How buying works
Your Path to the Keys, Step by Step
Buying a home on the Space Coast takes about 30 to 60 days once you find the right one. Here is what happens at each step and how I help. Tap a step to read more.
1Free buyer consultationWe plan your search together+
We meet in person, by phone, or by video. You tell me what you want. I tell you what to expect in today's market.
- Your budget, timeline, and must-haves
- Which Brevard cities fit your life: commute, schools, beach or river, new or resale
- How I get paid and what I do for you. We put it in a short written buyer agreement before we tour homes.
2Get pre-approvedKnow your real budget+
A lender checks your income, credit, and savings. Then they tell you how much you can borrow. Sellers take your offer more seriously with a pre-approval letter.
- I connect you with trusted local lenders, and you can bring your own
- We compare rates, fees, and the monthly payment, not just the interest rate
- Plan for your down payment, closing costs, and a cash cushion
3Search and tour homesFind the right fit+
I set up listing alerts so you see new homes the day they hit the market. Then we tour your favorites.
- Tours in person or live video
- I point out roof age, AC age, flood zone, and other costly items
- I share recent sales nearby so you know what homes are worth
4Make an offerPrice, terms, and strategy+
When you find the one, I write a strong offer on a Florida contract. Price matters, and so do the terms.
- Offer price based on recent sales
- Escrow deposit, usually due within a few days after the seller accepts
- Inspection period, financing terms, and closing date
- Requests for repairs, seller credits, or closing cost help
I negotiate for you and explain the pros and cons of each choice, so you can make an informed decision.
5Inspections and insuranceKnow what you are buying+
Your inspection period starts once the contract is signed. We use it to learn everything about the home.
- Home inspection, plus wind mitigation and 4-point reports. These can lower your insurance cost.
- Termite inspection, and pool or septic checks when needed
- Flood zone check and insurance quotes right away. In Florida, insurance can change your monthly payment a lot.
- HOA or CDD rules and fees reviewed before the deadline
6Appraisal and loan approvalThe lender finishes their part+
The lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home's value. Then the underwriter gives final loan approval.
- Send the lender any documents they ask for, fast
- Do not open new credit cards, buy a car, or change jobs before closing
- If the appraisal comes in low, I help you renegotiate
7Final walkthrough and closingSign and get your keys+
A day or two before closing, we walk through the home. We make sure it is in the agreed condition and any repairs are done.
- In Florida, a title company handles the closing and the money
- You review your Closing Disclosure at least 3 days before closing
- You sign in person, or remotely if you are out of town
8After closingSettle in and save on taxes+
- File for Florida's homestead exemption by March 1 if this is your main home. It can lower your property taxes.
- Change the locks and set up utilities, internet, and trash service
- Keep your closing papers in a safe place
I am still here after closing. Call me with any question, any time.
Ready to start? Step 1 is free and takes about 30 minutes.