Let’s be honest: buying your first home is terrifying. You’re signing up for the biggest financial commitment of your life, and the process may feel overwhelming with complicated words, tons of paperwork, and decisions that feel irreversible. Most first-time buyers don’t know the difference between loans, and nobody explains it to them until they’re already drowning in documents.
That’s exactly where My Easy Mortgage comes in. Based in the Tampa Bay area, we’ve built our identity on making the home loan process simple and transparent. Our team doesn’t just process loans. We sit down with you, figure out where you stand financially, and map out a path to get you into a home you can actually afford.
Who Qualifies as a First-Time Buyer?
More people than you’d think. The Housing Assistance Act states that if you haven’t owned a principal residence for the last 3 years, you qualify as a first-time home buyer. This definition can also include individuals who own a house or investment property but live elsewhere. Most loan programs will also count this for mobile home owners.
Different loan options offer different benefits. FHA Loans accept credit scores as low as 580 with just 3.5% down. VA loans offer a zero-down-payment option for qualified borrowers. Conventional loans are available to buyers with stronger credit, typically starting at a credit score of 620 with 3% down. My Easy Mortgage works with all of these products and helps buyers determine which option makes the most sense for their situation, not just which sounds good on paper.
The Process
Our first-time home-buying process has a few steps. This thorough process is not to dissuade or scare you, but to let you know exactly what the process looks like and what things we’ll need to become successful together:
- Review Your Finances & Set a Budget: Start by checking your credit score (aim for 620 or higher) and determining how much home you can comfortably afford. Plan for a down payment between 3%–20% and set aside an additional 2%–5% for closing costs.
- Get Pre-Approved: Compare rates from multiple lenders and secure a pre-approval letter. This letter demonstrates to sellers that you’re qualified and ready to move forward.
- Choose a Real Estate Agent: Partner with a knowledgeable agent who can help you find homes, negotiate effectively, and manage the transaction from start to finish.
- Start House Hunting: Create a list of must-haves and focus your search on properties that fit both your needs and your budget.
- Submit a Competitive Offer: Work with your agent to craft a strong offer based on comparable sales and current market conditions.
- Schedule a Home Inspection: Hire a licensed inspector to evaluate the property. If they find issues, you may be able to negotiate repairs or credits.
- Complete Loan Approval & Appraisal: Your lender will arrange an appraisal to confirm the home’s value and finalize your mortgage approval, including locking in your interest rate.
- Obtain Homeowners Insurance: Provide proof of insurance coverage, a necessity before closing.
- Close on Your Home: Sign the final documents, pay your closing costs, and receive the keys to your new home!
Why is Our Process Easy?
My Easy Mortgage isn’t just a name; it’s a way of doing business. We’re a mortgage broker, not a bank. That matters because we offer you a wide range of options instead of limiting you to one or two fixed loan choices.
Our team thrives on referrals and reviews from across the industry, including Realtors, customers, and builders. When other professionals trust you enough to send clients your way, it speaks volumes. Our President, Sam Wax, has over 25 years of experience and has arranged more than a quarter of a billion dollars in residential mortgages. Work with a mortgage lender who treats you as a person and takes the time to talk with you, not just a number in line.
Ready? Let’s Talk
The first step is just a conversation. Call My Easy Mortgage at (813) 513-9846 or visit myeasymortgage.com and share your financial situation. We’ll tell you honestly where you stand, what you need to work on, and what’s possible. No pressure, no runaround. That’s the whole point.