Buyer’s Guide
From search to closing
A Step-by-Step Buyer’s Guide
Buying a home should be exciting. Whether it is your main home, a second home, or a vacation home, here are seven steps in plain words, with extra tips for homes on the water and for cash and AS-IS buyers.
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Check Your Money
Talk to a lender and get pre-approved, or plan your cash purchase. You will know your price range before you tour.
List Your Must-Haves
Write down what you need and what you only want. Think about bedrooms, boat access, a dock, and the flood zone.
Search Homes
Use Home Search to see every listing. Save your search and get new homes in your inbox. Craig can also send you homes that fit.
Check the Water and Flood Facts
For a home on the water, ask about the seawall, the dock, water depth, bridge height, and the flood zone. Get an insurance quote early. Sarasota County’s free flood map shows a property’s flood zone, community flood details, and elevation certificates.
Make an Offer
Craig helps you choose a price and terms. You can offer with cash, a loan, or as an AS-IS buyer.
Inspect the Home
A licensed inspector checks the roof, A/C, plumbing, electrical, and more. You decide what to do with the results.
Close and Move In
Title work is finished, papers are signed, and you get the keys. If you are buying from outside the U.S., or selling as a foreign owner, ask about FIRPTA early.
Free tool
What will your monthly payment be?
This is an estimate for planning only, not a loan offer or a guarantee of terms. Taxes, insurance, and rates vary by property and lender. Confirm exact figures with a licensed loan officer.
Craig McCoy · Broker Associate · Preferred Shore Real Estate Group · BK3815898 · Equal Housing Opportunity
Buyer questions, answered simply
How do I buy a waterfront home in Southwest Florida?
Start by getting a lender pre-approval, then choose the area and the type of water access you want. Next tour homes, check the flood zone, seawall and dock, make an offer, complete inspections, and close with a title company.
How do I check a home's flood zone?
Look up the address on the FEMA flood map or Sarasota County's free flood map, then get an insurance quote before you make an offer. Flood zones can change from one street to the next.
Can I buy a Florida home with cash or AS-IS?
Yes. Many buyers do. An AS-IS or cash purchase moves faster but still needs inspections, a title search and a clear understanding of the home's condition.
What should a foreign buyer know before buying in Florida?
Ask about FIRPTA early, plan your financing and taxes with a lender and tax professional, and use a Florida real estate attorney or title company for closing.
Is there a tool to estimate my monthly payment?
Yes. The mortgage payment calculator on this page estimates principal, interest, taxes, insurance and HOA for planning. It is not a loan offer.
Ready to look?
Start with Home Search, or tell Craig what you need and he will send homes that fit.