Step-by-Step Homebuyer Checklist

By Samantha Valencia — Rook Realty | 561-577-2255 | samantha@rookrealty.net

1) Get Ready: Money & Mindset

• Define your monthly comfort number. Include principal & interest, taxes, insurance, HOA/condo fees, and utilities.

• Check your credit + clean up errors. Higher scores can mean lower rates.

• Save for upfront costs. Down payment, earnest money deposit, inspections, appraisal, closing costs, and moving.

• Get pre-approved (not just pre-qualified). (I have a contact if needed for this part) My vetted and approved lenders will guide you on exactly everything you need financially. 

• Choose your Realtor® (hi, that’s me!). I’ll line up showings, guide negotiations, and protect your interests start to finish.

2) Define Your Needs & Target Areas

• Must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. Beds, baths, yard, garage, one-story vs. two-story, commute.

• Research neighborhoods. Schools, HOA rules, amenities, distance to work, flood zones & wind mitigation (important for insurance in Florida).

• Decide your timeline. When do you want keys? We’ll work backward from that date.

3) Start the Home Search

• Set alerts for new listings that match your criteria.

• Tour homes (in person or virtual). Bring this mini checklist:

  • Age/condition of roof, AC, water heater, electrical, plumbing

  • HOA fees, pet/parking rules, rental restrictions

  • Natural light, storage, noise, parking, yard drainage

  • Any unpermitted work or additions

• Track each home. Take photos, rate 1–10, note pros/cons immediately after the showing.

• Review comparables (“comps”). I’ll show you recent sales so your offer is informed and competitive.

4) Make a Smart Offer

• Pick strategy: price, deposit/escrow, inspection period length, closing date, seller concessions, and personal property to include (appliances, fixtures).

• Attach your pre-approval and proof of funds for the deposit.

• Sign & submit. I’ll present your offer and negotiate terms and credits on your behalf.

5) Under Contract: Your Due Diligence

• Deposit your earnest money with the title/escrow company by the deadline.

• Schedule inspections ASAP (typical options in FL):

  • General home inspection

  • 4-Point & Wind Mitigation (useful for insurance discounts)

  • WDO/termite, roof, sewer scope, pool/spa, HVAC (as applicable)

• Negotiate repairs/credits based on inspection findings.

• Appraisal (ordered by your lender). If it comes in low, we’ll discuss options.

• Lock your rate & finalize your loan. Provide any updated documents quickly.

• Pick homeowners insurance (and flood insurance if required).

• Title work & survey. Title search, lien checks, HOA/condo estoppel, and a property survey are ordered and reviewed.

• HOA/condo application (if applicable). I’ll help you meet the association deadlines.

6) Prep for Closing

• Clear loan conditions for the “clear to close.”

• Review your Closing Disclosure (final costs) as soon as it’s available.

• Wire-fraud safety: Always verify wiring instructions by phone with the title company you know—never via email alone.

• Utilities & services: Set start dates for electric, water, internet, and trash.

• Change of address & moving plan (mail forwarding, insurance updates).

• Final walkthrough (typically 24–48 hours before closing):

  • Agreed repairs completed

  • Systems & appliances working

  • No new damage; home in expected condition

  • Included items present (keys, remotes, codes, manuals)

7) Closing Day

• Bring ID (and certified funds if required).

• Sign closing documents. Your lender funds the loan; the deed is recorded.

• Collect keys & celebrate! I’ll hand you a punch-list to help with the first week in your new home.

8) After You Get the Keys

• Apply for Florida Homestead Exemption (generally by March 1 of the year after you move in).

• Set a maintenance schedule: AC filter, gutter cleaning, pest prevention, irrigation checks.

• Register warranties and save your closing packet in a safe place.

• Confirm escrow & tax records are accurate.

• Meet your neighbors and explore local services—ask me for my vetted vendor list.

Quick-Grab Mini Checklists

Showings Checklist

• Roof / AC / water heater ages verified

• Electrical & plumbing condition noted

• HOA/condo fees + rules reviewed

• Flood zone & insurance discussed

• Unpermitted work checked

• Photos + 1–10 rating saved

Under-Contract Checklist

• Earnest money deposited on time

• Inspections scheduled & reviewed

• Repairs/credits negotiated

• Appraisal completed

• Loan conditions cleared; rate locked

• Insurance bound (home + flood if needed)

• Title/survey/estoppel reviewed

• HOA/condo application submitted

Closing-Week Checklist

• Closing Disclosure reviewed

• Wire instructions verified by phone

• Utilities scheduled

• Final walkthrough completed

• Cash to close arranged

• IDs ready for signing

Documents You’ll Likely Need

• Government ID

• Pre-approval letter

• Recent pay stubs & bank statements

• Tax returns/W-2s/1099s (2 years)

• Gift letter (if applicable)

• Insurance binder before closing

FAQs (Florida-Focused)

How long does closing take? Many financed closings land around 30–45 days; cash can be faster.
Do I need wind mitigation and 4-point inspections? Often helpful/required for insurance and discounts—especially for older homes.
Can I ask for seller concessions? Yes—credits toward closing costs or repairs are negotiable and depend on market conditions.

Ready to get started?

I’d love to guide you through every step—no pressure, just straight answers.
Samantha Valencia — Rook Realty
Call/Text: 561-577-2255
Email: samantha@rookrealty.net
Serving: St. Lucie & Palm Beach counties

Disclaimer: This checklist is for general guidance and isn’t legal, tax, or lending advice. Always confirm requirements with your lender, insurance provider, title company, and association.