Property types
First-Time Buyers in South Florida.
A clear path from pre-approval to keys, without the pressure.
What to know
Before you make an offer on first-time buyers.
The process is knowable. Most of the stress in a first purchase comes from not being told the order things happen in, and from costs nobody mentioned until the week of closing.
- Pre-approval before showings
A full pre-approval — documents reviewed, not a rate quote — tells you your real budget and makes your offer credible. In a competitive situation it is often the difference between two similar offers.
- Budget past the down payment
Closing costs, prepaid taxes and insurance, the inspection, and the first year of homeowner's and flood insurance are all real. So are HOA or condo dues. Build the whole number before you decide what you can spend.
- Florida property taxes reset when you buy
The seller's tax bill is not yours. Assessed value is re-set on sale, and the homestead exemption and the Save Our Homes cap apply once you own and qualify. Estimate from the sale price, not the current bill.
- Assistance programs exist, and the details change
State and county down-payment and closing-cost assistance programs are available to buyers who qualify, and the eligibility rules, income limits and funding change over time. Ask your lender what is open right now rather than relying on last year's article.
Questions
First-Time Buyers, answered.
How much do I need for a down payment?
Less than most people assume — several loan types allow low down payments, and assistance programs exist for buyers who qualify. Your lender can give you the exact figure for your situation.
What happens between an accepted offer and the keys?
Inspection, appraisal, loan underwriting, title work, the walkthrough and closing. Each has a deadline in the contract, and I keep track of them so nothing lapses.
Should I waive the inspection to win?
I will not advise it. There are other ways to strengthen an offer — timing, deposit size, flexibility on the closing date — that do not leave you owning a problem you never saw.
By market
First-Time Buyers by city.
Boca Raton
First-Time Buyers in Boca Raton, Palm Beach County.View →Delray Beach
First-Time Buyers in Delray Beach, Palm Beach County.View →Fort Lauderdale
First-Time Buyers in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County.View →West Palm Beach
First-Time Buyers in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County.View →Deerfield Beach
First-Time Buyers in Deerfield Beach, Broward County.View →Boynton Beach
First-Time Buyers in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach County.View →Palm Beach Gardens
First-Time Buyers in Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach County.View →Jupiter
First-Time Buyers in Jupiter, Palm Beach County.View →Get in touch
Looking at first-time buyers?
A quick note is enough to start. I’ll reply personally, usually the same day.
6413 Congress Ave Ste 100
Boca Raton, FL 33487