The following are some additional tips on how to be prepared and what to expect when buying a home.

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved
Step 2: Determine which loan best suits your needs
Step 3: Contact a real estate agent and start shopping
Step 4: Review your loan application and update your loan file
Step 5: Lock your rate
Step 6: Home inspection and appraisal
Step 7: Loan approval, signing, and closing

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved
Once you’ve decided to buy a new home, you should determine what payments you can comfortably afford. There are many tools available like an affordability calculator that gives you a general idea of what your payments would be, but to get a better idea of the price range of homes to view, you should get pre-approved. A pre-approval is beneficial in many ways. First, it gives you an idea of what loan amount and purchase price you can afford. Second, it strengthens your offer to the seller and the seller’s real estate agent. Third, by getting pre-approved, you’re getting a jump start on the approval process. Once you find your home and execute a purchase contract with a seller, you’re already a few steps ahead. Get pre-approved today.

Step 2: Determine which loan best suits your needs
There are many loan options available from first-time buyer programs to traditional conventional, jumbo, and FHA loans. There are 30 year and 15 year fixed loans as well as adjustable and hybrid loans such as a 5/1 ARM or 3/1 ARM. With all the options available, you need expert advice to help you choose the right loan for your situation. Be sure to visit our loan options page to learn about all the options that are available and if you have more questions, you can call one of our home buying experts at 1-888-353-1558

Step 3:Contact a real estate agent and start shopping
This is the fun part. Once you’ve been pre-approved and have an idea of what price range you qualify for, you will work with a real estate agent to view homes for sale in the areas you’d like to live. Once you find a home you like, you can work with the real estate agent to draw up an offer and complete a purchase agreement. The seller has the option to submit a counter-offer and you may go through a few rounds of counters. Once you and the seller agree to the price and terms, escrow will be opened. Typical escrow periods are 30 days but 45 and 60 day escrows are not uncommon.

Step 4: Review your loan application and update your loan file
Depending on how much time has passed since we issued your pre-approval, we may need to collect some updated information and documents from you. We probably have everything we need, but we will update you on what we need to update and secure your full loan approval.  Once we have updated your file, your home buying specialist will go over the details of your loan program, confirm the rate that you want, and go over your closing fees. We’ll make sure that you understand every detail of your loan program and answer any questions you have before moving forward.

Step 5: Lock your rate
At this point, if you’d like to secure your interest rate, your home buying specialist will send you a lock agreement to confirm the terms of the loan and rate.

Step 6: Home inspection and appraisal
Shortly after escrow is opened, it is advisable to schedule a home inspection with a professional who will walk you through the property to look for any red flags such as structural damages or appliances that may not be working properly and other items that may need to be fixed. It is a small investment for some peace of mind. Any major issues would need to be addressed before the close of escrow date. While your loan is being reviewed and processed, we will schedule an appraisal appointment with the seller’s agent to confirm the value of the home. Unlike a home inspection, that appraisal is a requirement to determine that the home is worth what you are paying for it.

Step 7: Loan approval, signing, and closing
Once we have everything we need, your account manager will submit your complete file to the underwriting department for final approval. Once approved, we will prepare loan documents for you to sign and coordinate your closing with all main parties including the seller, closing agent and real estate agents. A few days before closing your Loan Advisor will contact you to walk through the final information so that there won’t be any surprises at closing. You will typically sign your loan documents at a title company or attorney’s office which usually takes between an hour and an hour and a half.  Your loan will fund that day, the seller will give you the keys to your new home and congrats will be in order!!

Why talk to one of our Licensed Loan Advisors??

Talking to a Licensed Loan Advisor is an important step to getting the right mortgage loan. Everybody has different loan needs and a mortgage banker knows which questions to ask in order to best match you with the right loan and monthly payment. Since we have a strict No Steering policy, you can be assured that the loan option suggested to you will fit your needs.

Your loan advisor will also explain all the steps–from getting started, to locking in your low rate, to closing your loan fast, in little as 30 days or less!!. Because we are a direct lender, if you have any questions during the loan process, you will have one direct number enabling you to get quick answers straight from the source.

Client Testimonials – What Our Customers are Saying

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I have dealt with Michael Minkoff in the past. And I found him to be every professional, honest and very forthcoming. This is my third opportunity to have dealt with him on the purchase of Homes and condominiums. And Michael has never disappointed me in any way, during the procedures and purchases of any properties. Over the years I have thought of Michael as more of a friend than a business acquaintance. Michael performs his task over and above its competitors with ease. You guys have a real gem on your hands... Michael Minkoff THE BEST definitely 5 stars.

David Clopton 190 escambi lane Cocoa Beach Florida 32931

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This was my second refinance with Michael Minkoff and Shoreline and I would not deal with anyone else. He offers great guidance and patience through the refinance process. He gets the job done quickly and will smooth any wrinkles in the process. He is always available to answer any questions or concerns before, during and after the refinance. His professionalism is unparalleled! I highly recommend his services.

Kim Monahan Longwood, FL

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I worked with Michael to refinance my home. He made the process so easy, smooth and helped me every step of the way. He made this experience so much easier then I could imagine. I will recommend his service to anyone I know that needs a mortgage and I will definitely use him again in the future. Thank you for everything!

Yaron Levin Coral Springs FL

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Michael went above and beyond to communicate and help us through this process. Everything Michael told us was accurate and there were no surprises. I will never use anyone else when financing another property in the future! Thank you Mike!

Andrew G. Saint Pete, FL

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It was our first time to buy a house. I have zero experiment, Michael Minkoff did all paperwork for us. It was a painless experience, we are so luck to meet you, Michael! Thank you!

Lixin Wan 8509 parrots landing dr. Tampa FL 33647

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I can honestly say Michael Minkoff made my first home buying experience a very pleasant one. From our first conversation he explained each and every option that was available to me and I never felt pressured into any decision. My phone call and email communications were handled in a professional and timely manner. All in all I really couldn't imagine my home buying process being any easier. Even now that the deal is done I would still feel 100% comfortable calling Michael with any questions. He extended his expertise beyond the scope of the business deal and I look forward to contacting Michael for my next home purchase. Thanks for everything Michael! Our hats off to you!!

Max Gonzalez Miramar, FL

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Our friends recommended Michael Minkoff to help us secure a mortgage. It's our first house so we never had any experience with the loan process. From the very first phone call I knew we were in the best hands possible!! Michael took the time and explained very clearly about the different options. He took care of every single detail and went above and beyond to bring us to closing in less than one month. During the loan process, he guided us in a very professional manner and kept us updated on the progress.
The whole process was very quick and smooth and we felt very comfortable throughout it. It was a true pleasure to work with Michael!! I'm sure we will work with him again in the future and will highly recommend him for others. Thank you Michael, you are the best!!

Dikla Miller Coral Springs, FL

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Our good friend recommended Michael and he helped us to secure a mortgage on our second house in Miramar, FL. We closed our house right on time without any delays. Michael took care of every single detail in the loan approval process and explained very clearly about the different options that was available to us. He guided us in such a professional manner that we didn’t have to worry about anything. He was very prompt and kept us updated throughout the process which went very smoothly. It was a pleasure to work with him and will highly recommend him to our friends too. Thank you Michael!

Kumar Senthil Miramar, FL

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This is the second house we've bough with Michael's help and he made it a painless process yet again. He is always on top of all of the paperwork needed to buy a house, it made it so easy on us. He is professional and such a pleasure to work with.

Erin Fromm Plantation, FL

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My wife and I have bought two homes in the last 4 years and have used Michael services each time. He is quick to give you the information you need to make an informed decision. His knowledge of the market is truly exceptional! He is on your side with the banks and always gives you best deal you qualify for. I would highly recommend Michael to anybody looking to finance a new home.

Jason Fromm Plantation, FL

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Here are 3 Great Choices to get you moving in the right direction

        

The following are some additional tips on how to be prepared and what to expect when buying a home.

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved
Step 2: Determine which loan best suits your needs
Step 3: Contact a real estate agent and start shopping
Step 4: Review your loan application and update your loan file
Step 5: Lock your rate
Step 6: Home inspection and appraisal
Step 7: Loan approval, signing, and closing

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved
Once you’ve decided to buy a new home, you should determine what payments you can comfortably afford. There are many tools available like an affordability calculator that gives you a general idea of what your payments would be, but to get a better idea of the price range of homes to view, you should get pre-approved. A pre-approval is beneficial in many ways. First, it gives you an idea of what loan amount and purchase price you can afford. Second, it strengthens your offer to the seller and the seller’s real estate agent. Third, by getting pre-approved, you’re getting a jump start on the approval process. Once you find your home and execute a purchase contract with a seller, you’re already a few steps ahead. Get pre-approved today.

Step 2: Determine which loan best suits your needs
There are many loan options available from first-time buyer programs to traditional conventional, jumbo, and FHA loans. There are 30 year and 15 year fixed loans as well as adjustable and hybrid loans such as a 5/1 ARM or 3/1 ARM. With all the options available, you need expert advice to help you choose the right loan for your situation. Be sure to visit our loan options page to learn about all the options that are available and if you have more questions, you can call one of our home buying experts at 1-888-353-1558

Step 3:Contact a real estate agent and start shopping
This is the fun part. Once you’ve been pre-approved and have an idea of what price range you qualify for, you will work with a real estate agent to view homes for sale in the areas you’d like to live. Once you find a home you like, you can work with the real estate agent to draw up an offer and complete a purchase agreement. The seller has the option to submit a counter-offer and you may go through a few rounds of counters. Once you and the seller agree to the price and terms, escrow will be opened. Typical escrow periods are 30 days but 45 and 60 day escrows are not uncommon.

Step 4: Review your loan application and update your loan file
Depending on how much time has passed since we issued your pre-approval, we may need to collect some updated information and documents from you. We probably have everything we need, but we will update you on what we need to update and secure your full loan approval.  Once we have updated your file, your home buying specialist will go over the details of your loan program, confirm the rate that you want, and go over your closing fees. We’ll make sure that you understand every detail of your loan program and answer any questions you have before moving forward.

Step 5: Lock your rate
At this point, if you’d like to secure your interest rate, your home buying specialist will send you a lock agreement to confirm the terms of the loan and rate.

Step 6: Home inspection and appraisal
Shortly after escrow is opened, it is advisable to schedule a home inspection with a professional who will walk you through the property to look for any red flags such as structural damages or appliances that may not be working properly and other items that may need to be fixed. It is a small investment for some peace of mind. Any major issues would need to be addressed before the close of escrow date. While your loan is being reviewed and processed, we will schedule an appraisal appointment with the seller’s agent to confirm the value of the home. Unlike a home inspection, that appraisal is a requirement to determine that the home is worth what you are paying for it.

Step 7: Loan approval, signing, and closing
Once we have everything we need, your account manager will submit your complete file to the underwriting department for final approval. Once approved, we will prepare loan documents for you to sign and coordinate your closing with all main parties including the seller, closing agent and real estate agents. A few days before closing your Loan Advisor will contact you to walk through the final information so that there won’t be any surprises at closing. You will typically sign your loan documents at a title company or attorney’s office which usually takes between an hour and an hour and a half.  Your loan will fund that day, the seller will give you the keys to your new home and congrats will be in order!!

Why talk to one of our Licensed Loan Advisors??

Talking to a Licensed Loan Advisor is an important step to getting the right mortgage loan. Everybody has different loan needs and a mortgage banker knows which questions to ask in order to best match you with the right loan and monthly payment. Since we have a strict No Steering policy, you can be assured that the loan option suggested to you will fit your needs.

Your loan advisor will also explain all the steps–from getting started, to locking in your low rate, to closing your loan fast, in little as 30 days or less!!. Because we are a direct lender, if you have any questions during the loan process, you will have one direct number enabling you to get quick answers straight from the source.

Client Testimonials – What Our Customers are Saying

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Our friends recommended Michael Minkoff to help us secure a mortgage. It's our first house so we never had any experience with the loan process. From the very first phone call I knew we were in the best hands possible!! Michael took the time and explained very clearly about the different options. He took care of every single detail and went above and beyond to bring us to closing in less than one month. During the loan process, he guided us in a very professional manner and kept us updated on the progress.
The whole process was very quick and smooth and we felt very comfortable throughout it. It was a true pleasure to work with Michael!! I'm sure we will work with him again in the future and will highly recommend him for others. Thank you Michael, you are the best!!

Dikla Miller Coral Springs, FL

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I have used Mike at Shoreline many times. I keep going back because there is noone better to work with. I have used others but they simply cannot touch the personalized and professional service that Mike and Shoreline provide. I am a client for life.

David Templer North Miami Beach

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I have used Michael for a mortgage and refinance on two properties. He is very knowledgeable and quick with responses. Both went perfectly and his numbers were spot on. I even referred him to family and friends, all of whom had a great experience. I plan to use Shoreline Mortgage for future investments.

Mike Amendola Deerfield Beach, FL

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Throughout the entire process of purchasing my first home, Michael gave me the kind of service and guidance that made me feel as though my needs were his highest priority, and sometimes even his only priority. I certainly felt as though Michael made a significant effort to establish trust and a personal rapport with me, which is critically important for me when dealing in financial matters. As it relates to knowledge of the industry and available products, Michael's level of expertise is yet another reason to feel as though your needs are in the best hands. I have already recommended Michael to three people, and plan to continue doing so whenever a friend, colleague, or family member is considering buying a home or refinancing.

Justin Vizaro Miami, FL

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I worked with Michael to buy a home in Miami. From my first interaction with Michael to the last moment of the closing, Michael was extraordinarily responsive, attentive and kind. Michael is the consummate professional. He is incredibly patient and knowledgeable about the entire real estate industry. I give him my highest recommendation and would not hesitate to use him again in the future.

Judi Haberkorn Miami, FL

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Michael Minkoff was great. He worked through all the different ways we could structure our loan and helped us find the one that was absolutely best for our situation. I really appreciated how quick he was to respond to us throughout the process and yet I never felt rushed, as he made sure we understood everything happening throughout the process. I have been and will continue to recommended him to others I know looking for a mortgage.

Berry Long Longwood, FL

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The service and personal attention we received from Michael Minkoff was exceptional and beyond what we were expecting! His knowledge of the local and national market and his commitment in finding us the best rate helped us in our search for our dream home. As first time home buyers everything was new to us and the most important thing we wanted was someone we could trust to give us the best advice. After patiently going through every figure and explaining what each payment was for, Michael made sure we were comfortable and sure of our decisions. He was there for us every step of the way. I'm glad we chose his services and would recommend him to anyone buying a home.

Thomas Coyle Clearwater, Fl

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Michael went above and beyond to communicate and help us through this process. Everything Michael told us was accurate and there were no surprises. I will never use anyone else when financing another property in the future! Thank you Mike!

Andrew G. Saint Pete, FL

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My wife and I have bought two homes in the last 4 years and have used Michael services each time. He is quick to give you the information you need to make an informed decision. His knowledge of the market is truly exceptional! He is on your side with the banks and always gives you best deal you qualify for. I would highly recommend Michael to anybody looking to finance a new home.

Jason Fromm Plantation, FL

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It was our first time to buy a house. I have zero experiment, Michael Minkoff did all paperwork for us. It was a painless experience, we are so luck to meet you, Michael! Thank you!

Lixin Wan 8509 parrots landing dr. Tampa FL 33647