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We all know that buying real estate is one of the biggest personal investments you can make. When you are buying in a competitive market, like the Miami real estate market, being organized and in control will contribute significantly to ensuring that you get the best Miami home or condo deal possible. Planning will also help by reducing your stress. Let me help you anticipate the steps required to achieve your housing goal and to build a plan of action that gets you there.

First, how much you afford to pay for a Miami home or condo? If you're not sure on the price range, find a reputable lender and get pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval will help you know how much you can afford. Then you can look for Miami homes and condos in the right price range. Getting pre-approved helps you to alleviate some of the anxieties that come with home buying.

It's important to know exactly what you qualify for and at what rate, that you know how large your monthly mortgage payments will be, and that you know how much you will have for a down payment. Once you are pre-approved, you can avoid the frustration of finding homes and condos that you think are perfect, but are beyond your price range.

Second, what type of property fits your lifestyle and what is the best location for you and/or your family?

Things to consider:

' How much space do you and your family need?
' What type of property suits your lifestyle? Do you need a condo, single family home?
' What neighborhoods are in close proximity to work and school?
' Which neighborhoods offer convenient locations for all family members?

Make sure the property you select meets as many of your needs as possible. You don't want to invest a big chunk of money in something that won't satisfy you. You also need to think about which features or aspects of the decision on which you are willing to compromise. Although you may find the right property for the right price in the right location, chances are meeting every one of your needs will be impossible.

Third, you want to find the best Miami real estate agent for you. You may think you want to do a For Sale by Owner (FSBO) but your purchase will run much more smoothly if you use an experienced Miami realtor.

The benefits a real estate agent can bring to the table:

' In depth knowledge about available Miami homes and Miami condos
' The ability to match your needs with Miami neighborhoods and properties
' Experience in negotiation of price and closing details
' Experience in Miami real estate closing procedures

Finally, set aside time to look for the right Miami home or Miami condo. If you have a good agent, this will take far less time but you need to make sure you look at any properties you are considering to ensure they are right for you.

Creating and executing a plan when you buy Miami real estate will make sure the process goes smoothly.