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Let's find your home's true value
No algorithms. No guesswork. Just real market analysis from someone who knows Tampa Bay.
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6
Phases
27
Tasks
Auto
SAVE
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Where are you in your journey?
Track your progress below. Check off items as you complete them.
Home Buyer Checklist
Your complete guide from pre-approval to closing day
Ryan Snyder
|
Estate Vida
|
Tampa Bay Real Estate
🎯
Getting Started
0/5
💰
Pre-Approval
0/4
🏠
Finding Home
0/4
📝
Making Offer
0/4
🔍
Under Contract
0/6
🎉
Closing
0/4
Your Progress
0 / 27 Complete
Phase 1: Getting Started
✓
Check Your Credit Score
Aim for 620+ (conventional) or 580+ (FHA). Request free reports from AnnualCreditReport.com.
Estate Vida Tip: Check all three bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Lenders typically use your middle score.
✓
Calculate Your Budget
Use the 28/36 rule: housing costs ≤28% of gross income, total debt ≤36%.
✓
Save for Down Payment
Target 3-20% of home price. Explore first-time buyer programs for assistance.
Estate Vida Tip: Florida offers several down payment assistance programs. Ask us about FHFC, Hometown Heroes, and local options.
✓
Research Loan Types
Compare Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans to find the best fit for your situation.
✓
Understand Additional Costs
Budget for closing costs (2-5%), inspections, appraisal, insurance, and moving expenses.
Phase 2: Getting Pre-Approved
✓
Gather Financial Documents
Collect pay stubs (last 30 days), W-2s (last 2 years), tax returns, bank statements (last 2-3 months), and employment verification.
✓
Shop for Lenders
Compare rates and terms from at least 3 lenders within 14 days to minimize credit impact.
Estate Vida Tip: We have trusted lender partners who know Tampa Bay. Ask us for recommendations to save time.
✓
Submit Pre-Approval Application
Complete application with chosen lender and provide all requested documentation promptly.
✓
Receive Pre-Approval Letter
Get official letter stating your approved loan amount—this strengthens your offers significantly.
Phase 3: Finding Your Home
✓
Hire a Buyer's Agent
Work with Estate Vida for expert guidance, off-market access, and negotiation support.
Estate Vida Tip: Buyer agent services are typically free to you—the seller pays commission. You get expert representation at no cost.
✓
Define Your Must-Haves & Deal-Breakers
Create a prioritized list of features, location requirements, and absolute non-negotiables.
✓
Research Neighborhoods
Visit areas at different times, check schools, commute times, flood zones, and local amenities.
✓
Start Home Tours
Visit multiple properties to understand the market and refine your preferences.
Phase 4: Making an Offer
✓
Review Comparable Sales
Analyze recent sales of similar homes to determine a fair and competitive offer price.
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Determine Offer Strategy
Work with your agent to craft a competitive offer with appropriate contingencies and terms.
Estate Vida Tip: In competitive markets, we can help you write a strong offer without waiving important protections.
✓
Submit Written Offer
Include pre-approval letter, earnest money deposit amount, and desired closing timeline.
✓
Negotiate Terms
Be prepared for counteroffers and work with your agent to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
Phase 5: Under Contract
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Schedule Home Inspection
Hire a licensed inspector to evaluate the property's condition within 7-10 days of contract.
Estate Vida Tip: In Florida, also consider wind mitigation, 4-point, and WDO (termite) inspections—they can save you on insurance.
✓
Review Inspection Report
Attend the inspection and discuss any concerns or needed repairs with your agent.
✓
Finalize Mortgage Application
Submit all required documents to your lender and stay responsive to any additional requests.
✓
Order Home Appraisal
Lender will order appraisal to verify the home's value matches or exceeds the loan amount.
✓
Purchase Homeowners Insurance
Shop for policies and provide proof of insurance to your lender before closing.
Estate Vida Tip: Florida insurance is complex. Get quotes from Citizens and private carriers—we can recommend trusted agents.
✓
Review Title Report
Ensure there are no liens, claims, or issues with the property's title before closing.
Phase 6: Closing Day
✓
Review Closing Disclosure
Carefully review all costs, loan terms, and monthly payments at least 3 days before closing.
✓
Arrange Closing Funds
Prepare cashier's check or wire transfer for down payment and closing costs. Verify wire instructions directly with title company.
Wire Fraud Alert: ALWAYS call the title company directly to verify wire instructions. Never trust emailed wire details without phone verification.
✓
Final Walk-Through
Inspect the property 24 hours before closing to ensure agreed repairs are complete and condition is as expected.
✓
Attend Closing & Get Your Keys!
Sign documents, pay closing costs, and receive your keys. Congratulations, homeowner!
🏠🎉
You Did It!
💬 FAQ
Buyer questions?
We've got answers.
The stuff people actually want to know—not the stuff lenders put in fine print.
Still confused?
Mortgages are complicated. We work with lenders who actually explain things. No pressure, no jargon.
X
How long does the home buying process take?
Do I really need a buyer's agent?
What happens if the appraisal comes in low?
How much earnest money do I need?
What if the inspection finds problems?
Can I buy before selling my current home?
What actually happens on closing day?
Still confused?
Mortgages are complicated. We work with lenders who actually explain things. No pressure, no jargon.
Let's find your home's true value
No algorithms. No guesswork. Just real market analysis from someone who knows Tampa Bay.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Your information is 100% secure and never shared
X
🏠
Ready to find your home?
You've got the roadmap. Let's make it happen.
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No pressure, no obligation
Straight answers, real advice
Tampa Bay market expert