How to Buy a House in Florida

Step 1: Get pre-approved (24 hours)

Before you look at a single house, get pre-approved. This tells you exactly how much you can borrow and shows sellers you're serious. With Standard Florida Mortgage, pre-approval takes as little as 24 hours.

• Gather: 2 years tax returns, 2 months pay stubs, 2 months bank statements, driver's license
• We pull your credit and calculate your max purchase price
• You receive a pre-approval letter — attach it to any offer

Step 2: Find a home

Work with a Florida real estate agent (we can recommend one, or Alex can represent you — he's a licensed FL broker). Tour homes in your price range. Make a short list.

Step 3: Make an offer

Your agent helps you determine the right offer price based on comparable sales. In a buyer's market, you can offer below asking. In a seller's market, you may need to offer at or above asking. Your pre-approval letter goes with the offer.

Step 4: Home inspection

Florida requires a 4-point inspection for insurance purposes (roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC). We also recommend a full home inspection. If issues are found, you can negotiate repairs or a price credit with the seller.

Step 5: Appraisal

Your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home is worth what you're paying. If the appraisal comes in low, you can renegotiate, make up the difference, or walk away (your earnest money is protected by the appraisal contingency).

Step 6: Closing

Final loan approval, closing disclosure (3-day waiting period), then sign the papers. You'll pay closing costs (2-5% of loan amount) and your down payment. Get the keys.