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 am more than satisfied with services of Shoreline Mortgage .  I worked through this process with Michael Minkoff. Since the first day until the closing date he was very profesional , very dedicated to his work , very knowledgeable mortgage person , always available with all questions, always available with the best answers. He made the process very smooth.  His words always were... no worry , we will make it happens .  We did .!!!. I will use Michael and  this company for my future purchases or refinance and will definitely recommend his services to family and friends . I can't thank him enough. Thank you Michael for everything. You made it posible . Thank you!

Maylene R. Miami, Fl

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When I purchased my home last summer, it was the first time I would do so on my own. I had minimal experience with the paperwork and the overall process. The patience extended to me by Michael Minkoff was truly amazing. He walked me through every step of the way. He was knowledgeable, professional, and downright kind. I was and I am very grateful to him for his assistance. I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Minkoff. Anybody who does business with him will not regret the choice. There are many companies out there, but the knowledge and service extended by Mr. Minkoff by far exceeds the others in the same industry.

Mercy Jacobson Plantation, Florida

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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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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 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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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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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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5 stars , great very smooth process.

Shelley 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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Michael is very professional and knowledgeable. We were extremely lucky to have him help us, not once, but twice on with our mortgages. He knows what he is doing and he gets the job done well before deadline! We never need to worry about anything with his help!

Chloe Yang Weston 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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I have worked with Michael twice and he is a true professional. He takes the time to ensure that his clients understand the entire process of closing on a  mortgage and is always willing to explain things until the client is comfortable. Patient, kind and understanding - Michael is exactly the type of person you want working on your behalf. I would never work with anyone else!

David Gerhart Jacksonville, 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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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 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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Mike Minkoff did an outstanding job with my two refinances at the same time! I asked many questions and came up with multiple scenarios and Mike was more than happy to answer everything. He went above and beyond and he knows his stuff.
I would suggest using him again without hesitation.

Peter Amendola Key Largo, 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 Shoreline Mortgage 4 times over the past 20 years. I would highly recommend to anyone.
Communication is over the top!! Night or day, email, phone, text, extremely quick to respond.
Michael explains the entire process from beginning to ending at the closing. He is professional, experienced
extremely patient, kind and available to help any time.

Cynthia Rogers Plantation Florida

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We were looking at so many options for our Refi – 15  Year vs. 30 Year, combining two mortgages into one. We tried working with our bank, but became very frustrated at the inflexibility. We decide to talk to Michael because he had helped us so much with our first mortgage almost 10 years ago. Michael gave us the pros and cons of every option we discussed, and was always  open to running multiple scenarios for us. When we  finally chose the right financing plan for our needs, Michael guided us through every step of the way.

Henry Jost Fort Myers, FL

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Michael is very professional and knowledgeable. We were extremely lucky to have him help us, not once, but twice on with our mortgages. He knows what he is doing and he gets the job done well before deadline! We never need to worry about anything with his help!

Chloe Yang Weston FL

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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