Florida Buyer's Guide

Buying a Home in Florida, Step by Step

These are the topics that come up in every Florida purchase, in the order they happen. We'll go over each one together as we get there. These pages are here so you can come back and read them any time.

Before you tour homes

Step 1

Buyer Representation

The written buyer agreement, what changed in 2024, and how buyer-agent compensation works.

Writing the offer

Step 2

The AS IS Contract

The contract most Florida buyers use: what's in it, what's negotiable, and when it becomes binding.

After your offer is accepted

Step 3

Escrow & Earnest Money

Where your deposit goes, when it's due, and how to avoid wire fraud.

Step 4

Inspection Period

Your window to inspect the home and decide whether to move forward.

Step 5

Appraisal

What it is, who orders it, and what happens if it comes in low.

Step 6

Loan Contingency

How the financing protection works and the deadlines that matter.

Right before closing

Step 7

Final Walk-Through

What the walk-through is for, and what it isn't.

Next stepBuyer Representation →

This guide is general information about the Florida Realtors/Florida Bar AS IS Residential Contract for Sale and Purchase (ASIS-7x) and the Florida Realtors buyer brokerage forms. It is not legal advice. Day counts shown are the form's defaults and apply only when the blank is left empty; your contract controls. For legal questions, consult a Florida real estate attorney.