Buyer's guide

How buying a home in Miami actually works

From pre-approval to the keys in your hand — the steps, what happens at each one, and what to watch for in Miami-Dade.

The process

Seven steps from search to closing

01
Get pre-approved
Before touring, talk to a lender. A pre-approval sets a real budget, shows sellers you're qualified, and tells you what your monthly payment looks like — including taxes and insurance, which matter a lot in South Florida.
02
Define what you actually need
Neighborhood, commute, schools, bedrooms, lot size, flood zone, and whether a condo association fits your life. I ask a lot of questions up front so I only send you homes worth seeing.
03
Tour with a critical eye
I look past the staging: roof age, A/C and water heater age, electrical panel, windows and shutters, drainage, and anything that affects insurance or future costs.
04
Write a strong offer
I pull comparable sales, learn what the seller cares about, and structure price, deposit, financing, and timelines to give you the best shot without overextending you.
05
Inspections and insurance
Once under contract, you have an inspection window. In Florida, insurers often want a 4-point inspection and a wind mitigation report on older homes. I attend, review the findings with you, and negotiate repairs or credits.
06
Appraisal and loan approval
Your lender orders the appraisal and finalizes underwriting. If the appraisal comes in low, we look at your options — renegotiate, cover the gap, or walk away within your contract rights.
07
Title, final walkthrough, and closing
The title company clears ownership and prepares the closing figures. We do a final walkthrough, you sign, funds are wired, and you get the keys.

Local know-how

Get insurance quotes early — before your inspection period ends — so there are no surprises.
Check the flood zone and ask whether flood insurance will be required by your lender.
For condos, review the association's budget, reserves, and any planned special assessments.
Never wire money based on an emailed instruction alone. Call the title company at a number you verify yourself.
After closing, file for Florida's homestead exemption if the home is your primary residence.

— Hector