Your First Home
Buying your first home in South Florida doesn't have to be overwhelming. We'll walk you through every step — from understanding your budget to getting the keys to your new place in Miami-Dade or Broward County.
Why Buy Now
Reasons to Start Your Homeownership Journey
Low Down Payment Options
Put as little as 3% down with Conventional 97 or 3.5% with FHA. VA and USDA loans offer zero down payment. Multiple Florida assistance programs can reduce your out-of-pocket costs even further — many Miami-Dade buyers close with under $2,000 cash to close.
Flexible Credit Requirements
You don't need perfect credit to buy a home. FHA loans accept scores as low as 580, and some programs work with even lower scores at slightly higher down payments. We review your full financial picture, not just one number, to find the best path forward.
Personal Guidance Every Step
You'll work with a dedicated loan officer who knows the South Florida market. From your first question to your closing day, we explain everything in plain language — no jargon, no pressure. We're available by phone, text, or email whenever you need us.
Start Building Equity
Every mortgage payment builds ownership in your home. With South Florida property values appreciating an average of 5% annually over the past decade, your home is both a place to live and a long-term investment. Stop paying your landlord's mortgage and start building your own wealth.
Know Your Numbers Upfront
Before you start house hunting, we break down exactly what you can afford — your maximum purchase price, estimated monthly payment, down payment amount, and closing costs. No surprises at the closing table. You'll shop for homes with complete confidence in your budget.
Fast Pre-Approval
Get pre-approved in as little as 24 hours so you can make competitive offers in Miami's fast-moving market. Sellers and their agents take pre-approved buyers seriously. In a market where homes average 38 days on the market, being ready to move quickly matters.
5-Step Process
From Pre-Approval to Move-In Day
Check Your Credit & Budget
Pull your credit report and review your monthly income and debts. We'll help you understand where you stand and what steps, if any, could improve your buying power. Many first-time buyers are in better shape than they think.
Get Pre-Approved
Submit your financial documents and we'll provide a pre-approval letter showing exactly how much you can borrow. This tells sellers you're a serious, qualified buyer. Pre-approval also locks in your rate for a set period while you shop.
Find Your Home
Work with a real estate agent to tour homes in your target neighborhoods across Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Your pre-approval sets your price range, so you can focus on homes you know you can afford. We can recommend trusted local agents if you need one.
Make an Offer & Go Under Contract
When you find the right home, your agent helps you submit a competitive offer. Once accepted, we order the appraisal, process your loan, and coordinate with the title company. We keep you updated at every milestone so there are no surprises.
Close & Move In
At closing, you'll sign your final documents, the loan funds, and the home is officially yours. We review every document with you beforehand so closing day is smooth and stress-free. Then it's time to pick up the keys and start making it your own.
Common Questions
First-Time Buyer FAQ
It depends on your loan program. FHA requires 3.5% down, Conventional 97 requires 3%, and VA or USDA loans require zero down. On a $400,000 home in Miami-Dade, that means as little as $12,000 to $14,000 for FHA or Conventional — and Florida DPA programs can cover a significant portion of that. Many of our first-time buyers bring less than $5,000 to the closing table after assistance.
The minimum depends on the loan type. FHA loans require a 580 score for the 3.5% down payment option, or 500 with 10% down. Conventional loans typically require 620 or higher for the best terms. VA loans have no official minimum from the VA, though most lenders look for 580 to 620. If your score needs improvement, we can review your credit report and suggest specific steps that often boost scores within 60 to 90 days.
The typical timeline from pre-approval to closing is 30 to 60 days, depending on the loan type and market conditions. Getting pre-approved usually takes one to three business days once you submit your documents. House hunting could take a few weeks to a few months. Once your offer is accepted, the loan process from contract to closing generally runs 30 to 45 days. FHA and VA loans sometimes take a few days longer due to additional appraisal requirements.
Pre-qualification is a quick, informal estimate based on self-reported income and debts — it carries little weight with sellers. Pre-approval involves a full review of your credit report, income documentation, and assets by an underwriter. It produces a formal letter stating exactly how much you're approved to borrow. In South Florida's competitive market, sellers and listing agents strongly prefer offers backed by a pre-approval letter because it shows you've been financially vetted.
Yes. Student loans do not disqualify you from buying a home. Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio, which measures your total monthly debt payments against your gross monthly income. As long as your student loan payments plus your projected mortgage payment stay within acceptable DTI limits (usually 43% to 50% depending on the program), you can qualify. We can calculate your buying power with your student loan payments factored in so you know exactly where you stand.
While not legally required, a buyer's agent is highly recommended — and their commission is typically paid by the seller, so it costs you nothing. A good agent knows local neighborhoods, market pricing, and negotiation strategies specific to Miami-Dade and Broward. We work with a network of trusted real estate agents across South Florida and are happy to connect you with someone who specializes in your target area and price range.