Buying a Home Made Simple
We guide you through every step of the home buying process. From pre-approval with Ryan & Megan Winslow to closing day, we handle the details so you focus on finding your perfect home.
Reviewed and updated October 3, 2026 by Ryan and Megan Winslow, Winslow Homes
Six Steps to Your New Home
Know your budget. Complete online pre-approval with Ryan & Megan Winslow in minutes. You'll receive a pre-approval letter to show sellers you're serious.
Search homes in Florida, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. We'll guide you through neighborhoods, schools, and market trends in your target area.
We'll help you structure a competitive offer. Our market expertise ensures your bid reflects current conditions and protects your interests.
Your home gets inspected for hidden issues. We coordinate with the lender and inspector to protect your investment.
Ryan & Megan Winslow locks your rate and finalizes terms. Our loan officers answer questions and guide you through closing documents.
Sign final documents and receive your keys. We'll be there at closing to ensure everything runs smooth and on schedule.
Mortgage Bankers with The Federal Savings Bank
Ryan and Megan are federally registered Mortgage Loan Originators with The Federal Savings Bank, NMLS #411500, which lends in all 50 states. Start your pre-approval process online today.
Complete your application in minutes. Get approved and receive your pre-approval letter instantly.
Start Pre-ApprovalConventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo loans, and investment options. We find the right fit for your situation.
View ProgramsHave questions? Call our team. We answer questions about rates, terms, and your options.
Call 386-690-5858Available Through Ryan & Megan Winslow
Lower down payment requirements. FHA loans support first-time buyers with flexible credit and income standards. handles all details and paperwork.
If you served in the military, VA loans offer zero down payment options. Ryan and Megan Winslow specialize in VA loans with dedicated support.
Buy in rural areas with zero down payment. USDA loans open homeownership to buyers in qualifying counties across our service areas.
DPA programs help reduce your upfront costs. works with state and local programs to maximize your available assistance.
Buy Across Our Service Areas
Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New Smyrna Beach, Orlando, the Florida Keys and the surrounding towns. Browse communities and market data.
Browse FL HomesWorcester County and Boston and Suffolk County. Find your New England home.
Browse MA HomesHartford, Fairfield, and Litchfield counties. Explore Connecticut's charming communities.
Browse CT HomesProvidence, coastal areas, and rural communities. Discover Rhode Island living.
Browse RI HomesKnowledge to Support Your Decision
Understand current rates, fixed vs. adjustable mortgages, and loan terms. gives you the information to choose the best option.
Know what to expect at closing. We break down title, inspection, appraisal, and lender fees upfront so there are no surprises.
What to look for during your walk-through. We'll guide you on common issues and negotiation points.
Schools, commute times, local amenities, and market trends. We help you find the right community for your family.
Contingencies, earnest money, and negotiation strategy. Our team ensures your offer stands out and protects you.
Homeowner's insurance requirements and final walk-through. We coordinate all details before closing.
Let's connect you with the right home and the right financing. Get pre-approved today and start searching with confidence.
It depends on the loan. FHA requires 3.5% down with a 580 credit score or higher, conventional loans start at 3% down for eligible buyers, and VA loans allow $0 down with full entitlement. Florida Hometown Heroes adds up to 5% of your first mortgage, with a $10,000 minimum and a $35,000 maximum, for eligible workers, military and veterans. Plan for closing costs on top of the down payment, and Ryan and Megan will price your exact scenario.
Many Massachusetts buyers put 3% to 5% down, depending on the loan and the property type. The MHP ONE Mortgage asks for as little as 3% down (5% for a 3 family) and carries no PMI, and MassHousing offers down payment help of up to $30,000 as a 0% deferred second mortgage. Programs and funding change, so Ryan and Megan confirm what is open when you apply.
Expect lender fees, appraisal, title charges, recording fees, and prepaid taxes and insurance. Florida also charges documentary stamp tax on your mortgage note at 35 cents per $100 of the loan, usually paid by the buyer, so a $300,000 loan carries $1,050 in note stamps. Your Loan Estimate lists every cost, and Ryan and Megan walk you through it before you sign.
You are not required to use one, but a buyer's agent protects your deposit, your contract and your timeline. Florida and Massachusetts contracts carry deadlines for inspections, financing and insurance that cost you money when you miss them. Ryan and Megan are brokers licensed in Florida, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, and they explain how their compensation works before you tour a home.
The homestead exemption lowers the taxable value of the home you live in. For 2026 the first $25,000 is exempt from all property taxes and a second exemption of $26,411 applies to non-school taxes. File with your county property appraiser by March 1 after you own and live in the home on January 1. Do not trust the seller's tax bill, because the assessed value resets to market value after you buy.
Your lender requires it when the home sits in a FEMA high-risk zone and carries a federally backed mortgage. Citizens Property Insurance is also phasing in a flood requirement that reaches all remaining personal residential policies on January 1, 2027. A standard homeowners policy does not cover flood, so get a quote for the exact address during your inspection period.
Ask for the milestone inspection report, the structural integrity reserve study, the current budget, recent meeting minutes and any pending special assessments. Florida passed these requirements after the 2021 Surfside collapse for many buildings three stories and taller. Two similar units carry widely different costs depending on the building's finances, so review the documents during your contract review period.
Order a full home inspection, and add a wind mitigation inspection and a four-point inspection for older homes. The wind mitigation report documents roof straps, shutters and impact windows, and it often lowers the wind portion of your insurance premium. Check the flood zone and collect insurance quotes before your deposit goes hard.
Get coming-soon homes, pocket listings and price drops before they hit the big home search sites.
Instant answers on programs, payments, towns and homes, any time, in English or Spanish. Ryan and Megan follow up personally.
Practical guides from 17 years and over 3,000 closings. Available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback and hardcover.
