You have obviously made the first step to buying a home in Florida by clicking on to this site. The process is not difficult just slightly different to buying in other countries.
Most people who buy through us are looking to rent their holiday home out to offset the running costs associated with the home and cover any mortgage payments or property taxes. This means that buyers who are looking to rent there Florida home out can only purchase in certain areas that are zoned for "Short Term Rental".

This means the 3 most important words to you are Location, Location, Location.

Whilst our realtors are fully licensed and can sell any home, holiday or residential, we specialise in the sales rental and management of short term rental homes on communities in the Walt Disney World Catchment area and have been doing this for 10 years now.

Of course, if the purpose of your home is not investment and you just want a place in the sun where you can can come and relax, then choosing the location can be more flexible.

Step 2
Having discussed your intentions, you can now arrange a visit to Florida to meet one of our licensed agents. We offer daily departures through all scheduled airlines to Florida and we would be happy to tailor a viewing trip for you. We feel that four or five days will leave you sufficient time to view the various homes, shortlisted and revisit to make the final selection.

Alternatively, you may be travelling on your vacation and we would welcome the opportunity to arrange an appointment with you at your convenience. Our sales agents are available 7 days a week and would be happy to arrange to pick you up from your accommodation.

Step 3
OK, so the sun is shining! The swimming pool is warm! The homes look wonderful. Large, spacious, spectacular even!

Before you get carried away we will show you the communities within your price range located in the areas you desire. It is at this point that you will begin to understand the prices, square footage, lot size and location, not to mention the sun aspect.

Your inspection with our staff will guide you through each location and home. We will point out the included items and those items that we feel you should include or upgrade

The first day of viewing may send your head spinning, but try to relax, we will not pressure you, we will simply advise. Dependent upon your selection, day two begins.... At this point we can revisit your shortlist of homes with you. Along with the builder's representative, we will calculate the basic cost of the home to include your selected upgrades, pool design, lot selection, etc. Most sales offices are able to produce a price sheet and example of deposits and mortgage payments based on the total purchase price for you.

Step 4
This is it! You have found your Florida home. Congratulations!!! At this time the builder will ask you for a deposit of between $1,000 and $5,000. This is an initial deposit to remove the lot from sale and will be subtracted from the normal sales deposit of 10-20% due at a later date.

The builder's representative will complete a full sales contract fro you to sign, and each page will be explained to you in detail. The contract will include addendum's covering your colour selections, pool design, upgrades etc.

One very important fact for your peace of mind: All deposits are fully refundable in the unlikely event that your mortgage is not approved.

Generally, the final cash deposit is not due until closing when your home is complete, however, each builder will differ and each contract may change the payment structure.
The builder's representative will complete a full sales contract fro you to sign, and each page will be explained to you in detail. The contract will include addendum's covering your colour selections, pool design, upgrades etc.

One very important fact for your peace of mind: All deposits are fully refundable in the unlikely event that your mortgage is not approved.

Generally, the final cash deposit is not due until closing when your home is complete, however, each builder will differ and each contract may change the payment structure.

Step 5
Should you require help in choosing colour selections for your new home, matching tile, carpet, cabinets etc, then our in-house Interior Decorator will be happy to assist you. This service is free of charge.

Should you wish to purchase one of our Custom Furnishing Packages then we will advise you on the essentials for a practical, yet tastefully furnished Florida home. Our Tour Operators and Travel Agents often comment on the higher standard of a our homes, as this is one of the elements proven to encourage the renters to come back.

With a copy of your contract in hand we will introduce you to a mortgage broker to work with you in making an application for your finance (we can, of course, make an appointment for you prior to a contract for a discussion). As a guide, most Florida home purchases are financed through a U.S mortgage. Although you are able to finance from the U.K, the U.S mortgages tend to be flexible, making them more attractive to the buyer.

Finance from 75% of the total purchase price may be obtained, although opting for 70% which requires less financial documentation is easier for approval. Interest rates may currently be fixed up to 30 years and have generally no redemption penalties should you decide to repay the mortgage early.

Step 6
With a copy of your contract in hand we will introduce you to a mortgage broker to work with you in making an application for your finance (we can, of course, make an appointment for you prior to a contract for a discussion). As a guide, most Florida home purchases are financed through a U.S mortgage. Although you are able to finance from the U.K, the U.S mortgages tend to be flexible, making them more attractive to the buyer.

Finance from 75% of the total purchase price may be obtained, although opting for 70% which requires less financial documentation is easier for approval. Interest rates may currently be fixed up to 30 years and have generally no redemption penalties should you decide to repay the mortgage early.

Step 7
The Bank... we would be happy to introduce you to a local bank. We have no particular preference, although an account in the same bank that we use will make it a simple process in the future when making rental deposits, etc. A bank account may be opened with photo identification and as little as $20 to get you started.

Step 8
During the construction we will communicate with you on a regular basis, sending you photographs during construction. We will also ensure your mortgage company processes your loan as smoothly and as quickly as possible.

The County Building Inspector is required to pass each stage of construction so don't worry because he is also watching out for you.

Prior to closing (the American term for completion) we are requested by the builder to conduct a walk through (snagging) on your behalf - assuming you are not in Florida yourself.

At this meeting with the builder, we will check the finish of the home and ensure that the blue carpet you selected in not pink, and that any items requiring attention are pointed out and documented to the builder. We will make every effort to ensure the house is finished to a high standard that would meet your approval.

The builders we work with are very good with regards to repairs or replacement of all items under warranty during the first year, and normally no job is too small for the eager Customer Services Department.

Step 9
This is it!!! You are about to become the proud owner of your piece of the "sunshine state". You will not regret your purchase.

You may choose to arrive in Florid to "close" on your home or alternatively the title company will mail a closing package to you at home. Your mortgage company will has ensured the property is appraised (valued) and meets the lenders' required valuation.

The Title Company will have conducted the search to ensure you receive a clear title. You will incur closing costs of approximately 2-5% of the purchase price. This will include Government Taxes, Title Registration, Mortgage Registration and Title Insurance. You are often required to contribute toward a mortgage escrow for taxes and insurance.

A fully statement of costs detailing the purchase price, mortgage, etc, will be issued to you.

After your signature is applied to the relevant papers, and finance exchanged, the keys are yours!