Your Roadmap to Homeownership

Prepared by: Lily Chandler | Keller Williams Realty


What type of Market are we in?

Buyers market! When interest rates go up, prices go down. When interest rates go down, prices go up.

Buyers offer based on mortgage affordability and want move in ready.

Great homes still move fast for the sellers who price right. Be prepared to offer quickly!

Builders pay closing costs and offer fixed interest rates below 5%

Meet Team Valdez

Lily Chandler & Brian Valdez

* Top 500 Realtor

* Top 35 under 35

* Top Zillow Agent


Did you know the top 10% of real estate agents perform 90% of the business in Florida Real Estate? 

We know buying a home is more than a transaction… It's about your family, finances, and future overall… Not to be taken lightly!

That's why we combine education, experience, and negotiation strength to guide you every step of the way as if we were guiding a loved one. Your happiness matters to us!

5.0

Zillow Rating

44+ Reviews

100%

Commitment

To your success

1

Team Approach

Double the power

Our Approach is Simple:

01

Understand Your Goals & Budget

We start by learning what matters most to you and what you can comfortably afford

02

Find the Right Home

Strategic search targeting homes that match your needs, lifestyle, and price range

03

Make a Winning Offer

Crafting competitive offers with the right terms to get you the home you want

04

Negotiate & Close with Confidence

Protecting your interests and maximizing your outcome from contract to closing

How Much Money Do You Actually Need to Close?

1

Home Inspection

Typically $600–$800. This is your protection and gives space to negotiate.

2

Appraisal

Usually $400–$600, ordered by the lender to confirm the home's value matches the purchase price.

3

Down Payment

Ranges from 0% to 20%


4

Closing Costs

2–3% of the loan amount (usually negotiated to be paid by the seller.)

Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make

1

Waiting Too Long to Talk to a Lender

The earlier you know your numbers, the more options you have. Waiting often means missing the right homes and having to renew your lease.

2

Not Truly Understanding Their Budget

Pre-qualification and pre-approval are different. Knowing your real purchasing power prevents disappointment and wasted time

Understanding your numbers is the first step to owning your home.

What Your Lender Does for You

Pre-Approval Power

Strong pre-approvals that make your offers stand out in a competitive market

Down Payment Assistance

Guidance on programs that may dramatically reduce what you need upfront

Loan Option Clarity

Clear breakdown of FHA, conventional, VA, and USDA loans

Mortgage Guide

1

Conventional Loan

The most common type of home loan, which is offered through private lenders.

2

FHA Loan

Loans designed for those with high debt-to-income ratios and low credit scores, and most commonly issued to first-time homebuyers. Offered by FHA-approved lenders only and backed by the Federal Housing Administration.

3

VA Loan

Loans designated for veterans, spouses, and reservists, offered through private lenders and guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

4

USDA Loan

Loans for homebuyers in designated rural areas, backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

How Much Money Do You Actually Need?

Here's a straightforward look at the typical costs involved — and the good news that often surprises first-time buyers.

1

Home Inspection

Typically $300–$500. This is your protection — it reveals condition issues before you're locked in.

2

Appraisal

Usually $400–$600, ordered by the lender to confirm the home's value matches the purchase price.

3

Down Payment

Ranges from 0% (VA/USDA) to 3–3.5% (FHA/conventional) — not always the 20% myth. Down payment assistance is available!

4

Closing Costs

Generally 2–3% of the loan amount — but usually negotiated to be paid by the seller.

You May Qualify For:

  • Down payment assistance programs
  • Seller-paid closing costs negotiated in your offer
  • Grants and forgivable loan programs in Florida
  • Reduced upfront expenses through smart structuring

The total out-of-pocket number is often much lower than you expect.


The Home Buying Process

Buying a home doesn't have to be complicated. Here's how every successful purchase unfolds — from your first conversation to the moment you get the keys.

1

1. Get Pre-Approved

A pre-approval shows you've spoken to a lender and considered the next steps. This gives you an advantage over other home shoppers.

2

2. Find a Home

House hunt 3–6 months before you intend to buy. Be optimistic towards cosmetic fixes as those can be the best deals. We'll make sure the home has strong bones.

3

3. Escrow Deposit

Typically 1–2% of purchase price, this is money that the title company holds as your commitment to the purchase. This goes towards your down payment.

4

4. Home Inspection

A licensed inspector meticulously examines the entire property (in and out). If we need to negotiate anything, we will. We send the 4pt inspection to insurance to get the best insurance rates for you.

5

5. Renegotiation

Based on the inspection review, we'll negotiate credits or specific repairs to be done before closing.

6

6. Appraisal

The lender orders an appraisal to determine the property's fair market value. They will NOT loan more than the property is worth.

7

7. Loan Approval

You work your way with the lender through the underwriting process. Then your loan is officially ready for closing!

8

8. Final Walkthrough

Just before closing, we'll conduct a final walkthrough to confirm everything is as it should be, ensuring all agreed-upon repairs have been made and no new issues have arisen.

9

9. Closing Day 🎉

The final step! You'll sign all closing documents, transfer funds, and officially take ownership of your new home. Congratulations — the keys are yours!

From pre-approval to closing, most purchases take 30–60 days. The process is more manageable than most buyers imagine.


After the Purchase

Trusted Vendor Network

Need a plumber, roofer, landscaper, or contractor? We connect you with the same vendors our clients rely on — vetted and reliable.

Homeowner Guidance

First-time ownership comes with questions. We're always available to walk you through what to expect as a homeowner.

Long-Term Planning

Whether it's building equity, upsizing, or investing… We help you think ahead and make smart real estate decisions for

years to come.


Real Estate is Personal

We believe in building authentic connections.