The complete Florida home buying process from start to finish — 12 steps from pre-approval to closing day.
Written by Renzo Johnson, Licensed MLO · NMLS #PENDING · Last updated: February 2026
- Step 1: Check your credit score and financial readiness
- Step 2: Get pre-approved with a Florida mortgage lender
- Step 3: Research Florida down payment assistance programs
- Step 4: Find a licensed Florida real estate agent
- Step 5: Search for homes within your approved budget
- Step 6: Make an offer (with your pre-approval letter)
- Step 7: Offer accepted — enter contract period
- Step 8: Home inspection (and any specialized FL inspections: 4-point, wind mit)
- Step 9: Appraisal ordered by lender
- Step 10: Underwriting review and conditional approval
- Step 11: Clear to close — review your Closing Disclosure
- Step 12: Closing day — sign documents, pay closing costs, receive keys