in their excitement, young children will feel sadness at leaving familiar people, places and activities. Help your kids with concrete ways to make the “old place to the new place” transition. Following are some tips for you to help your young children cope with the move.

about moving.

• Create an address book • Be sure to allocate enough time to say your special goodbyes • Make a last visit to their favorite places • Plan their new bedroom

What to Expect Moving to a new place can affect a child’s behavior and emotions. Toddlers and young children are egocentric. When you show stress, they may think it’s because of something they did. Be mindful of your emotions and actions in their presence and give them plenty of reassurance.

Younger kids may be the most eager members of your moving team. Let your kids help by assigning tasks you know they can handle!

HELPFUL ADVICE FROM PARENTS WHO HAVE BEEN THERE • Keep your kids in the loop on important moving information • Visit the new school and community before you move.

• Try to keep things and routines familiar • Set up a toddler’s new room similar to their old one.

• Think about volunteering at school. It might be nice for your child to have a reassuring presence in an unfamiliar environment.

19

Address Change

ADDRESS CHANGE CHECKLIST checklist

Here’s a list of people, businesses & organizations who will need to know you’ve moved to a new location.

THE ESSENTIALS  

Request a Change of Address form at a USPS post office Friends and family

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS      

Banks and credit unions Credit card companies (including department store cards) Lenders (mortgage, home equity, auto, student loan) Insurance companies (health, renters, auto, home, medical, dental, disability, life) Retirement (pension plans, 401K, retirement accounts, Social Security, Veterans Affairs) Investments (investment agencies and brokers)

UTILITIES     

Phone services (cellular, land line) Electric Waste Disposal Internet (land line, wi-fi and satellite) Television (cable or satellite TV)

GOVERNMENT OFFICES     

Department of Motor Vehicles IRS Passport Office Veteran Affairs Unemployment Office (if you are currently receiving unemployment benefits)

JOBS     

Notify the Human Resources department Update your personal marketing materials (business cards, websites, resumes) Employment agencies (temp agencies and recruiters) Professional Memberships (licensing and certification boards) Past employers (for W-2)

HEALTH   

Physicians (doctors, dentists, optometrists, etc.)

Pharmacies Health insurers (HMOs, DMOs, agencies and brokers)

SERVICE PROVIDERS          

Cable company Phone company Housecleaning services Delivery services Accountants Childcare (day-care center, baby sitters) Lawn care service Veterinarian (including pet groomer, pet sitters, and microchip service) Pool services Lawyers

AUTOMOBILE      

Auto insurers (insurance agencies and brokers) Auto lenders (car dealership, bank or loan place) Department of Motor Vehicles (changing your vehicle registration) Membership clubs (AAA or similar) Parking permits Warranty (if a car warranty is still in place)

MEMBERSHIPS     

House of worship (churches, synagogues, mosques) Health clubs Community groups (PTA, neighborhood associations, civic clubs) Children’s extracurricular activities (dance classes, music lessons, sport clubs) Social clubs, community centers

SUBSCRIPTIONS  

Magazines (The USPS will only forward magazine subscriptions for two months) Streaming services

OTHER    

Air miles reward program Update personal websites Register to vote!

Children’s schools

20 Presented by Coldwell Banker Premier Properties • Robby Whittington • 661 A1A Beach Blvd. St Augustine, FL 32080

Moving checklist

MOVING CHECKLIST TWO MONTHS PRIOR

ONE MONTH PRIOR

TWO-THREE WEEKS PRIOR













Acquire estimates from moving companies Create and maintain a file for all moving papers and receipts Talk with your accountant to determine if any parts of your move might be tax-deductible Create and maintain a file for all moving papers and receipts

SIX WEEKS PRIOR 





 



Complete a Change of Address card at the USPS post office and at the following places you do business: accountants, attorneys, banks, credit card companies, former employers, insurance agents, IRS/Social Security Admin, periodicals, physicians and dentists, relatives and friends, religious organizations, schools, stockbrokers Do some research on healthcare professionals and hospitals in your new location if moving off island Arrange to have family medical records transferred to new physicians if moving off island Arrange to have pet records transferred to new veterinarian if moving off island Arrange to have children's school records transferred if moving off island Select a reputable mover with good insurance coverage or reserve a rental truck





 



    

Arrange for personal/family travel (air, hotel, car rental) if moving off island Arrange for the transportation of pets, plants and other delicate items Contact all utility companies (cable, gas, electric, phone, refuge collection, water, etc.) to arrange for disconnect, final billing and connection at your new address Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowner's, medical and life) to update policies Gather all legal documentation into one box and maintain in an accessible and safe place.

Documents should include vehicle titles, registration documents and licensing, birth certificates, wills, deeds, stock, legal, medical, and insurance records Make arrangements to transfer funds and close bank accounts if necessary Notify landlord of pending departure and request security deposit refund Notify in-home contracted service providers (housekeeping, gardening, pool, pest control, etc.)

Save receipts from the move (many moving expenses are tax deductible) Gather moving supplies (boxes, bubble wrap, tape, markers, rope) Start packing!





Arrange for child care on moving day Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of your new address Review arrangements with the moving company

ONE WEEK PRIOR  

Fill all prescription medications Settle all outstanding bills with vendors

A FEW DAYS PRIOR  

Finish packing Pack first night items, including alarm clocks, change of clothes, flashlight, phone, sheets, toiletries and towels

MOVER'S SURVIVAL KIT        

Aspirin or ibuprofen Coffee, filters, and coffee maker Paper towels, toilet paper, soap Paper cups and plates, plastic utensils Pen and notepad Scissors, utility knife, masking and/or duct tape Trash bags and shelf liner Water, soft drinks, snacks

INVENTORY POSSESSIONS 



Sell and give away items you don’t want or need from closets and storage areas Donate unsold items to charity or otherwise remove them from property

MOVING DAY

PACKING TIPS

• Remain until movers are finished loading your belongings

• Label boxes as you pack them with content and desired room location

• Be home to answer any questions your mover may have • Record all utility meter readings upon departure

• Ensure you and the movers did not leave anything in the vacated house • Carefully read, complete, and sign the bill of lading and the

• Keep jewelry, important papers or medications with you

21

• Leave lamps, china & artwork or breakables for movers to pack • Pack heavy items in small boxes

• Do not over stuff boxes; leave some extra room at the top

Recommended vendors

I am here for you in all aspects of the home sale process. My primary service ensures you’ll receive complete assistance from start to finish — giving you one-stop-shop convenience.

Home Inspectors AM Inspections — Alex Mansur 904.626.0337 | Alex@AMInspect.com | www.AMInspects.com Sunspections — Greg Strump 904.495.5048 | Greg@Sunspections.com | www.Sunspections.com Sterling Home Inspection Services Inc. — Don Pires 904.794.2104 | Don@SHIS-Inc.com | www.SterlingHomeInspectionServices.com

22

Lenders Coast One Mortgage — Laura Baker 630.417.0592 | LauraBaker@CoastOneMortgage.com | www.LauraBakerLoans.com Fiber Mortgage — Rusty Davis 904.446.0457 | RustyDavis@FiberMortgage.com | https://Fiber.Mortgage Bayway Mortgage — Ed Carlton 904.224.2555 | ECarlton@BaywayMtg.com | www.BaymayMortgage.com

Title Action Title — Craig Herzog 904.797.4777 | Info@ActionTitleStJohns.com | www.ActionTitleStJohns.com Coast One TItle — Wendy Boyer 904.484.7070 | WendyBoyer@CoastOneTitle.com | www.CoastOneTitle.com Southern Capital TItle — Lili Silva 904.990.1790 | Lili@SouthernCapitalTitle.com

23

The nation’s largest provider of Service Dogs to Veterans.

Roughly 20 veterans die by suicide every day, and K9s for Warriors is committed to change that. Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s for Warriors provides highlytrained Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma.

800

2000

Over 800 Warriors have been

Roughly 2000 rescue dogs have

served since opening in 2011.

been saved from high-kill shelters

82%

1/3

of Veterans with Service Dogs

Roughly 1/3 of Veterans in a VA

report a decrease in suicidal

study no longer met with any

thoughts.

criteria for PTSD after 18 months.

92% of Veterans with Service Dogs reported a reduction in medications.

24

With the majority of dogs coming from high-kill rescue shelters, this innovative programs allows the Warrior/K9 team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery.

k9sforwarriors.org | 904.686.1956

With each transaction, a portion of my commission goes to the organization.

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Notes

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