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The Home Buying Process

Steps to Buying a Home

Step 1: Check Your Credit Report & Score

Before getting a mortgage or any kind of loan, you should always check your credit. According to the law, you're allowed to receive one free copy of your credit report per year. You can do this by visiting Annualcreditreport.com. Scores range from approximately 300 to 850; generally, the higher your score, the better loan you'll qualify for. Don't forget to check your report for errors. If there are any, dispute them. It may help your credit score. You can also check your credit score for free at www.creditkarma.com.

Step 2: Figure out How Much You Can Afford

You can calculate how much you can afford by starting online. There are several online mortgage calculators that will help you calculate an affordable monthly mortgage payment. Don't forget to factor in money you'll need for a down payment, closing costs, fees (such as fees for an attorney, appraisal, inspection, etc.) and the costs of remodeling or furniture. Remember that you don't always have to put down 20 percent as your parents once did. There are loans available with little to no down payment. An experienced home loan expert can help you understand all your loan options, closing costs and other fees.

Step 3: Find the Right Lender and Real Estate Agent

To find the right mortgage lender it’s best to shop around. Get recommendations from your friends and family and check with the Better Business Bureau. Talk to at least three or four mortgage lenders. Ask lots of questions and make sure they have answers that satisfy you. Make sure to find someone that you are comfortable with and who makes you feel at ease.

Once you have the right mortgage lender, make sure you at least get a pre-approval. Qualifications are only a guess based on what you tell the lender and are no guarantee, whereas a pre-approval will give you a better idea of how big a loan you qualify for. The lender will actually pull your credit and get more information about you. However, you could even take it one step further by getting an actual approval before you start home shopping. That way, when you're ready to make an offer, it will make the sale go much quicker. Besides, your offer will look more appealing than other buyers since your financing is guaranteed.

Step 4: Look for the Right Home

Make a list of the things you'll need to have in the house. Ask yourself how many bedrooms and bathrooms you'll need and get an idea of how much space you desire. How big do you want the kitchen to be? Do you need lots of closets and cabinet space? Do you need a big yard for your kids and/or pets to play in?

Once you've made a list of your must-have's, don't forget to think about the kind of neighborhood you want, types of schools in the area, the length of your commute to and from work, and the convenience of local shopping. Take into account your safety concerns as well as how good the rate of home appreciation is in the area.

Step 5: Make an Offer on the Home

Now that you've found the home you want, you have to make an offer. Most sellers price their homes a bit high, expecting that there will be some haggling involved. A decent place to start is about five percent below the asking price. You can also get a list from your real estate agent to find out how much comparable have sold for. Once you've made your offer, don't think it's final. The seller may make a counter-offer to which you can also counter-offer. But you don't want to go back and forth too much. Somewhere, you have to meet in the middle. Once you've agreed on a price, you'll make an earnest, which is money that goes in escrow to give the seller a sign of good faith.

Step 6: Get the Right Mortgage for Your Situation

There are many different types of mortgage programs out there, but as a first-time home buyer, you should be aware of the three basics: adjustable rate, fixed rate and interest-only.

Adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) are short-term mortgages that offer an interest rate that is fixed for a short period of time, usually between one to seven years. After that, the interest rate can adjust every year up or down, depending on the market. These are good for people who don't plan on living in their home very long and/or are looking for a lower interest rate and payment.

Fixed-rate mortgages are more traditional and offer a fixed interest rate (and thus a fixed monthly payment) for a longer period of time, usually 15 or 30 years, though they're available in 20 or 25 year terms. These are good for people who like a predictable payment and plan on living in their home for a long time.

Both fixed and adjustable rate mortgages can have an interest-only payment. What this means is that for a certain amount of time during the loan term, you're allowed to pay only enough to cover the interest portion of your payment. You can still pay principal when you wish, but don't have to if your budget is tight. There is a myth that with interest-only mortgages, you don't build equity. This is not necessarily true, since you can build equity through home appreciation. The benefit to interest-only mortgages is that you increase your cash flow by not paying principal.

Remember to ask your mortgage lender or mortgage banker lots of questions about which mortgage is right for you and your situation.

Step 7: Close on Your Home

Make sure you get a home inspection before you close. It will be well-worth the money spent since it ensures the property's structural soundness and good condition.

Setting the closing date that is convenient to both parties may be tricky, but can certainly be done. Remember that you may have to wait until your rental agreement runs out and the seller may have to wait until they close on their new house.

Be sure you talk to your mortgage banker to understand all the costs that will be involved with the closing so there are no surprises. Closing costs will likely include (but are not limited to) your down payment, title fees, appraisal fees, attorney fees, inspection fees, and points you may have bought to buy down your interest rate.

Step 8: Move In!

You've got your mortgage, closed the deal and now it's time to move in! Whether you use a mover or not is up to you, depending on your financial situation and how much stuff you have to move; perhaps also, whether you have a lot of friends willing to help you move. Either way, you're done with the home buying process! Just start unpacking and start enjoying your first home! Buying a home for the first time doesn't have to be a hassle if you're prepared and you know what to do and when to do it. Choose an experienced home loan lender and a friendly, knowledgeable real estate agent-they are the key to helping you have a smooth home buying experience!

147 Jana Circle, Auburndale image
147 Jana Circle, Auburndale $159,000

55 AND OVER LAKEFRONT community with LOW monthly HOA dues. Well kept 2 bedroom, 2 bath 2001 REDMAN MANUFACTURED HOME with carport and storage bldg. New metal roof, Large ...

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1912 Oakhill Street, Lakeland image
1912 Oakhill Street, Lakeland $95,000

Attention Investors, CASH ONLY!!!**This is a rare opportunity to own a CASH-FLOWING rental property: PURCHASE this Property and you will find RENTERS who are attracted to...

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4925 Cypress Garden Road, Winter Haven image
4925 Cypress Garden Road, Winter Haven $270,000

This will not last! This gorgeous home is settled in Dove's Nest, a quaint 55+ community. This open concept floor plan is complimented with stylish interior. The living a...

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6383 Lolly Bay Loop Ne, Winter Haven image
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Own your own lot! Well kept 2 bedroom, 2 bath manufactured home in 55 plus community. A must see! NEW ROOF 2022. This home has a large living room and a large master bed...

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1700 Palmetto Drive, Mulberry image
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9435 Atlanta Drive, St Cloud image
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Looking for a place in the county with privacy yet close to everything this is the home for you! Great location between St. Cloud and Melbourne just located off Hwy 192....

  • 3 Beds
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39 Saddlebag Trail, Lake Wales image
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This 2 BR/2BA 1128 sf Palm Harbor manufactured home is a true must see! Located in the beautiful 55+ community of Saddlebag Lake Resort, the home is situated on a desira...

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1175 Pineapple Way, Kissimmee image
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This charming 3-bedroom 2 bath home is located in the Heart of Kissimmee. It features a living room, dining room, kitchen and utility room. There is a spacious, screened-...

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2765 Tropical Lake, Kissimmee image
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Have you been waiting for this one to come on the market? Here it is! This 3 bedroom 2 bath home sits on 0.33 of an acre with multiple fruit trees and is on a corner lot....

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6218 Old Kissimmee Road, Davenport image
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1.51 Acres of peace and quiet in Davenport FL. This single family property has room for whatever you want to do. There is a 24 x 24 garage and (2) 8 x 10 storage sheds on...

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1610 Reynolds Road Unit 264, Lakeland image
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Welcome Home! Citrus Woods Estates is a 55-plus community where you OWN THE LAND! This active and well-maintained community features a heated community pool, shuffleboard...

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1796 Quail Hill Dr, Lakeland image
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Here is a rare chance to own a three bedroom, 2 bathroom home in Foxwood Lake Estates where you OWN THE LAND!! This home has an updated kitchen, additional cabinets, new...

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3675 Stokes Road, Fort Meade image
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You'll be impressed with this 2021 manufactured home on an acre of land in Fort Meade surrounded by lush orange groves and pastures. This move in ready and meticulously m...

  • 3 Beds
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800 Polo Park East Boulevard, Davenport image
800 Polo Park East Boulevard, Davenport $169,900

Location! Location! Location! Ideally situated between the community amenities center and golf course and lake front with fishing pier and boat ramp and storage. What a...

  • 2 Beds
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109 Jana Circle, Auburndale image
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This 2 bed/2 bath canal front property is nestled in an established 55+ community that is perfect for all. There is a boat dock and enclosed Florida room with water view....

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17 Cactus Circle N, Winter Haven image
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This charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home sits on a fenced-in acre of land. The large master bedroom has two closets with built in shelving. The home is situated on a cor...

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9060 Jupiter Drive, St Cloud image
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The Mobile Home is very cozy, it has good natural light inside, the appliances are new, a new floor, freshly painted, it has a spacious desk with a view of the large gard...

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2501 Amyris Court Unit 606, Zellwood image
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MOTIVATED SELLER FOR BEATIFUL 2-Bedroom 2-Bath in PET SECTION of Zellwood Station. This home is on a cul-de-sac which makes it an even more desirable location; within wal...

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4810 Myrtle View Drive N, Mulberry image
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HOME AND LAND, Double wide on 0.37 acres, Built 1999, 4 bed 2 bath, 1,440 sqft, Easy income producing rental! Long term tenant that hasn't missed a payment! $1100 month. ...

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212 Ariana Place, Auburndale image
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If you are looking for a comfortable and affordable home with land check out this home. At 1,188 square feet, the interior of the home is spacious and features a split fl...

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515 Pool Branch Road, Fort Meade image
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I am so excited to share this blessed 43.9 acre land with a 3/2 manufacture home and a 4600 square foot barn for horses or workshop. From the sunrises to the sunsets, th...

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3940 Ewell Road, Lakeland image
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5113 Rollinglen Loop E, Lakeland image
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7300 Hastings Road, Lake Wales image
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Davenport image
Davenport $239,500

If you enjoy golf course living this home is for you. Located in the 55+ community of Polo Park this property has it all. There is a split bedroom plan, spacious living r...

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Frostproof image
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This spacious and inviting 3 bedroom, 2 bath manufactured home sits on a one-acre lot in the heart of sunny Florida. Perfect for those seeking a comfortable and convenien...

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3109 Sand Trap Court, Lakeland image
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353 Melbourn Drive, Haines City image
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3000 Clarcona Rd Unit 630, Apopka image
3000 Clarcona Rd Unit 630, Apopka $119,000

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6680 Briarhill Drive Ne, Winter Haven image
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Wonderful 2 bedroom 2 bath manufactured home at Lake 'n Golf Estates, a 55+, no pet, lakefront community where you own your land! This home has a nice and large open flo...

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6417 Jacaranda Avenue Ne, Winter Haven image
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4532 Redwood Street, Winter Haven image
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8480 Deer Run Drive, Lake Wales image
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9814 5th Avenue, Orlando image
9814 5th Avenue, Orlando $224,000

Spacious Manufactured Home in Orlando, Florida. This is a 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1800 sqft Home perfect for a growing family or a positive cash flowing rental. In the past year ...

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9000 Us Highway 192 Unit 297, Clermont image
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9000 Us Hwy 192 # 652, Clermont image
9000 Us Hwy 192 # 652, Clermont $95,000

What a find! Well maintained 1 bed, 1 bath single wide unit in the highly sought after community of Outdoor Resorts. The home is being sold furnished & equipped as seen w...

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2002 S Citrus Circle Unit 1728, Zellwood image
2002 S Citrus Circle Unit 1728, Zellwood $165,000

NEW LISTING Zellwood Station! Home has an open floor plan, new island kitchen installed with spice cabinet, garbage pull-out, silver ware drawers and baking pans compartm...

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309 Hempstead Place, Davenport image
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2419 Mcgregor Street, Lakeland image
2419 Mcgregor Street, Lakeland $179,900

Looking for a nice place with many extras? Check out this home. Like new 3 bedroom / 2 bath 1991 Manufactured Home with 1,176 SF of living area. Has new paint, carpet &...

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3955 Rolling Hills Court W, Lake Wales image
3955 Rolling Hills Court W, Lake Wales $245,000 ▼

SPACIOUS MOVE-IN READY AND NICELY UPDATED HOME. THIS BEAUTIFUL 3 BEDROOM 2 BATH HOME SITS ON NEARLY 1 FULL ACRE OF LAND WITH MANY OUTSTANDING FEATURES! LARGE MASTER SUITE...

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  • N 132 Ft Of S 1452 Ft Of W 330 Ft Of E1/2 Of Sw1/4 SubDv.
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