Plan

Everything between “just looking” and the keys, in one place. Tap anything for help from Olga (your Realtor) or Jim (your lender).

It all starts with a plan

Moving soon? In a year? Just exploring? Pick where you’d like to start. You can change it anytime.

Explore selling Just browsing

Your budget

Estimate your monthly payment You enter the numbers. We don’t pre-fill a rate.
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Enter a price and a rate to see your estimate.

    For illustration only: figures are calculated from the numbers you enter and are not a rate quote, loan offer or commitment to lend. Property tax is figured at about 1.9% of the price a year (Broward, new owner). Mortgage insurance with less than 20% down is shown as a range of about 0.5%–1.5% of the loan a year. Your actual rate and payment depend on credit, loan program, property and market conditions.

    Explore loan options

    300+

    Stairway Mortgage is a broker. Instead of one bank’s rate sheet, Jim shops over 300 lenders for the best fit for you.

    ConventionalMost buyers

    The everyday loan for buyers with steady income and good credit.

    FHALower credit scores

    Flexible on credit. Not every condo building is FHA-approved, so Jim checks first.

    VAEligible military

    For veterans and service members. Jim handles the COE and condo approvals.

    JumboHigher price points

    For homes above conforming loan limits, common on the water.

    Self-employedBank statements

    Qualify on bank deposits instead of tax returns.

    InvestorsDSCR

    Qualify on the property’s rent, not your personal income.

    First-time buyer? See Florida down-payment help →

    Get your real numbers

    A realistic budget lets you shop with confidence. Your income, savings, debts and the loan you choose decide what fits.

    Assess & build your credit

    Your credit shapes your loan options. Find out where you stand and what would raise your score fastest.

    Save for a down payment

    Florida has programs that help first-time buyers with the down payment and closing costs.

    See down-payment help
    Understand the mortgage process

    From application to closing, knowing what to expect means fewer surprises.

    How pre-approval works

    Choose your agent

    An agent guides you through pricing, offers and negotiation. Olga knows Fort Lauderdale street by street.

    Decide what you’re looking for

    Set your must-haves and get new matches by email the day they list.

    Search homes
    Compare & narrow down

    Save homes with the heart, then line them up side by side.

    See your saved homes
    Start touring homes

    Seeing a home in person shows you the layout, condition and how the street feels.

    Decide your offer strategy

    A clear strategy keeps you competitive without overpaying. Agree on price, terms and contingencies before you submit.

    Ask the seller to pay closing costs

    Seller credits can cover closing costs. Learn how to ask for them in your offer.

    See the strategy
    Sign the purchase contract

    Signing makes your offer official. Review the terms, deadlines and inspection period with your team.

    Update your pre-approval letter

    A letter that matches your exact offer price reads stronger to the seller.

    Know your cash to close

    Your down payment plus closing costs is the full amount you’ll need ready up front.

    Finalize your mortgage

    Lock your rate and get final approval.

    Get homeowners & flood insurance

    Insurance is required to close, and in Florida it varies a lot street to street. Get a quote before you make an offer.

    Inspect the home

    An inspection finds problems before you commit.

    Final walkthrough & closing day

    Confirm the home is as agreed, sign, and get your keys. Olga walks through it with you.

    Rent or buy?

    Many Fort Lauderdale renters are surprised how close a monthly mortgage payment can be to their rent. See your own numbers side by side.

    Plan for move-in costs

    Most leases ask for first month, last month and a security deposit up front, plus application fees.

    Let Olga find it for you

    Tell Olga your neighborhoods, budget and move-in date. She’ll send rentals that match and set up showings.

    Tour rentals

    See the unit, the building and the street before you apply.

    Explore neighborhoods

    Commute, schools, beaches and what each area feels like.

    Browse 84 neighborhoods
    Get your application ready

    ID, proof of income, references and a credit check. Having them ready can win the unit.

    Review the lease

    Term, deposit, pets, repairs, HOA rules and renewal. Know them before you sign.

    Get renters insurance

    Many landlords require it, and it protects your belongings.

    Own in the next year or two?

    A few moves now, on credit, savings and down-payment programs, can make buying possible sooner than you think.

    Build your credit

    Find out what would raise your score fastest before you apply for a mortgage.

    Down-payment help

    Florida programs can help first-time buyers with the down payment and closing costs.

    See if I qualify

    Jim Blackburn, NMLS #1072866. Stairway Mortgage is a division of NEXA Mortgage LLC, NMLS #1660690 (NMLS Consumer Access). Equal Housing Opportunity. Not a commitment to lend; all loans subject to application, credit and underwriting approval.

    Olga Blackburn, Realtor, Blackburn Group at The Keyes Company. Affiliated business disclosure: Olga and Jim Blackburn are married. You are not required to use Stairway Mortgage to buy a home with Olga, and you may choose any lender.