Being a first-time buyer in Miami? What you must know

Being a first-time buyer in Miami may seem scary but the process is actually more standardized in South Florida than elsewhere. Whatever your reasons are for buying a house in the Magic City, here are some good advice to get ready to embark on the journey of homeownership. Follow the guide.

Financing for first time buyer in Miami, be ready

The loan, a long-term commitment

The average mortgage loan is 20 years! Of course, you don’t need to stay for that long in your house but purchasing a home is a major commitment. So how do you get ready?

Start asking yourself these questions:

• Do I have a stable income?
• Do I have enough savings to cover the payment if I lose my job?
• Do I really want to commit to his house and neighborhood for at least 5 years?

If the answer to any of the above is no, keep working, keep saving and keep looking!

Otherwise, start on the mortgage process before making offers. The mortgage loan process can take longer than usual in South Florida, especially if you plan on financing with one of the big banks headquartered in New York.

The pre-approval for the first-time buyer

A mortgage pre-approval is an official document from a lender that tells you exactly how much loan money you can get from them based on your financial information, such as your credit score, W-2s, or/and bank statements.

Why getting this pre-approval is important?

• You know exactly how much home you can afford.
• Your offer to the seller is stronger, especially if you are a first-time buyer in Miami: A pre-approval shows a seller that you have the money needed to purchase the home.

The house, 5 years or forever?

Think about your long-term needs and whether a starter home or forever home will meet them best. Online 3D home tours have become very popular with the COVID-19 pandemic. These tours let buyers virtually walk through a home at any hour and observe details that regular photos cannot catch. Open your eyes wide!

It’s critically important for you to verify the condition of the house as much as you can during the inspection period.

But this also includes the basics, like how much HOA or property taxes you will have to pay. Don’t forget to budget for homeowners association fees when shopping for condos and townhomes, or houses in planned or gated communities. Last but not least, save for closing costs!

TIP: Miami Dade county allows you to look up any property’s real estate tax bills in public records. This way, you can verify a unit’s property taxes before you even submit an offer!

Disclaimer: Agency One Properties and Laure Deltin Angeletti do not provide any kind of tax, legal, financial or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only.