Buying your first home

Nobody is born knowing what an escrow account is. We explain every step, including the ones nobody mentions until closing day.

Where to start

Pre-approval comes before the open houses

A pre-approval tells you what you can borrow and tells a seller you are serious. In South Florida, an offer without one is easy to ignore.

It takes your documents, a credit review and a conversation about what you want the monthly payment to be, not just the maximum a lender will allow.

A couple sitting among moving boxes in their new home, holding the keys
The whole process

Four steps, explained as you go

1

Talk it through

Call, or start the application online. We ask what you want to buy or refinance, and what you want the payment to be.

2

Get pre-approved

Your documents, your credit and a pre-approval letter you can put in front of a seller.

3

Placed and processed

As a broker we place the loan with a lender that fits the file, then handle the appraisal, title and underwriting conditions.

4

Close

We go through the closing disclosure with you before the day, so nothing on it is a surprise.

The loans first-time buyers use most

Three programs worth knowing

A couple sitting among moving boxes in their new home, holding the keys

FHA Loans

A mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration, with credit and down payment guidelines built for people buying their first home.

How it works
Canal-front homes and palm trees reflected in still water at dusk

Conventional Loans

A mortgage that is not insured or guaranteed by the government, following the guidelines Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac set for conforming loans.

How it works
A South Florida house silhouetted against an orange sunset

VA Loans

A home loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for eligible veterans, active-duty service members and surviving spouses.

How it works
From first-time buyers

What it was like the first time

Working with Robert throughout our home-buying process was a great experience. He was very knowledgeable, responsive, and determined to help us find solutions every step of the way. There were challenges during the process, but he remained patient, supportive, and continued working hard to make sure everything came together successfully. He always kept us informed and took the time to explain things clearly, which made us feel much more comfortable as first-time homebuyers. We truly appreciate all the effort and dedication he put into helping us close on our home. We highly recommend Robert to anyone going through the home-buying process.

Tammie

From a first time homebuyer, I am so very pleased with the service and help Robert provided us. Any questions we had, he was there, any concerns, he was there. After dealing with broker before him who lied to us about not being able to get certain downpayment assistance programs and how a stupid high interest rate was “normal”, Robert saved the day and got us a great assistance program AND a lower APR. Hands down will recommend him to everyone I know. He was always available, he truly puts his heart and soul into his work and doesn’t bs anything like other people do. Working night shift, I’m not always able to respond in a timely manner during regular business hours, Robert respected that, and that’s the biggest thing we were most grateful for. I wouldn’t recommend anyone else but Robert. Hands down the best person you can have on your team, and yes he makes you feel as if you’re in a team not a 1v1. 10000000000/10 would DEFINITELY recommend!!!!!

Payton Briglia

Working with Horizon Mortgage Group made buying my first home a smooth and stress-free experience. They were incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and guided me through every step of the process. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to help me make such an important purchase!

Jean-Baptiste Dorcelus

Purchasing my first home, I couldn't have asked for a more professional Company that handled my becoming a owner with the utmost care. From the start of the process to closing, I felt like my purchase was being handle by a family member who had my best interest in all aspects. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase my next home or advise on purchasing from no other than Horizon Mortgage Group. Thank you for making my purchase a seemless and easy one!

Dwayne Diamond

FAQ

First-time buyer questions

How much do I need saved?

It depends on the loan program, the price of the home and your closing costs. We work out your number before you start looking, so you know what you are shopping for.

Are there down payment assistance programs?

There are state and local programs for eligible buyers, and they change often. Ask us which ones you may qualify for when you call.

What is the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved?

A pre-qualification is an estimate from what you tell us. A pre-approval means your documents and credit have been reviewed, and it is what sellers take seriously.

Will checking my credit hurt my score?

A mortgage credit check is a hard inquiry, but multiple mortgage inquiries in a short window are usually treated as one. We explain it before we pull anything.

What are closing costs?

Fees for the appraisal, title, lender and government recording, plus prepaid taxes and insurance. You get them in writing on your Loan Estimate, and we go through every line.

Can I buy a condo as my first home?

Yes. With FHA or VA financing the building has to be approved for that program, which we check before you make an offer.

Purchase · Refinance · Pre-approval

Know what you can borrow before you fall for a house

Start the secure application online, or call the office and talk it through first. Either way you get a real answer, not a range.