Florida home buying, answered.
29+ questions answered in plain English. No jargon, no sales pitch.
What Credit Score Do I Need to Buy a Home in Florida?
Credit score requirements vary by loan type. Conventional loans want 620 plus, FHA allows 580 plus. Here's what affects your rate.
Read answer →How Much Should I Save for a Down Payment and Closing Costs?
You don't need 20% down. Budget 3–5% down payment plus 2–5% for closing costs. We break down what you actually need to save.
Read answer →First-Time Home Buyer Guide: Starting Your Florida Purchase Journey
New to buying? Here's the complete roadmap for first-time home buyers moving to or buying in Florida, from pre-qualification to closing.
Read answer →What Happens During a Home Inspection? What Should I Look For?
The home inspection is your chance to catch problems before closing. Here's what inspectors check and red flags that matter in Florida.
Read answer →How much house can I afford?
Lenders typically use a 36/43 DTI rule — housing costs under 36% of gross income, total debt under 43%. Here's how to estimate your number.
Read answer →How much house can I afford with an FHA loan?
FHA loans typically use a 31/43 DTI rule and allow as little as 3.5% down. Here's how that affects how much house you can afford.
Read answer →How much house can I afford with a VA loan?
VA loans use a 41% DTI guideline, require no down payment and no PMI, making homeownership possible for many veterans and active military.
Read answer →How much should I spend on a house?
What a lender approves and what you should comfortably spend are two different numbers. Here's how to set a budget that protects your savings.
Read answer →What are the best Miami neighborhoods for home buyers in 2026?
Miami is not one market. Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Brickell, and Pinecrest each offer a different mix of price, lifestyle, and long-term value.
Read answer →What are the best South Florida suburbs for families relocating from out of state?
Weston, Parkland, Coral Springs, and Doral top the list for families moving to South Florida — each with different tradeoffs on price, schools, and commute.
Read answer →Fort Lauderdale vs. Miami: which is better for home buyers?
Fort Lauderdale offers lower density, more single-family inventory, and easier water access — typically 20–30% below comparable Miami prices.
Read answer →What should I know about buying in Palm Beach County?
Palm Beach County spans ultra-luxury coastal towns to affordable inland suburbs — Boca, Delray, Jupiter, and Palm Beach Gardens each fit a different buyer.
Read answer →Do I have to sign a buyer-broker agreement in Florida now?
As of 2026, Florida buyers generally sign a written buyer-representation agreement before touring homes, with agent compensation spelled out up front.
Read answer →Will I owe taxes when I sell my Florida home?
Florida has no state income tax, but federal capital gains rules still apply. Most primary-home sellers exclude up to $250k/$500k of gain if they qualify.
Read answer →What down payment assistance is available for Florida buyers?
Florida Housing offers low-rate loans and down payment help. The Hometown Heroes program aids frontline workers — but funding runs out fast each year.
Read answer →Why is Florida home insurance so expensive and hard to get?
Carrier withdrawals, hurricane risk, and litigation costs have driven up Florida premiums. Insurance can affect your loan approval and even delay closing.
Read answer →What does a Florida home seller legally have to disclose?
Florida sellers must disclose known material defects that aren't readily observable — plus a written flood disclosure before the contract is signed.
Read answer →How do I sell my Florida home in the 2026 market?
Florida shifted toward a buyer's market in 2026. Pricing right the first time, managing insurance concerns, and clean disclosures matter more than ever.
Read answer →What are the steps to buying a home in Florida?
From budgeting and pre-approval to inspections and closing — here's the full Florida home buying process, plus the 2026 buyer-agent agreement step.
Read answer →Is it a buyer's or seller's market in Florida right now?
Florida's market has shifted significantly since the pandemic boom. Many markets now favor buyers, but conditions vary sharply by region and price range.
Read answer →What does 'as-is' mean on a Florida real estate listing?
'As-is' in Florida means the seller won't make repairs — but you still have the right to inspect the property and walk away if you don't like what you find.
Read answer →Can I buy a home in Florida without visiting in person?
Yes — remote home buying in Florida is common and legally supported, but it requires the right team, process, and due diligence to do safely.
Read answer →What is Citizens Insurance and why do so many Florida homes use it?
Citizens is Florida's state-backed insurer of last resort — common in high-risk markets, but it comes with important limitations buyers should know.
Read answer →What are closing costs in Florida and who typically pays them?
Florida closing costs typically run 2–5% of the purchase price. Buyers pay most of them, but sellers cover some — and everything is negotiable.
Read answer →What is the difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved?
Pre-qualification is a rough estimate. Pre-approval is verified and what serious Florida sellers require before taking your offer seriously.
Read answer →Do I need flood insurance in Florida and how much does it cost?
Flood insurance is not automatically included in homeowner's insurance in Florida. Here's what you actually need and what it costs.
Read answer →What Florida counties have the lowest property taxes?
Florida property taxes vary widely by county. Rural inland counties tend to have the lowest rates; coastal urban counties are typically higher.
Read answer →What is the Florida homestead exemption and how do I claim it?
Florida's homestead exemption can save you $750–$1,000+ per year on property taxes — but only if you apply and only on your primary residence.
Read answer →What is a CDD fee and how is it different from an HOA?
A CDD fee pays off infrastructure bonds in planned communities. Unlike HOA dues, it appears on your property tax bill and can't be opted out of.
Read answer →Have a question we haven't answered?
Ask anything about buying or selling in Florida. A licensed Florida real estate professional will personally reply — usually within one business day. No obligation.