Plan the purchase before the trip

Tell me when you want to move and whether you have a home to sell. We can compare buying first, selling first or keeping that home. Then set your comfortable payment, cash budget and must-have features.

If you need a loan, tell the lender about the move, your work and any job change. Explain how you will use the new home. Ask how your current home affects the loan.

Use the Lake Mary, Longwood and Sanford comparison to choose where to start. Keep a short list of needs and reasons to rule a home out.

Make each tour answer your questions

I help arrange showings and talk through the home with you. Before a video tour, list what needs a closer look.

  • How do the rooms connect? Will your furniture fit?
  • Where are the stairs, parking, storage and work space?
  • What is outside the windows and around the yard?
  • Which parts are hard to see in the listing photos?

Check boundaries, HOA rules and access separately. A video tour does not replace an inspection or survey. Visit in person when you can, including the streets and routes you will use.

Talk through price, terms and dates

I help compare the price with relevant sales and the home’s condition. We also discuss the deposit, loan, inspections, closing date and any need to sell another home.

Real estate compensation is negotiable and agreed in writing. I can seek a lower price, seller contribution or both. Neither is guaranteed. Cash buyers and buyers keeping their own lender are welcome.

Your contract sets the deadlines and rights. Use The Florida Bar’s homebuyer guide to prepare questions for a Florida real estate attorney.

Give each check a person and a deadline

Keep one calendar for inspections, follow-up visits, insurance, HOA papers and repairs. Read the actual reports. Ask the person who prepared a report to explain anything unclear.

  • Get a new-owner tax estimate and an insurance quote.
  • Check flood mapping, permits and utility providers.
  • Confirm the right HOA and any separate club membership.

If a problem changes your budget or plans, address it before the related contract deadline. Use the home-cost worksheet to keep the numbers together.

Plan school steps before the move

Check the exact home address and intended school year with SCPS. Use the school guide for local examples, school zones, choice programs and enrollment steps.

Ask about records, transportation and the start date. A nearby school or a listing’s school names do not guarantee a place.

Confirm how you will sign and send funds

Ask the lender and closing agent which signing methods they accept. Check ID, witness, notary and document rules. Remote signing or a power of attorney is not accepted in every case.

Plan the final walkthrough. Confirm the final costs, funds deadline and when you get possession.

Verify wire instructions by phone using a known number you found independently. Do not use a new email or text as the reason to change payment details.

Plan for moving day and possible delays

Set dates for utilities and insurance. Confirm keys, access codes and HOA move-in rules. Do not plan to move in before the contract allows it.

Have a backup plan for lodging and storage if closing is delayed. After closing, keep your settlement papers, inspection reports and warranties. Review new-owner tax guidance if this will be your permanent home.

Use the moving guides for Lake Mary, Longwood and Sanford. Tell me where you are moving from and your target date.