The Orlando
Home Buyer's Guide
Everything you need to know to buy a home in Orlando and Central Florida, from your first budget conversation to the day you get the keys.
The Short Answer
Buying a home in Orlando comes down to eight steps: set a full budget, get pre-approved, define your must-haves, tour homes, make a strong offer, inspect and insure, complete the appraisal, and close. Working with a local buyer's agent keeps each step on schedule.
Eight Steps to Your Keys
Set Your Budget
Look beyond the price: plan for your down payment, closing costs, property taxes, homeowners insurance, flood insurance where required, and any HOA or CDD fees.
Get Pre-Approved
A lender reviews your income, assets, and credit to confirm how much you can borrow. A pre-approval letter makes your offer stronger.
Define Your Must-Haves
List the features you need versus want: commute, size, layout, lot, age of the home, and community amenities.
Tour Homes
Erica curates listings that fit your criteria and arranges in-person or virtual showings of the strongest options.
Make an Offer
Erica prepares a market-based offer and negotiates price, contingencies, closing date, and credits on your behalf.
Inspect & Insure
Schedule inspections, review results, and secure homeowners insurance early. In Florida, insurance quotes can affect your budget.
Appraisal & Final Approval
The lender orders an appraisal and finalizes your loan while title work is completed.
Close & Get Your Keys
Do a final walk-through, sign closing documents, and receive the keys to your new home.
Costs Buyers Often Overlook
- Homeowners insurance: get quotes early; roof age and location matter.
- Flood insurance: may be required by your lender depending on the flood zone.
- HOA and CDD fees: common in newer Central Florida communities.
- Property taxes: reassessed after a sale; apply for homestead if it's your primary home.
- Closing costs: lender, title, and state taxes on the mortgage.
Buyer Questions, Answered
How much do I need for a down payment in Florida?
It depends on the loan. Some programs allow low down payments, and certain VA or USDA loans may require none for eligible buyers. Conventional loans often start around 3 to 5 percent. A lender can confirm what you qualify for.
What closing costs should I expect when buying in Orlando?
Buyers typically pay lender fees, title insurance and settlement fees, prepaid taxes and insurance, and Florida's state taxes on the mortgage. Erica reviews an estimate with you before you make an offer so you know your cash to close.
What is the Florida homestead exemption?
If the home is your permanent residence, you can apply to your county property appraiser for the homestead exemption, which can reduce the taxable value of your home. Homesteaded properties also benefit from a cap on how much the assessed value can rise each year.
Should I worry about homeowners and flood insurance in Florida?
Plan for it early. Insurance costs vary by the home's age, roof, location, and flood zone. Getting quotes during your inspection period helps you avoid surprises before closing.
What are HOA and CDD fees?
Many Central Florida communities have a homeowners association (HOA) fee, and some newer communities also have a Community Development District (CDD) assessment that pays for infrastructure. Both affect your monthly cost, so Erica helps you compare them between homes.
Let's Talk About Your Move
A private, no-pressure consultation to map out your next step in Orlando and Central Florida.
