Moving to South Florida: A Complete Buyer's Guide

Picture living near the water, with sunshine most of the year. South Florida draws buyers for its lifestyle and its wide range of homes.

Whether you're moving from another state, another country or another part of Florida, buying a home here is an exciting opportunity, and it takes careful planning.

This guide covers what to expect before you make your move, from choosing an area in Miami-Dade or Broward to closing day.

South Florida continues to attract buyers looking for a high quality of life. Some of the biggest reasons people relocate include:

• Warm weather throughout the year
• Beaches and waterfront living
• No Florida state income tax
• A wide range of neighborhoods and communities
• Dining, shopping and entertainment
• Boating, fishing, golf and parks
• Access to major airports and cruise ports

Whether you want city living, a coastal community or land with room to grow, South Florida has a place for it.

South Florida is made up of many communities, each with its own character and amenities.

In Miami-Dade, the areas I work in include Homestead, Redland, Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Kendall, Doral and Miami itself. In Broward, communities such as Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Pembroke Pines and Parkland are popular too.

When choosing a location, consider:

• Commute times
• Nearby shopping and restaurants
• Parks and recreation
• Healthcare facilities
• Walkability
• The flood zone
• Future development plans

Visiting several neighborhoods can help you decide which area feels most like home.

Before you begin your home search, work out how much you can comfortably afford. Remember to account for more than the purchase price.

Additional costs may include:

• Down payment
• Closing costs
• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance, including windstorm coverage
• Flood insurance, depending on location
• HOA or condominium association fees
• Special assessments in some communities
• Utilities
• Home maintenance

Some of these surprise buyers who are relocating from other states. Understanding them before you make an offer helps you build a realistic monthly budget.

If the home is in an association, I make sure you get the association documents early, so the fees and rules are in front of you before you commit.

A mortgage pre-approval is one of the first steps every buyer should complete.

Pre-approval helps you:

• Understand your budget
• Strengthen your offer
• Show sellers you're a serious buyer
• Speed up the buying process

Lenders typically review your income, credit history, debt and assets before issuing a pre-approval letter. Having financing in place before you shop lets you act quickly when you find the right home.

South Florida offers a wide variety of homes for different lifestyles and budgets.

Options include:

• Single-family homes
• Condominiums
• Townhomes
• New construction homes
• Waterfront properties
• Gated communities
• Acreage, especially in Redland

Think about both your current needs and your long-term goals when choosing a property.

If you're considering new construction, builders require your agent to be with you on your first visit, so call me before you tour a model. My page on buying new construction in South Florida covers the rest.

Online listings are a great starting point, but seeing a home in person tells you much more.

During showings, pay attention to:

• Layout and functionality
• Natural light
• Storage space
• Property condition
• The surrounding area
• Traffic patterns
• Noise levels

If you're relocating from out of state or out of the country, virtual tours can help narrow your choices before you visit. I use 360 tours for relocation buyers, so you can walk through a home before you fly in.

Once you find the right home, we'll prepare your offer together.

An offer may include:

• Purchase price
• Earnest money deposit
• Financing terms
• Inspection period
• Appraisal contingency
• Proposed closing date

We'll also look at current market conditions in that area to decide on the right negotiation strategy.

A professional home inspection tells you about the property's condition.

My contracts include a 15-day inspection period. I recommend having the inspection done within the first 5 to 10 days, depending on the property, so there's time to review the results.

The inspection may look at:

• Roof
• Air conditioning
• Plumbing
• Electrical systems
• Windows and doors
• Appliances
• Structural components

If issues come up, you may have the opportunity to negotiate repairs or request a credit before closing.

For a financed purchase, it's usually around 30 to 45 days from contract to closing.

Before closing, you'll complete several final steps, including:

• Reviewing your Closing Disclosure
• Securing homeowners insurance
• Completing the final walk-through
• Transferring utilities
• Bringing required identification and funds to closing

In my contracts, you get the keys at closing. Your lender and I will guide you through each step, and how I work with buyers lays out the order.

A local agent can make a relocation much easier. I can help you with:

• Finding homes that fit your goals
• Comparing neighborhoods
• Understanding local market conditions
• Negotiating offers
• Coordinating inspections
• Managing the transaction through closing

I work in English and Spanish, so we can use whichever language is easier for you.

Relocating involves more than buying a home.

Create a checklist that includes:

• Hiring movers
• Transferring utilities
• Updating your address
• Registering your vehicle in Florida
• Scheduling internet installation

Planning ahead can make moving day much less stressful.

Moving to South Florida is an exciting opportunity, and preparation is the key to a successful home purchase.

Before you move, consider:

• Your budget
• Financing options
• Areas that fit your lifestyle
• Insurance and ownership costs
• Your long-term goals

The more prepared you are before you move, the easier it is to find the right home and enjoy your new life in South Florida.

If you're relocating, I'm glad to help you get to know the area before you commit. At Nanci Gilbert, PA, I help buyers moving into Miami-Dade and Broward find the right area first and the right home second. My page for relocation buyers explains how I work with people moving here, and there's one for relocating to Homestead too.

When you're ready, send me a note and tell me when you're hoping to move.