Elena KrutakovaRealtor® · The Gogan Team · eXp Realty · Florida

Buying a home in Southwest Florida

Buying a home is a big decision and often a stressful one. Elena's goal is to make it simple: learn what you are looking for, show you the homes that fit, and guide you from pre-approval to the keys.

Before you start, think about:

  • Where you want to live: which cities, neighborhoods or communities appeal to you
  • The home itself: style, bedrooms, bathrooms, a home office or flex room
  • How you live: entertaining, a pool, a yard, water or golf views, a gated community
  • Your budget: talk to a lender first so you know your comfortable price range
Search all homes for sale Payment & affordability calculators

Personalized home search

Tell Elena what you are looking for. She will send matching homes, including new listings as they hit the market.

Your information goes only to Elena Krutakova, The Gogan Team at eXp Realty.

The Florida buying process, step by step

Get pre-approved

A lender reviews your income, assets and credit and tells you what you can borrow. Sellers take pre-approved offers more seriously. Cash buyers provide proof of funds instead.

Sign a buyer agreement

Since 2024, buyers sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes. It spells out services and how your agent is paid.

Search and tour

Elena sends listings that fit, including new ones the day they hit the MLS, and tours them with you in person or by live video.

Make an offer

Price, escrow deposit, financing, inspection period and closing date all matter. Elena checks recent sales so you offer with confidence, not guesswork.

Inspect and insure

Use the inspection period for a home inspection, wind-mitigation and, for older homes, a 4-point report. Get insurance quotes early: wind and flood costs vary widely.

Appraisal and title

The lender orders the appraisal; the title company searches ownership history, holds your deposit and prepares closing documents.

Close

Review your Closing Disclosure, do a final walk-through, wire funds securely (always confirm wiring instructions by phone), sign, and get the keys.

First-time buyers

  • Low down payment loans (FHA, VA, conventional 3%) can make buying possible sooner than you think
  • Florida Housing Finance Corporation runs down-payment and closing-cost assistance programs; availability and limits change, so ask your lender which apply
  • Budget for more than the down payment: closing costs, inspections, insurance and reserves
  • After closing, apply for the homestead exemption on your primary residence

Buying a condo

  • Florida's condo safety laws require milestone structural inspections for buildings of three stories and up, and reserve studies for major components
  • Ask for the inspection reports, reserve study, budget, minutes and any planned special assessments
  • Check rental, pet and vehicle rules and the association's insurance

Closing costs

Florida buyers typically pay lender fees, mortgage doc stamps ($0.35 per $100 of the loan), intangible tax (0.2% of the loan), the lender's title policy, inspections, prepaid insurance and escrow. Cash buyers skip the loan-related items.

Estimate my closing costs

After you sign: escrow, now what?

  • Deliver your escrow deposit on time, as stated in the contract
  • Schedule inspections right away; the inspection period is short
  • Lock your rate and send the lender requested documents quickly
  • Bind homeowners (and flood, if needed) insurance before closing
  • Avoid new credit or large purchases until after closing

Real estate terms, explained

Pre-approvalA lender's written review of your income, assets and credit stating how much they are prepared to lend. Stronger than a pre-qualification.
Buyer agreementA written agreement with your agent, required before touring homes, that sets out services and compensation.
Escrow depositGood-faith money you put down with your offer, held by a title company or attorney and credited at closing.
Inspection periodThe window after acceptance to inspect the home and, under an "as is" contract, cancel if you are not satisfied.
AppraisalThe lender's independent opinion of value. If it comes in low, price or financing may need to be renegotiated.
Title insuranceProtects against ownership problems from the past, such as liens or recording errors.
Closing DisclosureThe lender's final statement of your loan terms and closing costs, delivered at least three business days before closing.
Doc stampsFlorida documentary stamp taxes: $0.70 per $100 on the deed (usually paid by the seller) and $0.35 per $100 on a mortgage.
Intangible taxA Florida tax of 0.2% of a new mortgage, paid by the borrower.
Homestead exemptionA Florida property-tax exemption for your primary residence, with caps on future assessment increases. Apply after you buy.
Wind mitigationAn inspection documenting roof shape, roof-to-wall connections and opening protection. Can lower insurance premiums.
4-point inspectionA check of roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC that insurers often require for older homes.
Estoppel letterThe HOA or condo association's statement of dues, assessments and balances owed on a property.
Flood zoneFEMA's mapped flood risk for the property. It affects whether flood insurance is required and what it costs.
PITIPrincipal, interest, taxes and insurance: the main parts of a monthly mortgage payment.
ContingencyA condition in the contract, such as financing, inspection or appraisal, that must be met for the sale to go forward.

Ready to start looking?

Search every listing on the MLS, or call or text Elena at (239) 539-5648.

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