Funding Your Dream
Pre-approval provides specific price guidance, estimated monthly payment, and closing costs. It involves a lender reviewing your financial details to determine your eligibility and what you can afford.
Benefits of Local Lender
- Proven track record of delivering the highest level of service.
- Local industry relationships and knowledge
- Personalized service; you’re not just a number.
- Non-traditional hours; if they're awake, they’re available.
Things to know in advance
- How long do you plan on keeping your home?
- Will you buy or sell first?
- What length of the mortgage term is right for you?
Documents Needed to Apply
- Most recent two years of W2s.
- Most recent 30 days of pay stubs.
- Most recent two months of asset statements (all pages) – checking, savings, retirement, investment, etc.
- Most recent mortgage statement and insurance bill – only if you currently own real estate.
- Your Driver’s License.
Additional for Self-Employed
- Most recent two years of file personal tax returns – only needed if you’re self-employed or have income from a non-traditional source. (i.e. interest, dividends, rental property, etc.)
- Most recent two years of filed business tax returns – only needed if you're self-employed.
Common Loans
Conventional: Allows for as little as 3% down if you’re a first-time buyer purchasing a primary residence, meaning you have not owned a home in the past 36 months or 5% down if you have. These loans are also used to purchase second/vacation and investment homes.
FHA: Allows for as little as 3.5% down and can only be used to purchase a primary residence. You do not need to be a first-time buyer to obtain an FHA mortgage, although that’s a common misconception.
VA: Allows for you to purchase a home with no money down if you are eligible active-duty military personnel, veteran, or spouse of deceased veteran.
Bank Statement: The lender will review 12-24 months of either personal or business bank statements to determine their income and the size loan they qualify for. This is great for self-employed individuals.
Debt Service Coverage Ratio: Allows an investor to purchase an investment home without verifying income or employment. Instead, the market rent for the property is reviewed to determine whether it will cover the proposed monthly payment for the home.
Selecting & Viewing Your Home
Home Features
- Price range
- Property type (condo, townhouse,single-family home)
- Preferred subdivisions
- Year built
- Bedroom/bathroom/garage needs
- Square footage
- Landscape/lot preference
- Floor plan
- Amenities
- ADA disability features
- Appliances
Lifestyle & Neighborhood
- School rankings
- Planned community
- Parks & playgrounds
- Privacy of neighborhood/gated community
- Location of home in the neighborhood
- Proximity to work, restaurants, recreation, public transportation, major roads, and entertainment
- HOA fees & guidelines
Showings
- Select homes of interest
- Your agent will suggest listings that match your needs and will schedule showings of your favorite houses
Vendor Resources
We’ve curated a list of Orlando’s top vendors to ensure your home is in top shape. From painting services and pressure washing to electrical and plumbing, we’ve got you covered!
Find a vendor