Pull your credit reports and look for errors, old collections, or anything you can address ahead of time. Even small credit improvements can affect your interest rate, which adds up significantly over a 15- or 30-year loan.

Pre-approval involves a lender verifying your income, assets, debts, and credit, and issuing a letter stating how much you're qualified to borrow. This is different from a quick online "pre-qualification" estimate, and it's what sellers and listing agents want to see attached to a serious offer.

Bring your lender:

- Recent pay stubs (typically last 30 days)

- W-2s or tax returns (usually last 2 years)

- Bank and investment account statements

- ID and Social Security information

- Details on any additional income or debts

- Conventional loans – Often require stronger credit, down payments from 3–20%, and no upfront mortgage insurance premium (though PMI may apply under 20% down).

- FHA loans – Popular with first-time buyers; down payments as low as 3.5%, more flexible credit requirements, mortgage insurance required.

- VA loans – Available to eligible veterans and service members; often 0% down with competitive rates.

- USDA loans – 0% down option for eligible rural and some suburban areas; income limits apply.

A good lender will walk you through which options fit your situation — this is one of the most important conversations you'll have in the entire process.

Your monthly payment typically includes:

- Principal and interest

- Property taxes

- Homeowners insurance (and flood insurance, if applicable — get a quote before you're under contract, since Florida insurance costs vary widely by area and flood zone)

- HOA dues, if applicable

- Private mortgage insurance (PMI), if your down payment is under 20% on a conventional loan

Lenders re-verify your credit and finances right before closing. Avoid:

- Opening new credit cards or loans (including furniture financing)

- Making large purchases that affect your cash reserves

- Changing jobs, if it can be avoided

- Making large, undocumented deposits into your bank account

- Co-signing loans for someone else

Any of these can delay or jeopardize your loan approval, even after you've been pre-approved.

Plan for:

- Down payment

- Closing costs (2–5% of purchase price)

- Home inspection fees

- Moving costs

- A reserve fund for immediate repairs or unexpected costs after move-in

A lender who understands the Pinellas County market — including local insurance realities, flood zones, and typical closing timelines — can move faster and anticipate issues that an out-of-area lender might miss. We're happy to introduce you to lenders we trust.