Buyer's guide

Buying in South Florida
step by step

Buying property in Florida is secure and accessible — even for foreign buyers — when you follow the right process. Here's every stage explained, with no fine print.

01

Define your goal and budget

Before viewing properties, we clarify whether you're after a residence, a rental investment, or medium-term appreciation. We define a total budget including closing costs (approx. 2–5% on top of the price).

02

Selection and tours

We filter inventory to your criteria and arrange tours — in person or virtual. We provide area comparables so you can evaluate each option with real data.

03

Offer and reservation

We present a written offer. Once accepted, a purchase agreement is signed and a reservation deposit (typically refundable under certain conditions) takes the property off the market.

04

Legal due diligence

We verify title through the title company: freedom from liens, ownership history, current property taxes, and — if buying through an LLC — the correct formation of the entity for a foreign buyer.

05

Closing with a title company

The title company coordinates closing, holds funds in escrow, issues the title insurance policy, and calculates transfer taxes (doc stamps). This is where the balance is paid and ownership is formalized; a notary public certifies the signatures.

06

Delivery and recording

You receive keys and documentation. The deed is recorded with the applicable county. We support you with setup, utilities, and — where applicable — getting a rental program started.

Can a foreigner buy on the Florida coast?

Yes, with no geographic restriction. A foreign buyer can purchase directly in their own name, with the same ownership rights as a citizen: use, rent, remodel, inherit and sell. It's also common to acquire property through an LLC for privacy and tax planning reasons. We advise you based on your specific situation.

Have questions about your situation?

Every transaction is different. Tell us yours and we'll give you a clear path forward.