Buying a Home?

Need to Know

What You Need to Buy a Home: Steps to Get Started and Reach the Finish Line 🏡

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones in life—but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or returning to the market, understanding what’s needed and the steps involved can help you move forward with confidence.

✅ What You Need to Buy a Home

Here’s what you typically need to prepare:

  • Proof of Income: Recent pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, or alternative income documentation (like 1099s or bank statements).

  • Assets: Bank statements, retirement accounts, or gift funds for down payment and closing costs.

  • Credit History: A good credit score improves your loan options and rates, but many programs work with less-than-perfect credit.

  • Identification: A valid driver’s license or government-issued ID.

  • Debt Information: List of your monthly obligations (credit cards, auto loans, student loans, etc.).


🧭 Steps to Get to the Finish Line

Here’s a general roadmap to guide you:

1. Prequalification or Preapproval

This is your first step. It gives you a clear picture of how much home you can afford and strengthens your offer when you find the right home.

➡️ Start Your Prequalification Now
or
➡️ Schedule a One-on-One Appointment

2. Find the Right Loan Program

There are many options: FHA, VA, Conventional, Non-QM, Bank Statement, DSCR, and Down Payment Assistance programs. We’ll help match you with the one that fits your financial situation.

3. House Hunting

Work with a trusted real estate agent to find homes in your price range. Your preapproval letter shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.

4. Make an Offer

Once you find the right home, your agent will help you submit a competitive offer. If accepted, you’ll enter contract.

5. Loan Processing & Underwriting

We’ll collect documents, order the appraisal, and submit your loan to underwriting. You’ll also lock in your interest rate.

6. Clear to Close

Once the underwriter approves your loan and all conditions are met, you’ll be “clear to close”—meaning you’re almost a homeowner.

7. Closing Day

You’ll sign the final documents, pay any closing costs or down payment, and get the keys to your new home!


🎯 Ready to Get Started?

Getting prequalified is quick and easy, and it’s the best way to understand your buying power. Let’s help you take the first step today:

👉 Start Prequalification
👉 Schedule a Free Consultation

MEET THE PROFESSIONALS

Questions? We'll Put You On A Right Path!

We understand that the mortgage process can feel overwhelming, but you’re in great hands. With over 30 years of experience helping clients just like you, we’re here to guide you every step of the way — from pre-qualification to closing and beyond.

Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or exploring investment opportunities, our team is committed to making the process smooth, transparent, and tailored to your goals.

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ABOUT US

At VMA Lending, we bring over 30 years of combined experience helping individuals and families achieve their homeownership and real estate investment goals. As a trusted Florida-based mortgage brokerage, we specialize in FHA, VA, Conventional, DSCR, Non-QM, and Down Payment Assistance programs. Our team is committed to providing personalized guidance, competitive rates, and a smooth lending experience from start to finish. Your success is our mission.

This is the day we make a 
Difference 
!