Make it Happen

Congratulations! Your New Year's resolution is to buy real estate (probably a home) and you're determined to make it happen.

A home will probably be the best investment you'll ever make.

Just be forewarned that buying a home is rather complicated so before you leap into 2013 with a list of homes to look at, you need a plan.

This is a good time to sit down with your family to hammer out a list of what you want, what you can afford and how you are going to go about getting it.

For most people, this will require financing. Determine how much you have for a down payment.

Then shop the banks to learn which bank is offering the best package. Ask about any possible hidden charges. Once you've made your selection, apply for loan pre-qualification.

This way you'll know the maximum you can borrow and the price range that you can afford.

You'll find some owners - not a large number, but some - are willing to accept terms from a suitably qualified purchaser.

Make a wish list of what you'd like in a home and be prepared to scale back if it's not within your budget.
Now it's time to select a Bahamas real estate agent if you don't already have one. Feel free to interview an agent and ask for references.

Let your agent know what you've pre-qualified for so he or she can identify the homes in your price range.
You may be interested in a first home, an upgrade, an investment property or something in the islands.

Or you may have an empty nest and want to downsize or perhaps buy a second home in an island.

Your Bahamas real estate agent will use all his or her resources as well as networking with vendors, contacts and other agents and brokers to identify suitable homes for you to look at.

* Your leading Bahamas real estate source.