Every buyer’s timeline is different. This is the order that usually saves the most time and stress, whether it’s your first home or your next one in Florida.
Before you shop
Set a comfortable monthly payment
Count principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues and mortgage insurance if it applies, not just the loan payment. My comfortable total: $________ a month.
Check your credit
Pull your free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and fix errors early. Keep paying everything on time and keep card balances low.
Add up your cash to close
Down payment plus closing costs, plus a cushion you’ll still have after closing. Cash I can use: $________. Ask me which down payment assistance programs might fit you.
Gather your documents
Usually two years of W-2s or tax returns, 30 days of pay stubs, two months of bank statements and a photo ID. Self-employed? Expect business returns or bank statements too.
Get pre-approved
A pre-approval means your credit, income and assets have been reviewed, so sellers take your offer more seriously. It is not a final loan approval.
Shopping and under contract
Pick your agent and price range
Shop at or below the price that keeps you at your comfortable payment, not just the top of your pre-approval. Target price: $________.
Get insurance quotes early
In Florida, homeowners, wind and flood quotes can change your payment a lot. Get quotes before or right after you make an offer.
Condo? Check the building
Lenders review the association’s budget, reserves, insurance and inspections. Ask me to check the building before you write the offer.
After your offer is accepted
Schedule the inspection, send me the contract, answer document requests fast, and don’t open new credit until after closing.
Review your Closing Disclosure
You’ll get it at least three business days before closing. Compare it with your Loan Estimate and ask me about anything that changed.
Not sure where you are in the plan?
A 15-minute call is usually enough to map your next three steps. No pressure and no cost to talk.
Questions? Call or text Kareme Shorter at (954) 913-7865 · callkareme.com
Next steps
General information, not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines, property eligibility and program availability. Requirements vary by lender and loan program.
Kareme Shorter, Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #1722684 · Ascension Mortgage, Company NMLS #2511500 · Equal Housing Opportunity. Residential mortgage loans are offered in Florida only. Commercial and non-QM business-purpose (investor) financing may be available in other states where permitted; licensing varies by state. Verify licensing at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.