In early 2024, Florida sold 57,326 single-family homes. Moreover, homeownership rate hit 68.4%—that’s 4.2% above the national average! With 90.7% of homes selling below list price, it’s no wonder over 300,000 people moved to Florida in 2024!
From Orlando’s Disney World to the salsa-sizzling streets of Miami, the Sunshine State is packed with iconic spots. Florida has something for everyone—including your next dream home!
👉 Florida Homes for Sale: Browse listings and find the perfect home for you today! 🏡
7 Steps for Buying a Home in Florida 🏖️
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Cape Coral or other great spots, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a simple 7-step guide that’ll help you navigate the housing market without getting lost in the Florida traffic.
Step 1: Decide Your Homebuying Purpose
Life’s better in flip-flops—especially when you know why you’re planting your feet. Are you searching for homes for sale in Fort Myers for a getaway, or houses for sale in Lehigh Acres for your forever home? Knowing your purpose helps you find exactly what you need.
- Check out homes for sale in Tampa if you want family-friendly neighborhoods and affordable prices.
- Invest in Miami if you want high returns on luxurious properties with global appeal.
- Buy in Orlando to earn significant returns by renting out your home during peak seasons.
Calculate the cost of living in Florida to get a detailed breakdown of expenses like housing, utilities, transportation, and more. And the best part? It’s FREE! 🏡 💸
Step 2: Explore Financing Options
Before you begin looking for a property in Florida, you must understand what you can afford and how to pay for it. If you’re considering homes for sale in Venice or any other area, here’s what you need to know to be prepared for the process.
1. Prepare Financially
Before chasing the Florida dream, check your green! Make sure your finances are ready:
- Credit Score: Aim for a credit score of 500+ for FHA loan, and 620+conventional loan.
- Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: Calculate your DTI ratio to keep your monthly debts under 36% of your gross income to qualify for a mortgage.
- Budget Smart: Ensure housing costs, including loans, taxes, and insurance, stay under 28% of your income.
👉 You can use a Florida mortgage calculator to estimate how much property you can afford in the state.
2. Explore Loans & Assistance Programs
Down payments in Florida usually range from 10%–20% but often vary based on which financing option you choose:
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| FHA Loans | Require just 3.5% down and are ideal if you’re a first time home buyer. |
| VA & USDA Loans | Offer 0% down with lower interest rates. It is perfect for veterans and those purchasing in rural areas. |
| Florida Assist Program | Provides up to $7,500 for down payments, with low-interest perks. |
| Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Programs | The Opportunity Advantage Fund and Fannie Mae Sponsored Program are popular DPA Programs that offer down payment support, and may waive appraisal fees. |
Step 3: Dive Into the Florida Market
Time for the fun part—house hunting! But don’t rely solely on real estate agents just to pay high commissions. If you’re looking at houses for sale in Panama City Beach or elsewhere, here’s how to buy smart in Florida:
- Online Listings: Use platforms like Houzeo to search for homes by price, zip code, and more. Filter by must-haves like a backyard, waterfront view, historic homes, etc.
- FSBO (For Sale By Owner) Homes: Explore FSBO listings, as they often offer more flexibility. This is because sellers aren’t paying 5% to 6% in agent fees.
Ocala is the nicest and cheapest place to live in Florida. It offers an equestrian lifestyle, with over 400 thoroughbred farms and training centers. Moreover, homes for sale in Ocala offer peaceful neighborhoods—all in the heart of the Horse Capital of the World.
Step 4: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
The Florida market is competitive, so get a pre-approval to show sellers you’re a serious buyer who can close. In fact, 86% of sellers prefer buyers who are pre-approved. It also speeds up the buying process, helps you negotiate better, and reduces delays in the transaction.
Shop around to find the best mortgage lenders in Florida. Different Florida mortgage lenders offer various programs. This can help you compare rates, terms, and fees to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your situation.
Step 5: Make a Competitive Offer
In Florida’s competitive housing market, homes can disappear fast. Whether you’re looking at homes for sale in Clearwater or elsewhere, focus on real estate comps for a more accurate picture. Use this checklist to ensure your offer stands out.
- Seller’s Name and Address: Include the seller’s legal name and property address.
- Price and Terms: Offer a price based on Fair Market Value (FMV) and comparable sales.
- Down Payment: Set aside a portion of the home’s purchase price to pay upfront.
- Earnest Money: Offer a higher deposit to show the seller you’re serious and financially ready.
- Contingencies: Add inspection and financing clauses to protect your deposit if problems come up.
- Concessions: Request the seller to cover costs like closing fees or repairs.
- Deadline for Seller’s Response: Set a clear timeline (usually 24–72 hours) to keep negotiations moving quickly.
Step 6: Conduct Inspections and Appraisals
If you’re looking at homes for sale in Pensacola or Miami, wind mitigation inspections are essential due to their hurricane risk. Moreover, condos over two stories and 30 years old need a Milestone Inspection for structural safety.
A standard home inspection in Florida should cover:
- HVAC: Checks the heating and cooling systems for proper operation.
- Plumbing: Inspects pipes and fixtures for leaks or damage.
- Electrical: Evaluates the electrical system for safety and functionality.
- Roofing: Assesses the roof for damage or wear.
- Foundation: Examines for cracks or issues with the home’s foundation.
📌 Once the inspection is complete, your lender will arrange for a home appraisal to ensure the property’s value matches the loan amount.
Step 7: Close on Your Florida Home
Almost there! Closing usually takes 30–45 days from contract to keys in hand. Here’s what to expect:
- Final Walkthrough: Make sure repairs were completed and the home is in agreed-upon condition.
- Buyer Closing Costs: Expect to pay 2%–5% of the home price. This includes title fees and lender charges, plus prepaid taxes or insurance.
🎉 🏡 Once you sign the dotted line and transfer the escrow—congratulations, it’s official! Grab those keys and cue the happy dance.
What Should You Do After Closing?
Welcome home! Now let’s talk about what comes next after closing day. It’s time to handle a few must-dos to protect your investment:
- File for Homestead Exemption: Apply to reduce your property taxes. It could save you thousands a year.
- Set Up Utilities: Connect water, electricity, internet, and schedule pest control if needed.
- Get Insurance: Secure homeowners and flood insurance. Many Florida properties are in flood zones.
- Home Maintenance Plan: Set seasonal reminders for AC tune-ups, gutter cleaning, and roof checks—Florida weather demands it.
Should You Buy a House in Florida?
Absolutely! Florida offers incredible opportunities for homeowners, whether you’re buying for investment, residence, or vacation. Moreover, with more homes being sold below the list price, now is the best time to buy a house in Florida.
Whether you’re drawn to Tampa’s growing job market or Naples’ coastal charm, Florida has it all. There’s a spot to match every lifestyle and budget. So if you’re on the hunt, check out our list of the best places to live in Florida!
How to Buy a House in Florida Without a Realtor?
Start by researching neighborhoods and browsing listings on trusted sites like Houzeo. Then, schedule showings directly with sellers or their agents. You can also hire a real estate attorney to review contracts and handle legal details.
Next, get pre-approved for a mortgage, make an offer, schedule inspections, and negotiate repairs. With the right support and due diligence, you can confidently buy a Florida home without a realtor.
Key Takeaways: How to Buy a House in Florida in 2025
When you buy a house in Florida, start by defining your goal—whether it’s a vacation home, an investment property, or your forever home. Next, get your finances in order. Check your credit score, calculate your budget, and explore loan options.
Consider online listings and FSBO homes for flexibility. Next, get pre-approved to show sellers you’re serious. When making an offer, be competitive. Then, schedule inspections. Finally, expect 2%–5% in closing costs, and celebrate your new Florida home!
👉 Buy Cheap Homes in Florida: Find the best low cost homes in Florida based on your budget!
