The Florida Home Buying Process

1. Get Pre-Approved

Before you tour a single home, a lender reviews your income, credit, and debts to tell you what you can actually borrow. A pre-approval letter (not just a "pre-qualification") makes your offer credible the moment you find the right place — in a competitive First Coast market, sellers often won't take an offer seriously without one.

2. Search & Make an Offer

Once you know your budget, the search narrows fast by neighborhood, school zone, and lifestyle fit. When you find the one, your agent drafts a purchase offer using the Florida Realtors/Florida Bar contract, which sets your price, deposit, financing terms, and key deadlines. The seller can accept, reject, or counter.

3. Under Contract: Due Diligence

Once accepted, you're "under contract" and the clock starts on a due-diligence period — typically 10–15 days in Florida. This is when you schedule inspections, order an appraisal (if financing), and your lender finalizes underwriting. Anything the inspection turns up can be renegotiated or, within the inspection period, walked away from.

4. Clear to Close & Closing Day

Once financing is fully approved and title work is clear, you'll get a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing, showing your final numbers. On closing day you sign the paperwork, wire your funds, and get the keys — typically 30 days from contract for a conventional loan, sometimes 45 for FHA/VA.

What Makes Florida Different

• Attorney or title company closings: Florida allows either — many First Coast closings happen at a title company rather than requiring a real estate attorney.
• Homestead exemption: If this will be your primary residence, file for Florida's homestead exemption after closing to reduce your property tax bill.
• Insurance lead time: Coastal insurance quotes can take longer to secure than inland — start shopping the moment you're under contract, not after.