Services
First-Time Homebuyers with Laura Tohme
You don't need to have it all figured out to get started. Bring your questions, and we'll take your first home purchase one step at a time—from choosing a direction to getting your keys.
Laura Tohme Realtor gives first-time buyers across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Central Florida a dedicated, reassuring walkthrough of the purchase — getting organized, learning the terminology, building a realistic budget, talking with a lender, understanding inspections and transaction costs, and knowing what to ask before an offer.
What first-time guidance includes
Buying your first home should feel approachable, not overwhelming.
Laura walks first-time buyers through getting organized, learning the terminology, building a realistic budget, talking with a lender, understanding inspections and transaction costs, and knowing what to ask before making an offer.
The guidance uses plain language and the same calm pace as the rest of the site. You do not need to know the vocabulary before you call — you learn it as you go, with explanations you can keep.
This page does not promise zero-down financing, guaranteed approval, assistance-program eligibility, or a particular rate. Those depend on current programs and your own qualifications. If you want the general purchase process too, see the buying page.
Getting organized
A calm start makes everything that follows easier.
List your goals, your timeline, and what a first home means to you. Knowing why you are buying keeps later decisions grounded.
Gather your financial picture in one place before talking to a lender — income, savings, debts, and any records you may need. A clear picture prevents surprises during pre-qualification.
Learn the basic terms so conversations feel clearer: principal, interest, escrow, closing costs, and the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval. The learning center has a plain-language glossary.
Budgeting questions
Good budgeting is honest with yourself first.
What monthly payment is comfortable — not just what is approved? A lender may approve more than you want to carry, so the comfortable number is the one that matters for your life.
What will closing costs and ongoing ownership costs look like? Property taxes, insurance, association dues, and maintenance continue after closing and belong in the budget.
What reserves does it make sense to keep? A cushion for repairs and vacancies protects the decision you just made.
The mortgage calculator lets you put numbers beside your rent budget and see principal, interest, taxes, and dues together.
Lender discussions
Questions worth asking before you view homes.
Ask what programs you may qualify for, and what each would require. First-time buyer programs vary and have their own eligibility rules.
Ask for a clear breakdown of rates, points, and monthly cost — and what changes if any of those move. A clear breakdown lets you compare options honestly.
Ask what documentation you will need and when, so pre-qualification does not stall the timeline. Laura can help you prepare these questions.
Before an offer
A short checklist before you commit.
Understand the property's condition and what inspections may reveal. Inspections inform you; they do not force a decision you do not want.
Know the transaction costs you will owe at closing, separate from the price and the monthly payment.
Ask the questions that only you can answer about whether it is the right home — for your life, your commute, and your plans.
The first-time buyer preparation checklist collects these into a single reference.
What to expect
Honest expectations keep the first purchase calm.
Timelines depend on the lender, the seller, and the property. Some steps move quickly and some wait, and Laura keeps you informed as they do.
There is no single correct first home — only the one that fits your budget, your timeline, and your life right now. The conversation is about finding it, not about meeting a benchmark.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions renters and buyers ask most often.
Do you promise zero-down financing or a specific rate?+
No. Those depend on current programs and your qualifications. Laura helps you prepare the questions to ask a lender; she does not promise financing terms.
What should I do first as a first-time buyer?+
Get organized: list your goals and timeline, gather your financial picture, and learn the basic terms. Then talk with a lender and bring your questions to Laura.
How much down payment do I need?+
It depends on the loan program and your situation. Laura does not promise a specific down payment; a lender can tell you what programs you may qualify for and what each requires.
Can Laura help if I'm nervous about the process?+
Yes. That is exactly who the first-time buyer guidance is for. Laura walks through the steps in plain language, at a pace that keeps you informed rather than overwhelmed.
What is the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?+
Pre-qualification is a quick estimate; pre-approval involves a lender's deeper review of your documentation. Laura can help you understand which you have and what it means for your offer.
How do I start?+
Call (305) 310-2412, email lauratohmerealtor@gmail.com, or use the Dream Home Finder. Normal hours are Monday through Sunday, 9 AM to 7 PM.
Start your first purchase
(305) 310-2412 lauratohmerealtor@gmail.comMonday–Sunday · 9 AM–7 PM
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