Making an offer, with composure.

The steps

1. 01

   Before you tour seriously

   Pre-approval

   A lender reviews your income, assets and credit and states in writing what they are prepared to lend. Sellers read it as proof you can close. Paying cash? A recent statement showing the funds does the same work.

   • Pre-approval letter, or proof of funds for cash
   • A comfortable monthly payment, not only a maximum loan
   • Funds set aside for the deposit, closing costs and moving
2. 02

   The day you decide

   Comparable sales

   Your advisor studies recent nearby sales of similar homes, what is pending, and how long this home has been on the market. The asking price is the seller's opinion; comparable sales are the market's.

   • Three to six recent, similar sales
   • Condition, updates and lot compared honestly
   • A price you would be content to pay
3. 03

   Writing the offer

   The terms

   Price is one line of many. The deposit, the financing, the length of the inspection period and the closing date can make an offer stronger than a higher number. Your advisor explains each choice before you sign.

   • Price and any seller credits
   • Escrow deposit amount
   • Financing type and timeline
   • Inspection period length
   • Closing date, and what stays with the home
4. 04

   Within days of acceptance

   Escrow deposit

   Once the offer is accepted, your deposit goes to the escrow agent named in the contract, usually a title company or closing attorney, by the deadline the contract sets. It is held in trust and credited to you at closing. Deposits are never paid through this website.

   • Deposit delivered to the escrow agent by the contract deadline
   • Wire instructions confirmed by calling a number you already trust
   • A receipt kept with your records
5. 05

   The first days under contract

   Inspection period

   This is your time to learn the house. Book inspections the day the contract is signed; the window passes quickly. Depending on the contract, you may ask for repairs or credits, or decide not to proceed, within this period.

   • General home inspection
   • Roof, and wood-destroying organism (termite) inspection
   • Four-point and wind mitigation reports, which also help with insurance
   • Pool, septic, seawall or dock, where they apply
6. 06

   During the inspection period

   Insurance quote

   In Florida, insurance can be a meaningful part of the monthly cost, and it depends on the roof, construction, age of systems and flood zone. Request quotes as soon as you are under contract, while you can still act on what you learn.

   • Homeowners quote, using the four-point and wind mitigation reports
   • Flood zone checked, and a flood quote considered even outside high-risk zones
   • Proof of insurance ready for your lender before closing
7. 07

   Two to four weeks under contract

   Appraisal and loan approval

   Your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home's value and completes underwriting. If the appraisal comes in below the price, your advisor helps you weigh the options: renegotiate, bridge the difference, or rely on the contract's protections.

   • Appraisal ordered promptly
   • Lender's document requests answered quickly
   • No new credit or large purchases until after closing
8. 08

   The finish line

   Closing

   The title company confirms clear title and prepares the closing figures. Your lender sends your Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. A final walkthrough, a few signatures, and the keys are yours.

   • Closing Disclosure reviewed with your advisor
   • Final walkthrough the day of, or the day before
   • Funds sent only after verifying wire instructions by phone
   • Photo ID, and every buyer present or arranged