Florida Home Buying Guide

The Home Buying Process in Florida: Step by Step

Most buyers don't know what happens between "offer accepted" and "keys in hand." This is the whole process, explained clearly.

Start My Pre-Approval Book a Free Call

Steps from search to keys

Days, our target from accepted offer to close

Days, industry average close

Days, fastest we've ever done it

Florida couple reviewing mortgage pre-approval documents

Start Here

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved Before You Look at Homes

Pre-approval isn't a formality. It's how you find out what you actually qualify for, at what rate, with what loan type. Without it, you're shopping blind.

At 14 Days To Close, pre-approval means running your file through Desktop Underwriter (DU) upfront. That's the same automated underwriting system lenders use to approve loans. Your pre-approval has real underwriting behind it, not just a best guess.

When your offer is accepted, the file's already in motion. That's how we target a 14-day close from accepted offer to funding. Learn how DU approval differs from a standard pre-approval.

Steps 2 and 3

Find a Real Estate Agent and Start Your Home Search

Once you're pre-approved, the search begins. Your pre-approval tells your agent exactly what price range to target.

Choose an Experienced Buyer's Agent

They represent your interests, negotiate on your behalf, and it doesn't cost you anything (sellers pay the commission). Pick someone who knows the Florida market.

Define Your Must-Haves

Location, bedrooms, school district, commute. Know the difference between what you need and what you want before you start touring.

Tour Homes Strategically

Your time's limited. Use your must-have list to filter. Don't fall in love with a home before you've seen the comps.

Get Ready to Move Quickly

Florida's market doesn't wait. When you find the right home, your pre-approval gives you the ability to act the same day.

Steps 4 and 5

Make an Offer and Go Under Contract

Making an offer in Florida isn't just about price. Closing timeline, contingencies, earnest money, and the strength of your pre-approval all affect how sellers respond. A buyer with a 14-day close timeline and DU-backed pre-approval is a different offer than one from a buyer with a vague pre-qual letter.

Your agent will submit the offer. If there's a counter, you negotiate. Once both parties sign, you're under contract. The clock starts.

From the moment you go under contract, your lender's job is to move. At 14 Days To Close, we start the process the day the contract comes in, not the day we get around to it.

We're not waiting for you to send documents. We're not dragging our feet on underwriting. We're moving every single day until you're closed and funded.

Steps 6 and 7

Inspection and Appraisal

Two things happen simultaneously once you're under contract that you don't control, but need to understand.

Home Inspection

A licensed inspector goes through the property top to bottom. You see the real condition of what you're buying. Most contracts include an inspection contingency, so you can negotiate repairs or walk away.

What to Negotiate After Inspection

Not every issue is worth fighting over. Major structural, roof, and HVAC issues are negotiable. Cosmetic things usually aren't. Your agent guides this.

Appraisal

Your lender orders an independent appraisal to confirm the home's value supports the loan amount. You can't use a lender that values the home at $300k to borrow $350k on it.

Appraisal Gaps

If the appraisal comes in below contract price, you have options: negotiate the price down, cover the gap with cash, or walk. Know your contract terms before this happens.

Steps 8 and 9

Underwriting and Clear to Close

This is where most delays happen. At 14 Days To Close, it's where we're strongest.

File Submission

We submit your complete package to underwriting. Complete means all docs, all verifications, all conditions addressed before they're asked for. Partial submissions cause delays.

Conditions

Underwriters issue conditions: additional docs or explanations they need before approving. We respond same day. Every condition, every time.

Clear to Close (CTC)

When all conditions are satisfied, underwriting issues a Clear to Close. This is the green light. Closing can now be scheduled.

The Closing Disclosure

3 business days before closing, you'll receive your Closing Disclosure. Review it. Know your final cash to close, your rate, and your monthly payment before you walk into the closing room.

Step 10

Closing Day: What Actually Happens

The Setup

Closing takes place at a title company or attorney's office in Florida. You'll bring a valid ID, your certified funds or wire confirmation for your cash to close, and the ability to sign a lot of paperwork.

The Paperwork

The closing agent walks you through each document: the note (your promise to repay), the mortgage (which secures the note against the property), the closing disclosure, and a stack of disclosures. Sign them all. Ask questions if something looks off.

When everything's signed and funds are confirmed, the deed is recorded and the keys are yours. At 14 Days To Close, we've made it to this point in as few as 5 days from accepted offer. Most clients close well ahead of the industry average.

The Process Is Simpler When You Have the Right Lender.

Start with a pre-approval. It sets everything else in motion.

Start My Pre-Approval Book a Free Call Call Now