Buy · First-Time Buyer

Buying your first home in Florida.

A step-by-step path from first conversation to keys: financing, first-time buyer programs, down payment help, and representation that explains every step before you take it.

01 Get pre-approved
02 Define the search
03 Make an offer
04 Close
A modern mid-rise condominium building in South Florida, an entry point for first-time buyers

The first purchase

The first home is a process, not a purchase.

Buying a first home in Florida means learning a new market, a new financing process, and a new set of costs, all while making the biggest decision of your life so far. The way to do it well is in order: financing first, then the search, then the offer, then the close.

We walk first-time buyers through each step with plain language and real numbers: what you can afford, what the programs offer, what closing actually costs, and what to look for in a home and a building. You get representation that treats your first purchase with the same discipline as a luxury transaction.

  • Financing and programs explained before you shop
  • Down payment and closing costs mapped in advance
  • Representation from first offer to final keys

The path

Six steps to your first keys.

01

Know your numbers

Budget, savings, and the monthly payment you can carry, including taxes, insurance, and association fees.

02

Get pre-approved

A lender letter that tells you exactly what you qualify for, and tells sellers you are serious.

03

Explore programs

First-time buyer programs, down payment assistance, and conventional options, compared on real numbers.

04

Define the search

Neighborhoods, property type, and the trade-offs that fit your life and your budget.

05

Offer and inspect

An offer built from comparables, followed by inspection and negotiations on what the inspector finds.

06

Close and move in

Every deadline, document, and detail managed to closing day, when the keys are yours.

Questions first-time buyers ask

The questions everyone asks first.

How much do I need for a down payment in Florida?

Conventional loans commonly allow 3% to 5% down, FHA loans allow as little as 3.5%, and some programs offer down payment assistance. The right answer depends on your credit, income, and the property type, which is why we connect you with lenders who can model your real numbers.

What first-time buyer programs are available in Florida?

Florida offers statewide and local programs including down payment assistance and favorable loan terms for qualified first-time buyers. Eligibility varies by income, location, and property type, and program details change, so we connect you with lenders who underwrite these programs daily.

What are the closing costs I should expect?

Expect closing costs typically in the range of 2% to 4% of the purchase price, covering lender fees, title insurance, recording, and prepaids. We itemize what they are before you make an offer, so there are no surprises at the table.

Should I buy a condo or a single-family home first?

It depends on your budget, your lifestyle, and the market. Condos offer entry points and amenities with association fees; single-family homes offer land and privacy with more maintenance. We lay out the real monthly cost of each in the neighborhoods you like.

First purchase help

Start with a first-time buyer conversation.

Tell us where you are in the process, and we will respond with the next three steps, the programs worth exploring, and an honest read on what you can afford in the markets you like.

Down payment and program guidance

A patient guide through every step

Start the conversation

No obligation, complete discretion.

By submitting this form you consent to being contacted by Florida Luxury Real Estate (Realty ONE Group Evolution, d/b/a Kelby Contreras, P.A.) about your inquiry. Your details are kept confidential and are never shared or sold. Where a fact is not yet verified, we will say so and share current information on request.