How to Get Started?

No matter where you are in the home buying process, education is key.  If you’re wondering how it all works, download my free home buyer guide.  It has a ton of great information to answer some large questions and we can work out the details during our buyer consultation.

How Much Home Can I Afford?

There are a ton of online calculators out there that can spit out a number.  However the answer to that question is as unique as you are.  Having a good initial planning meeting with me can help define your goals and find out how much home you need to meet those goals.

Are you actively shopping for a home?

If your are moving in less then 6 months, then we need to have a conversation to begin the process.  There are two important things to do:

First get pre-approved for your loan.  You need to do this BEFORE you look at any houses or attend open houses.  There are several benefits to doing this first:

• You will know exactly what you qualify for since your credit, income and assets will be fully vetted.
• I will provide you with your loan options via a Mortgage Coach TCA, and you will have clarity over what the loan will look like after its closed which options works best for your family.
• Taking care of the heavy lifting of gathering tax returns, paystubs and other documents isn’t as fun as checking out the pool.  I get it!  However, it makes the rest of the process that much more smooth.

Next find a real estate agent.  I have several top notch ones that I can refer you to.  They have access to every home on the market.  Online portals like Realtor.com and Zillow only have about 70% of the inventory, not to mention “pocket listings” of homes that never put into the MLS.  A good agent will:

• Help you find a home within your budget in the area you desire
• Manage all the documentation and paperwork of making offers
• Negotiating with sellers
• Asking for closing cost help from Sellers

With a pre-approval letter from me in hand and an awesome agent to show you homes, you’re ready to hit the ground running and find your first home!

Popular loan options for First-Time Home Buyers

Here are some common loan programs that are suitable for those buying their first home:

• Need payment stability?  A 30-Year Fixed loan has the same principal and interest payments for 30 years and will not change.  You can also put as little as 3% down!
• If your credit history is limited or if you have had credit issues, than an FHA loan is a good place to start for first time home buyers.
• If you are a veteran, currently serving or a surviving spouse, then a VA loan is an excellent option.  You can buy a home with no money down and have no private mortgage insurance.

Benefits of Getting Your Loan With Emmett Dempsey

• Personalized service from one of Florida’s top rated lenders.
• Balance of online tools and technology with a human client touch.
• Clarity of mortgage options and financial benefits through a Mortgage Coach Total Cost Analysis.
• Continued Annual Reviews of your mortgage and personal finances.

I would love to help you and your family buy your first home!  Click the button below to get started!