Home
About Me
Buyers
One America
Featured Listings
FAQ
Sellers
Wilshire Lakes
Contact Me
My Blog
Naples Living
My Favorites
 Buyer's Guide 
1.  Shop For a Mortgage Before You Shop For a Home
  • It's important to know what you can afford before you begin your search.  Having a mortgage pre-approval or commitment letter allows you to structure a sales offer on the property of your choosing in an advantageous manner.

2.  Location, Location, Location

  • Your first consideration should be the neighborhood.  Study the area by reviewing maps and touring neighborhoods.  If you have school-age children, research schools.  Determine the proximity to work.
  • Determine the general area you'd like to live.  The desirability and resale value of your prospective home depend more on location than any other single factor.

3.  Hire The Best Realtor You Can Find

  • From finding the right home, to selecting a mortgage to negotiating the best price and terms, an effective Realtor is a huge advantage.  A good Realtor has the knowledge and experience that comes from helping both buyers and sellers.  She also has a team of other professionals - lenders, lawyers, home inspectors, movers, etc.  Having the right professional on your team ensures that you receive the best deal possible.  Make certain to ask the right questions before you select a Realtor.

4.  Know What You're Shopping For

  • List the features that you want in a home before you start shopping, and share this list with your Realtor.
  • Look for homes that meet your needs first, and fulfills your desires second.

5.  Understand the Current Housing Market

  • Research what your money can buy in different neighborhoods.
  • Is it a sellers or buyers market?  It's very important for you to understand who has the current advantage, and that knowledge will ultimately determine how you'll structure an offer of purchase.

6.  Narrow Your Search

  • Let your fingers do the walking.  Review information and photos from computer information allowing you to conveniently see every home in your price range...this can save time and energy.
  • A good Realtor has an in-depth knowledge of current housing inventory and continually updates that knowledge by touring new listings as they become available for sale.
  • In a seller's market, it's important to see all new listings as soon as they become available.  Being there first is often the key to getting the home you want.

7.  When You Find What You Want

  • Structuring your offer will depend upon the state of the market...is it a seller's or buyer's market?
  • Obtain a property disclosure from the Seller.
  • Analyze comparable sales of similar homes in the area to help determine your offer price.  Take into consideration the length of time the home has been listed for sale, property condition, home improvements, market conditions and seller motivation.
  • You'll probably want to include contingencies with your offer, including:  Home Inspection, Mortgage, Appraisal.  In a seller's market these should be minimized.  To evaluate which are appropriate for you, call (239.877.1102) or email Christine today.

8.  Closing The Sale

  • Following up on all the necessary details during the in-contract period.  Pay careful attention to all of the timelines for inspection contingencies, deposit due dates and mortgage approval dates.
  • Title insurance and property insurance must be in-place at the time of settlement, as well as association application approvals, where necessary.
  • Arrange for home utilities, including electric, telephone, cable, water, etc.
  • A pre-settlement walk-through inspection is important to ensure that there hasn't been adverse changes to the condition of the property.
  • Make certain that you receive an estimate of closing costs (HUD statement) in advance of the settlement in order to familiarize yourself with all the costs to be incurred.

There is a lot of work that goes into buying a home and that is where the expertise of a Realtor is crucial.  Christine and her team will make sure that all steps are taken to assure a successful close. 

 Making wise decisions in todays market, that's what it's all about.

 

 

  

"The best decision I made when I bought my new home was to have Christine Citrano as my real estate agent.  I was ready to buy and I wanted a fast, easy closing with no major issues and that is exactly what she delivered.  It only took her 8 business days to put in my offer and close the deal.  On day 8, she handed me the keys to my new house!  It was unbelievable.  From the moment I called Christine she was available morning, noon and night to answer all of my questions and to make sure every tedious detail was completed so we could close the day I requested.  I was astounded by her professionalism, her calm demeanor, her unwavering confidence and her genuine sincerity.  I am grateful to Christine for making my home-buying experience so enjoyable which added to the excitement of moving into my new home.  It was my fortune to have met her!"

 

Kathryn Primavera, Naples, FL

 

"Thank you for helping us purchase our vacation home in Naples, Florida.  Buying a home in a foreign country seemed daunting without the benefit of local knowledge of the community and the real estate market.  We were concerned about our ability to make the right choices and decisions on a transaction of such financial and personal magnitude.  That all changed when we met you.  From our very first meeting we were impressed by the time you spent trying to understand who we were, what our goals were, and what we wanted in a property.  Your knowledge, resourcefulness and professionalism were exceptional.  You took the time to explain the details of the local market, the neighborhoods and all of the documents and many other pieces of information as they became relevant.  Most importantly, you earned our trust.  You operated with honesty and integrity.  You are a consummate professional and an excellent ambassador for your country and your real estate firm.  Thanks to you our dream home is a reality."

 

John and Liana Rinaldo, Burlington, Ontario

 

"I would like to convey my appreciation to you in the recent sale of our home in North Naples.  This sale was made more challenging by the constantly changing requests by certain parties involved in the process.  However, through your tireless efforts, attention to detail, knowledge of the industry and highly effective communications, the sale was successfully consummated. 

My wife and I would highly recommend your services to anyone interested in selling or purchasing a home.  Thanks again for the great job you did for us."

 

Vernon A. Raile, Bismarck, ND

 

"Christine showed us several houses and was always looking for what we wanted.  Her honesty and dependability were traits that we would easily recommend to others.  Thank you...we love our new home and are thrilled with the service we received!"

Mr. and Mrs. Tracy Connelly, Naples, FL

"When a realtor that we know and trusted in Atlanta recommended that we work with you we had no doubt that we were in for a good experience.  That experience could not have been more professinal, curious, or rewarding.  From our requirements, unique challenges of downsizing and consolidating you were with us every step of the way.  While visiting many properties, you were always patient and listened to ensure our needs were being met.  You understood what we were looking for.  The house we ended up buying was not an easy sell.  We went back at least three times to ensure that we wanted to purchase it.  You were patient, understanding, and accomodating to us.  Our experience was wonderful.  Christine and the whole John R. Wood team worked tirelessly to ensure that we were kept abreast of the developments along the way.  Good job!"

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Tonarelli, Atlanta GA 

"It is unusual in any business to find a gem like Christine Citrano.  Christine went out of her way to show me around when I was new to the area.  Her warmth, reliability, professionalism and expertise will make your transition a most positive experience.  Christine is that rare individual who will go above and beyond your expectations and, simply, gets the job done."

R. Karter, Gladwyne PA

"Christine worked very hard, and spent time and money...she is a credit to her company.  John R. Wood is lucky to have her on their team.  We will not forget her."

Mr. and Mrs. James Batillo, Long Island NY

"We are enjoying our home immensely and feel that we have Christine Citrano to thank for that.  Christine has been our realtor and has truly been a pleasure to work with.  We have bought and sold real estate through Christine.  We found her to be knowledgeable, professional and a skillful negotiator on our behalf.  She stays on top of the market and knows what property values are.  She knows how to communicate this information to her clients so that realistic pricing is reached.  She makes herself accessible to her clients and is extremely conscientious.  We have already recommended her to many of our friends for their real estate needs and we feel very comfortable continuing to do so.  It has been our privilege to work with Chrsitine Citrano!"

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hyman, Naples, FL

"I was born and raised in Naples and after spending ten years in Washington DC my wife and I decided to move back. We met Christine and felt her personality and understanding of the market matched what we were looking for in an agent. Christine was extremely patient with us, spending nearly a year going through multiple properties of all sorts. We finally found a gem. It was a foreclosed home and one we had passed in previous searches, but never went in because it was out of our price range. The day the home hit the MLS after being foreclosed on we toured it and fell in love. The home was in need of a lot of TLC, but mostly cosmetic. We put an offer in the very same day and because of market conditions I put the bid in very, very low. Christine advised that the offer was probably too low, but was worth a shot as long as my wife and I were willing to lose the property to someone making an honest offer.

Christine worked the selling agent hard to get an approval and we closed on the house shortly thereafter.

I would recommend Christine to anyone who wants an honest and respectful agent. She understands market conditions and listens to what you're looking for in a home. She knows the neighborhoods and is able to match buyers with what they really want."

 

Christopher and Christine Kautt, Naples FL

 

"Christine Citrano was a gem in every way in helping me sell my condo in Naples.  She is very knowledgeable, has had great experience, is trustworthy, and a very diligent and persistent  realtor.  She worked with me in every aspect.  She always answered my questions, was in constant contact about the sale, and really seemed to care about me as a person.   I would highly recommend her as one of the best in Naples.  If and when I need a realtor again in Naples, I will most definitely be in touch with Christine."
 
Rebecca Gotheridge, Naples, FL
 
"Just a word of thanks for putting sales agent Christine Citrano on your team.  She recently closed the sale of our condo in a very short time frame in what could be described as an extremely difficult market to sell into and at a very fair price.  We found her to be knowledgeable, tireless, aggressive, flexible, and fair.  We surmissed that before contracting with her and were never disappointed.  Christine is a true professional and we would certainly make her our first call for all our real estate needs in the future."
 
Gary and Sharon Tolsma, IN

 


Site Mailing List  Sign Guest Book  View Guest Book 
Not Just Another Pretty Place

Christine Citrano

John R. Wood REALTORS, Inc.

2600 Immokalee Road
Naples, FL 34110
Phone: 239.877.1102
Fax: 239.449.2776