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First-time buyer in Florida? The questions to answer before you tour

By Edward Lian, your real estate Edvisor at Keller Williams Elite Partners III Realty ·

A small model house and keys on a table
Short answerGet clear on why, where, what and when you want to buy, your budget, and what you want in an agent. Every step after gets easier.

Before we look at a single home, I want to know your story. Clear answers here make every step after easier.

The big questions

Why are you buying?

  • Wanting a place to call your own?
  • Ready to build equity?
  • Rent getting ridiculous?

Where would you like to live?

  • How long’s the commute?
  • Need a specific school zone?
  • Which amenities matter nearby: parks, trails, shopping, restaurants, a gym?
  • Quiet and private, or close to the action?
  • HOA or no HOA?

What would you like to buy?

  • Single-family or townhome?
  • Resale or new construction?
  • How many bedrooms and bathrooms?
  • One story or two?
  • Pool? Yard? Garage?

When would you like to move?

  • When does your lease end?
  • What happens if we don’t find the right home by then?

What’s your budget?

  • How much down payment?
  • What’s your ideal monthly payment?
  • Looking for a fixer-upper?
  • Need closing costs paid?

What’s most important about all of that?

  • If you could only have three things, what are they?

What qualities are you looking for in your agent?

  • Education-based? Responsive? Professional?
  • Fun or serious? Business or casual?
  • What communication style works for you?
Two-story stucco homes along a pond in a newer Central Florida-style community

Florida-specific things first-time buyers often miss

  • Insurance can vary a lot by roof age, construction and location. Get quotes early.
  • Property taxes reset when a home sells. The seller’s tax bill isn’t yours. Ask about the homestead exemption once you move in.
  • CDDs and HOAs can add meaningful monthly costs in newer communities.
  • New construction vs. resale: builders often offer incentives, like closing cost help, a lower rate or upgrades (how to compare them). Different contracts and timelines too, so bring your agent from the first visit.

Help with down payment

Florida Housing Finance Corporation and some local governments offer down payment and closing cost help for eligible buyers. Programs and funding change, so ask a participating lender what’s available right now.

Buying your first home?

Helping first-time buyers is one of my favorite things to do. We can work through all of this on a quick discovery call, and there’s no such thing as a dumb question.

Frequently asked questions

How much cash do I need to buy a home in Florida?

Your down payment (which varies by loan type), closing costs, prepaid items like insurance and taxes, plus a cushion for moving and repairs. A lender can estimate it for you.

Are there down payment assistance programs in Florida?

Yes, through Florida Housing Finance Corporation and some local programs. Availability and rules change, so ask a participating lender.

I'm a real estate agent, not a loan officer or tax advisor.

Sources

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