This guide walks first-time buyers through the Florida home purchase from the very first conversation to the day you get the keys. The order matters: goals before tours, pre-approval before offers, and a clear budget before you fall in love with a house that is outside it.
Wiz's tip
Buyers who are pre-approved before they start touring are taken more seriously and negotiate from a stronger position. Get the pre-approval conversation done first.
The steps, in order
01
Start with the strategy session
A free 15-minute call with Michael to understand where you are, where you want to be in five, ten, and twenty years, and how this purchase fits. No pressure, no obligation.
02
Get pre-approved
A lender's pre-approval tells you exactly what you can borrow and shows sellers you are serious. Michael can connect you with lenders he trusts and explain the documents you will need.
03
Define your budget, not just your price
The purchase price is only part of the picture. Add property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA fees, and maintenance to find the payment you can live with for years, not months.
04
Choose your neighborhoods
Michael serves the Treasure Coast to South Florida, from Vero Beach to Miami. Use the Living In guides to shortlist communities by schools, commute, price, and lifestyle.
05
Tour with an educated eye
Michael educates clients on the little details that make a great house: age of the roof and AC, water intrusion, grading, and the things that cost money later.
06
Offer, negotiate, inspect, close
An offer shaped by market data, honest negotiation with your interests as the only consideration, a thorough inspection, and full updates through closing.
How much do you really need for a down payment?
A 20 percent down payment is not required in most Florida markets. Conventional loans can go as low as 3 to 5 percent down, FHA loans as low as 3.5 percent, and VA loans at 0 percent for eligible veterans. Your lender will explain the options, and Michael will help you think through which choice protects your monthly budget and your long-term goals.
What should you know about the Treasure Coast and South Florida markets?
Michael's typical range is $350,000 to $3,000,000. First-time buyers often find great entry points in St. Lucie County, where the median has sat near $400,000, and in parts of Indian River County near the $367,000 median. Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade run higher, but each county has neighborhoods that fit a first budget. Honest pricing guidance starts before you ever make an offer.
Why the plan matters more than the property
A home is the foundation of most family wealth. Every purchase should be measured by more than the closing date: does this home move you toward the life you are building? That question, asked honestly from the start, is why buyers who work with a Certified Real Estate Planning Advisor feel the difference from the first conversation.