1. Define your real budget, not just the price
The purchase price is only part of it. Before looking at homes, it helps to know what you can really pay per month, adding HOA, insurance, property tax and maintenance. In Florida, insurance and taxes weigh more than in other states, so two homes at the same price can have very different monthly costs. With our own system we show you those numbers per property before you fall for one.
2. Pre-approval (if you're financing)
If you're using a mortgage, the first step is a pre-approval with a lender: they review your income and credit and tell you how much you can borrow. With a pre-approval in hand your offer is much stronger. If you're paying cash, you don't need it, but proof of funds helps.
- ·Conventional: down payment from 3% to 20% depending on your profile.
- ·FHA: down payment from 3.5% (for a primary residence).
- ·Foreign buyer: "foreign national" loans that typically require 30%–40% down.
3. Search with judgment, not a hand-picked list
This is the difference in how we work. Instead of showing you three homes, our software reviews every MLS property that fits your budget and criteria, and you decide across the entire market. Each one comes with its real estimated costs. You mark which ones you like, which you dismiss and which you want to see.
4. Offer, inspection and closing
When you find the home, we submit the offer and negotiate for you. Once accepted, you enter escrow: the home inspection is done (so you don't buy hidden problems), the title company reviews title and closing is coordinated. We're with you until the final signing and the keys.
- ·Inspection: always recommended, reveals roof, plumbing, electrical and structure.
- ·Title company: verifies clean title and handles escrow.
- ·Closing: you sign, pay closing costs (2%–5% of price) and get the keys.
The steps and how long they usually take
| Item | Estimated range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-approval | 1–3 days | With a lender, if financing |
| Search and showings | Variable | With the software you see the whole market from day 1 |
| Accepted offer → escrow | 1–3 days | Negotiation included |
| Inspection | 5–10 days | Typical inspection period |
| Closing | 30–45 days | Financed; cash can be faster |
General reference timelines; each deal varies by lender, property and negotiation. Not legal or tax advice.
General home-buying standards in Florida (loan rules, escrow and closing process). B&M Global Capital are licensed agents in Florida; we coordinate the operational closing but do not provide legal or tax services. Brokered by Antorcha Real Estate Group.
Frequently asked questions
- What does it cost me to have an agent represent me when buying?
- Nothing. Buyer fees are $0: the real estate commission is paid by the seller, as is standard in the United States. You only cover the normal closing costs, which we detail before you make an offer.
- How long does it take to buy a house in Florida?
- From an accepted offer, a financed closing usually takes 30 to 45 days. Cash can be faster. The search part depends on you; with our software you see the whole market that fits you from day one.
- Do I need pre-approval before searching?
- If you're financing, yes it helps: it makes your offer stronger and tells you your real budget. If you're paying cash, you don't need it, but you do need proof of funds.
- Is the home inspection mandatory?
- It's not required by law, but we always recommend it. It reveals roof, plumbing, electrical or structural problems that don't show in photos and can cost you thousands later.
- Do you work in Spanish and for buyers from outside the U.S.?
- Yes. We handle the whole process in Spanish or English, and coordinate the purchase remotely for people who don't live in the United States, from search to closing.