The Home Buying Process

Check Your Credit Report & Score

Before getting a mortgage, always check your credit first. By law, you're entitled to one free credit report per year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Credit scores range from roughly 300 to 850 — the higher your score, the better the loan terms you'll qualify for.

Review your report carefully for errors and dispute anything that looks wrong. Even small corrections can meaningfully improve your score. You can also check your score for free at CreditKarma.com.

Figure Out How Much You Can Afford

Start with an online mortgage calculator to get a realistic sense of your monthly payment range. But don't stop there — factor in your down payment, closing costs, inspection fees, appraisal costs, and any remodeling or furnishing you'll need after move-in.

You don't always need 20% down. There are loan programs available with little to no down payment, especially for first-time buyers. An experienced lender can walk you through all the options.

Find the Right Lender & Real Estate Agent

Shop around — talk to at least three or four lenders, get referrals, and check reviews. The right lender should answer your questions clearly and make you feel confident, not pressured.

Once you've found a lender, get pre-approved — not just pre-qualified. Pre-approval means the lender has actually pulled your credit and verified your financials, giving you a much more accurate picture of what you can borrow. Even better, pursue a full approval before you start shopping — your offer will look significantly stronger to sellers.

Search for the Right Home

Start with your must-haves: number of bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchen size, yard space, storage. Then layer in the bigger picture — neighborhood feel, school ratings, commute time, proximity to shopping, and long-term appreciation potential.

Don't just look at the home — look at the street, the neighbors, and the direction the area is heading. Southeast Florida has neighborhoods at very different stages of development, and knowing which way things are trending can make a big difference.

Make an Offer

Most sellers price their homes with some negotiation room built in. A reasonable starting point is around 5% below asking — but the right number depends on comparable sales in the area, days on market, and current demand. Your agent should pull comps before you make any offer.

Be prepared for a counter-offer. Negotiations go back and forth, but there's a point where both sides need to meet in the middle. Once you agree on price, you'll submit earnest money — a good-faith deposit held in escrow that shows the seller you're serious.

Choose the Right Mortgage

There are three core mortgage types every buyer should understand before committing:

Close on Your Home

Before closing, always get a home inspection. It's one of the best investments you'll make in the process — a thorough inspector will identify structural issues, mechanical problems, and potential red flags that could cost you significantly later.

Work with your lender to fully understand all closing costs ahead of time — down payment, title fees, appraisal, attorney fees, inspection fees, and any points paid to lower your rate. No surprises on closing day.

Move In & Enjoy Your New Home

You've done it. The mortgage is signed, the deal is closed, and the keys are yours. Whether you hire movers or call in every favor from friends, this is the moment it all comes together.

Buying a home doesn't have to be overwhelming when you have the right team behind you — an experienced lender and a knowledgeable agent who actually knows the market make all the difference.