How to Read a Florida Real Estate Purchase Contract Florida real estate contracts are binding legal documents—and they aren’t light reading. Here’s a simple breakdown of what every Florida buyer should know before signing an offer. The Most Common Form: AS IS Residential Contract Most Florida purchases use the Florida REALTORS/Florida BAR “AS IS” Residential…
Florida Home Warranties: Are They Worth It for Buyers? When buying a Florida home, especially an older one, you may be offered a home warranty as part of the deal. But what exactly does it cover—and is it worth it? Here’s what Florida buyers should know. What Is a Home Warranty? A home warranty is…
The Florida Walkthrough Checklist: What to Look for Before Closing You’ve negotiated the deal, passed inspections, and signed the paperwork. But before the keys are handed over, one final task remains: the walkthrough. Here’s what Florida buyers should check before closing. What Is a Final Walkthrough? The final walkthrough is your last chance to: Verify…
Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Home Inspection in Florida In a hot Florida market, some buyers are tempted to waive the home inspection to make their offer more appealing. That’s a risky move. Here’s why your Florida inspection is too important to skip. What Is a Home Inspection? A home inspection is a licensed professional’s…
Pros and Cons of Buying a Florida Fixer-Upper Buying a fixer-upper in Florida sounds like a dream—until you realize what’s behind the walls. Here’s a balanced look at the benefits and challenges of buying a home that needs work in Sarasota, Bradenton, or Longboat Key. The Pros 1. Lower Purchase Price Fixer-uppers are often priced…
The Role of a Buyer’s Agent in a Florida Real Estate Deal Florida homebuyers often assume they can go directly to the listing agent. But when you do that, you miss out on representation. Here’s why having a dedicated buyer’s agent makes a huge difference. What Is a Buyer’s Agent? A buyer’s agent works exclusively…
Florida Home Buyer FAQ: 10 Questions You Should Always Ask Before you fall in love with a home, fall in love with the facts. Smart buyers ask the right questions up front—and save time, money, and frustration. Here are 10 questions every Florida buyer should ask before making an offer. 1. Is the home in…
Common Florida Real Estate Contract Contingencies Explained When you make an offer on a Florida home, the contract includes contingencies—built-in protections that allow you to back out under certain conditions. Here are the most common buyer contingencies in Florida real estate. 1. Inspection Contingency Also called the due diligence period, this gives you time to:…
How to Handle Multiple Offers as a Florida Home Buyer In a competitive Florida market, the best homes often attract multiple offers—especially in desirable areas like Sarasota, Bradenton, and Longboat Key. Here’s how to navigate the bidding war without losing your cool or your budget. Step 1: Know Your Max Budget Before jumping into a…
What to Expect at Your Florida Closing Appointment You made the offer, survived the inspection, and cleared financing. Now it’s time for the finish line: closing day. Here’s what buyers in Florida can expect at their real estate closing. What Is the Closing? The closing appointment is when: Ownership of the home officially transfers to…