The path from a first conversation to keys in hand, and what happens at each step.
Start with a budget you're comfortable with
Before looking at homes, decide what monthly housing cost feels right for your life, not just what a lender might allow. Count property taxes, insurance and any HOA dues, not only the loan itself. The price range calculator on this site starts from exactly that number.
Talk to a loan officer early
A short conversation with David before you shop tells you which loan programs fit, which documents you'll need and what to expect along the way. It also means that when you find the right home in Fort Lauderdale, you can move quickly.
Find the home and make an offer
Your real estate agent helps you find homes and write an offer. Once an offer is accepted, the timeline speeds up, so it helps to have your documents ready before this point.
Apply and choose when to lock
With an accepted offer, you complete the full application. David will explain when and how you can lock your interest rate, and how that fits your closing date.
Underwriting, appraisal and inspection
The lender verifies your income, assets and credit, and orders an appraisal of the home. Your home inspection is separate and protects you as the buyer.
During this stretch, answer document requests quickly and hold off on new credit, large purchases or moving money around without a clear paper trail.
Closing day
At least three business days before closing you'll receive a Closing Disclosure listing your final loan terms and costs. Compare it with what you were quoted and ask about anything that changed. Then you sign, the funds move, and you get the keys.
General information, not advice for your situation and not a loan offer. Programs and guidelines change; David can tell you what applies to you.