Step 1: Budget and financing plan
Decide how much you can pay monthly including taxes, insurance and association fees, then choose cash or a mortgage. If you plan to borrow, request pre-approval, which shows sellers you are serious.
Foreign buyers should also confirm how funds will be transferred and which documents banks and title companies require.
Step 2: Choose an agent
A buyer's agent helps with search, valuation, negotiation and deadlines. In Florida the representation agreement explains duties and how the agent is paid, so read it before you sign.
Ask about local expertise in the areas you like and about language support if you want to work in Russian.
Step 3: Search and tours
Narrow by area, property type and budget, then tour in person or by video. Compare the monthly cost, not only the price, and check flood zone, insurance and the rules of the building.
Make a list of must-haves and dealbreakers to avoid decision fatigue.
Step 4: Offer and negotiation
Your agent prepares an offer with price, deposit, contingencies and dates. The seller may accept, reject or counter. Review each counteroffer against your budget and deadlines.
Comparable sales help you judge whether a price is fair.
Step 5: Contract and inspections
After acceptance, you deposit earnest money and start the inspection period. Order a home inspection and, if relevant, wind mitigation, four-point, termite and survey. Condo buyers review the association documents.
Use findings to negotiate repairs or credits, or cancel within the contract's terms.
Step 6: Financing, appraisal and insurance
Your lender orders an appraisal and finishes underwriting while you secure insurance. Avoid new debt or large unexplained deposits during this stage.
Missing an insurance quote can delay closing, so start early.
Step 7: Title and closing
The title company examines ownership, prepares closing documents and collects funds. You review the closing disclosure, do a final walkthrough and sign. Funds are disbursed, and the deed is recorded.
Foreign buyers can often sign through a power of attorney or at a consulate, if the title company approves.
Step 8: After closing
Receive keys, set up utilities, file homestead if the home is your residence and keep the closing documents for tax purposes. Review insurance and maintenance schedules.
If you rent the property, set up compliance such as licenses and tax registrations.
Realistic timeline
Search and offer can take days or months depending on the market and your criteria. After a signed contract, the inspection period is often one to two weeks, financing and appraisal take a few more weeks, and closing follows. Cash purchases are faster, while new construction depends on the builder's schedule.
Documents to prepare early
Passport or ID, proof of funds, bank statements, tax returns if you borrow, a source-of-funds explanation for large transfers and, for foreign buyers, a taxpayer number if you need one. Having these ready speeds up each step and reduces stress near closing.
Next step
Tell us your timeline and we will build a personal plan with dates. Lidiya Tretyak is a licensed Florida real estate agent with Douglas Elliman and speaks English, Russian and Ukrainian; the first consultation is free.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Laws and programs change — confirm details with a Florida attorney and a US tax professional.
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