I'm Jury Hernandez, a local realtor helping buyers like you to reduce stress by implementing a proven strategy so you can have a smooth buying process. I'm sure it's exciting to decide to buy a home. Most homebuyers start viewing homes on social media, YouTube, a real estate website, or watching HDTV. And although things on TV look easy, buying a house can be challenging and stressful.
Just ask the homeowners who didn't start with a home-buying consultation. They'll tell you. Here is the thing, to become a homeowner, you have to prepare. After all, this will be one of your biggest investments. So...here are the 5 things you need to know before buying a home in Kissimmee or anywhere.
#1 Who is in your team of real estate professionals?
Before you start the buying process, build your team of local professionals who will help you get qualified for a loan and will help you navigate the home buying process. Who is on your corner? Your local team of professionals will help you get the results you're looking for: Becoming a Homeowner. My suggestion for first-time home buyers or seasoned home buyers: Start with a free home buying consultation with a Kissimmee real estate agent (like me) to learn more about the different steps of the buying process, like:
· Representation.
· Market conditions.
· Negotiations.
· Making an offer.
· Home inspection.
· Appraisal.
· Loan Approval.
· Final Walk Through.
· Closing.
Things change constantly in our industry, so you owe it to yourself to have a consultation to reduce stress, avoid mistakes and have a smooth process.
Book your free home-buying consultation here
#2 What is your Buying Power?
Now that you had your home-buying consultation with me, It's time to find out your buying power. Sit down with your loan officer and go over your finances.
· How much do you have in savings for your down payments and closing costs?
· What is your credit score?
· What loan types do you qualify for?
· What will your monthly payment look like?
· Determine your eligibility for down payment assistance.
Having this conversation and getting a home loan pre-approval letter before you start house-hunting will help you set the right expectations for the kind of home you can buy and your monthly payment once it's yours.
#3 The Kissimmee, Florida Housing Market Conditions
You know your buying power now that you have your dream team in speed dial. It's time to learn about the Kissimmee market conditions. Here are the main things you want to know:
- Median home price
- Local market trends
- Days on Market (how long it takes for a home to get an offer.)
- List Price vs. Sold Price
Knowing the market conditions will help you understand your options, how fast you want to make an offer, what kind of incentives sellers are giving buyers, and what kind of offer you should make on the home you like. Other things you want to know are:
- Property Taxes
- Homeowner association rules and regulations and fees
- CDDs
- Flood Zones
To learn more about the Kissimmee real estate market, check the link to my market update for Kissimmee.
#4 What Does Living in Kissimmee, FL Looks Like?
Did you know? Kissimmee used to be known as Cow Town because of all the ranches in the area back in the day. Today Kissimmee is known for its proximity to the happiest place on earth, Disney World. Living in "Cowtown" is really cool because it's like living in a place where lots of people come to visit and have fun. The weather is mostly hot and humid, with high temperatures that can reach the 90s, but the winters are quite mild. Since it's close to Disney World, many people come to visit, which means there are many fun jobs available, like working in a hotel or a restaurant. Sometimes, during busy times, it can get really crowded, which means there might be lots of cars on the road or long lines at stores or restaurants. Compared to other places in Central Florida, the cost of living in Kissimmee is relatively affordable, although home values have gone up due to high demand during and after Covid. In Kissimmee, there are lots of fun things to do outside, like fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and golfing. You can also go shopping or try different restaurants in the city like The Loop, Old Town, and The Sunset Walk.
#5 Do an Evaluation Based on the Home's Location, Access to Transportation, Amenities, and School Districts.
Property Location:
Location is not everything, but it is. So before you buy determine if you will live in an HOA-governed community. You want to know how comfortable you are and/or if you can afford to be in a high-risk flood zone (lakefront property.)
Access to Transportation:
I have said in other articles before, please don't compare Kissimmee's public transportation to Metropolitan cities like N.Y. or Massachusetts. We have bus and train transportation, but you will likely want to own your own vehicle.
Community Amenities:
Choose from a resort-style community to a community with very little or no amenities.
School Districts:
Osceola County School District
Bonus A: Available Homes (Single-Family Homes) For Sale in Kissimmee
Popular Communities
If you are looking for a Resort-Style (Vacation Home) Community in Kissimmee, here are some of the best:
Now If you are looking for a new construction home, here are the top New Home Communities: Single Family homes For Sale in Kissimmee.
Adult Active (55+Better) Communities?
