Are you renting and want to buy a St. Johns County house in December? If you made the move to Florida in the Fall of 2023 and are nearing the end of your lease – now is the time to think about the next steps in your home journey.
Is buying a house on a 2024 to-do list?
Here are thoughts on how to make a transition from renting to owning:
1. Check your lease to give proper notice that you plan to leave (most require 30-60 days notice). That means at earliest you will likely need to provide notice in October but it could be November. Remember all leases are different
2. Secure pre-approval (if you have not already). Pre-approval helps you know what you can afford. You will find the pre-approval letter is required when you enter the offer phase.
3. Start looking at homes with your real estate agent. Be realistic about what you need and want in your FL home and what you can afford. Remember, buying a house means costs you are hopefully familiar with (i.e. taxes and insurance) and some that may possibly new to you (flood insurance, HOA, CDD fees and/or hurricane deductibles).
4. If buying is not in the cards for 2024–but you plan to buy eventually: think about reducing costs with the goal to increase savings. Work with a lender to devise a game plan unique to your financial situation & plan for the future.
5. Remember that average residential real estate transaction takes 30-60 days to close. This should align nicely with the end of your lease–but always be mindful of dates. If you need to do work to your new home–you may need to plan with a longer timeline.
Ready to Buy A St. Johns House?
If you are ready to call the Sunshine State home – please reach out to schedule a consultation. From St. Johns, to the Jacksonville metro area and down to St. Augustine – I welcome the opportunity to be of assistance with your search. We can talk through the rental to ownership transition and I have some great connections who will make this process easier on you.
Should you be in the market for a rental – please ask me about 572 Coastline Way, St. Augustine, FL.