Buying or selling a home can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time navigating the process in Florida. I believe the more informed you are, the more confident and comfortable you’ll feel when making decisions about your home. To help, I’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions I hear from buyers and sellers.

Q: Do I need to get pre-approved before I start looking at homes?
A: Yes. Getting pre-approved helps you understand your budget and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer. It also allows us to act quickly when the right home comes on the market. Most sellers will not accept an offer without it. 

Q: How much money do I need for a down payment?
A: It depends on your loan type. Conventional loans typically require 5–20%, FHA loans can be as low as 3.5%, and VA loans may require no down payment at all. I’ll connect you with trusted lenders who can explain your options.

Q: What additional costs should I expect when buying a home?
A: In addition to your down payment, you’ll want to budget for closing costs, inspections, appraisal fees, and moving expenses. Closing costs in Florida usually range from 2–5% of the purchase price.

Q: How long does it take to close on a home in Florida?
A: On average, about 30–45 days from the time your offer is accepted to the day you get your keys. This can vary depending on financing, inspections, and negotiations.

Q: Do I need a Realtor® to buy a home?
A: Technically no, but having one makes the process much smoother. As your agent, I’ll guide you through negotiations, contracts, inspections, and deadlines, while representing your best interests.

Q: Can I buy a home with less-than-perfect credit?
A: Yes. Many loan programs exist for buyers with average credit, though improving your credit can help secure better rates. A trusted lender can review your situation and recommend the best loan option.

Q: Should I buy a new construction home or resale?
A: Both have pros and cons. New construction offers modern features, builder warranties, and often competitive interest rates while resale homes may be in established neighborhoods with mature landscaping and can offer unique features. I’ll help you weigh what’s most important to your lifestyle and budget.

Q: How do I know what my home is worth?
I provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that looks at recent sales in your area, current market conditions, and your home’s unique features to recommend the best pricing strategy. If you prefer to have a full appraisal done, I can connect you with trusted local appraisers — and I’ll reimburse you the total cost at closing, I offer this to all sellers.

Q: Do I need to make repairs before selling?
A: Not always. Some repairs or updates can add value and help your home sell faster, but every situation is different. I’ll sit down with you to figure out what really matters and how to maximize your return.

Q: How long does it usually take to sell a home?
A: It depends on pricing, condition, and the current market. I can give you an in-depth market report for your specific area so you can know what to expect when selling. 

Q: What costs should I expect when selling my home?
A: Common seller costs include real estate commissions, title/closing fees, and potential repairs or concessions negotiated with the buyer. I’ll give you a net sheet upfront so you have a clear idea of what to expect.

Q: Should I stage my home before listing?
A: Staging doesn’t always mean hiring a professional. Sometimes it’s as simple as decluttering, rearranging furniture, and making small updates. The goal is to create a space where buyers can imagine themselves living.

Q: What happens if I get multiple offers?
A: That’s a great problem to have! I’ll help you compare each offer side by side, looking beyond price to terms, contingencies, and buyer qualifications. Together we’ll choose the offer that best aligns with your goals.

Q: Do I have to pay capital gains tax if I sell my home?
A: In many cases, if you’ve lived in your home for at least 2 of the past 5 years, you may be able to exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 for married couples) in gains. Always check with your tax professional for your specific situation.

Q: Do I have to pay property taxes at closing?
A: In Florida, property taxes are paid in arrears, which means you’ll pay your share of taxes up to the closing date. This is prorated between buyer and seller on the Closing Disclosure.

Q: Is title insurance required in Florida?
A: Yes, lenders require it, and it’s highly recommended for all buyers. Title insurance protects against issues with ownership history or claims on the property. In many counties, the seller customarily pays for the owner’s title policy, but this can be negotiated.

Q: What’s the difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved?
A: Pre-qualification is a quick estimate of what you might afford, while pre-approval is a deeper review of your finances by a lender. Sellers take pre-approvals more seriously, which is why it’s an important first step.

Q: How does hurricane insurance work in Florida?
A: Standard homeowners insurance in Florida often excludes flood damage, and hurricane deductibles may apply. Many buyers purchase separate flood insurance, even if it’s not required, for extra peace of mind.

Q: Can I buy or sell a home without using a Realtor®?
A: You can, but it can be risky. A Realtor® ensures contracts are handled correctly, deadlines are met, and your interests are protected throughout the process.

Q: Do I need to hire an attorney to buy or sell a home in Florida?
A: No, Florida is a title state, which means attorneys are not required to conduct real estate closings. Instead, title companies typically handle the process, including the title search, escrow, and preparing closing documents. While some buyers or sellers may choose to involve an attorney for additional peace of mind, it’s not necessary in Florida. This often helps streamline the process and keep closing costs more manageable.

Q: What is an escrow deposit when making an offer?
A: An escrow deposit, also called earnest money, is money a buyer includes with their offer to show they are serious. In Florida, it’s usually 1–3% of the purchase price and is held in a secure account by the title company or brokerage. If the sale closes, it’s applied to the buyer’s costs. If the buyer cancels for a valid reason under the contract (like financing or inspection), it’s refunded. If they back out without cause, the seller may keep it.