Steps to buying a house in Florida in 2025

• Credit Check: The higher the better, however there are some key credit score milestones that can really make a difference. Aim for a minimum credit score of 580+ for an FHA loan or 620+ for a conventional loan to secure competitive interest rates. Other milestones may also be make an impact such as 680, 740 and sometimes 800.  

• Factor in the "Real" Costs: Your monthly payment isn't just principal and interest. In Florida, you must budget for homeowners insurance, flood insurance (if in a FEMA flood zone), and potentially high HOA/condo fees.  

• Explore Down Payment Assistance: Speak with multiple local mortgage consultants and discuss what programs may apply to your situation. Program that you may have heard of before such as the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program are not always the best option for buyers, even if they do meet the qualifications. A local mortgage consultant will guide you through your options that make the most sense for you.  

•  

• Shop around with multiple lenders. Local lenders often understand regional insurance and tax nuances better than the nation banks. Also, local lenders tend to be more readily available to guide you through the steps, often even on evenings and weekends.  

• Gather your paperwork: W-2s, tax returns from the last two years, pay stubs, and bank statements. You will likely need these to complete your pre-approval process. 

• A great local agent understands neighborhood flood risks, upcoming localized development changes, and market specifics such as whether you are navigating a buyer's or seller's market in that specific zip code. 

• In our experience, most sellers are willing to pay the buyer's agent commission, making expert representation free for you.  

• Be proactive in your search for an agent who will make the home buying process feel smooth and will put your interests first. There are countless ways to meet new real estate agents including requesting a tour on Zillow, calling the listing agent of a property you are interested in or strolling into that open house, but some ways are actually better than others if you’re looking for a true local professional. Consider doing some online research with your favorite AI chat bot or driving around the area you are interested in and see if there are any agents you are beginning to recognize. You should be looking for someone with experience, professionalism and the ability to understand, and fight for your interests.  

• The Roof: Insurance companies in Florida are incredibly strict about roof age. A roof older than 15 years can make a house nearly uninsurable, or require immediate replacement. 

• The HVAC: Air conditioning units work overtime in Florida. Check the age of the AC system to be aware if you need to prepare for an expensive replacement. 

• The Plumbing & Electric: Issues in these areas may also directly impact the cost and insurability of a property.  

• Flood Zones: Always ask your agent to pull up the FEMA flood map for the property. 

• Discuss the contingencies: a financing contingency, an appraisal contingency, and a home inspection contingency are some of the most common ones. 

• Once you and the seller have come to an agreement, you will submit an Escrow/Earnest Money Deposit (usually 1% to 3% of the purchase price) to show good faith. 

• 4-Point Inspection: Outlines the condition of the four major systems: Roof, Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC. This is almost always required by insurance providers for homes more than a few years old. 

• Wind Mitigation Inspection: Documents how well a home can withstand hurricane-force winds (e.g., roof-to-wall attachments, shutter types). A good wind mitigation report can save you thousands of dollars a year on your insurance premium. 

• Termite/WDO (Wood-Destroying Organism) Inspection: Highly recommended due to Florida's humid climate. 

• Septic & Well Inspection: If the home you are buying is not on public utilities you should be advised to have these inspections done as repairs or replacements of these can be very costly.  

• Final Walkthrough: Walk through the house one last time with your agent to ensure agreed-upon repairs were made and the home is in the expected condition. 

• Closing Day: You will review and sign your Closing Disclosure (CD), promissory note, and mortgage documents at a title company or real estate attorney's office. You will wire your remaining down payment and closing costs.