Before you shop
- Check your credit and set a monthly budget that includes taxes, insurance and any HOA or CDD fees (payment calculator).
- Get pre-approved, and compare Loan Estimates from more than one lender (CFPB: consumerfinance.gov).
- First-time buyer? Look at Florida Housing programs such as FL Assist and Hometown Heroes (floridahousing.org).
- Save for the down payment, closing costs, reserves and moving costs (closing cost estimator).
- List your must-haves: area, commute, schools, size, budget ceiling.
Before you make an offer
- Check the flood zone for the address on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov).
- Get a homeowners (and, if needed, flood) insurance quote on the specific address.
- Ask for the roof’s age and permit history. Port St. Lucie permits can be searched by address on the city’s site.
- Ask for the HOA disclosure summary and dues; check the tax bill for CDD or other non-ad valorem assessments.
- Estimate your own property taxes: after a sale, the home is reassessed at market value for the new owner.
Under contract
- Calendar every deadline in the contract: deposit, inspection period, financing, appraisal, closing.
- Schedule a home inspection with a Florida-licensed home inspector; ask about a wind mitigation inspection.
- Bind homeowners insurance (and flood insurance if needed) before closing. New flood policies usually have a 30-day wait.
- Review your Closing Disclosure carefully when your lender sends it before closing.
- Verify wiring instructions by phone with your closing agent, using a number you already know. Never trust emailed changes.
After closing
- If it’s your permanent home on January 1, file for homestead with the Property Appraiser by March 1 (homestead checklist).
- Keep your closing documents, deed, title policy and inspection reports in one place.
- Update your address and driver’s license, and change the locks.