3 Things to Do Before Touring Homes in Florida

Touring homes is one of the most exciting parts of buying a house.

But jumping straight into showings without a plan can quickly turn an exciting experience into a confusing one.

Before scheduling your first Florida home tour, take these three steps.

1. Determine Your Comfortable Monthly Budget

Don't choose your budget solely based on an online mortgage calculator.

Talk with a qualified mortgage professional and understand how interest rates, taxes, insurance, down payment, HOA/CDD fees, and other expenses may affect your payment.

Knowing your numbers allows you to focus on homes that realistically fit your financial goals.

2. Separate Must-Haves From Nice-to-Haves

Create two lists.

Your must-haves might include:

• Minimum number of bedrooms

• Home office

• One-story layout

• Specific commute

• Garage

• Particular location

Your wish list might include:

• Pool

• Oversized kitchen

• Premium lot

• Three-car garage

• Specific finishes

Keeping these categories separate can make decisions much easier.

3. Get Your Financing in Order

If you'll be using financing, getting pre-approved before seriously touring homes can help you understand your purchasing power and prepare you to move forward when you find the right property.

Then Start Touring

Once you've completed these steps, home tours become much more productive.

Instead of asking, “Could we live here?”

You can start asking:

“Does this property accomplish the goals we've already identified?”

If you're ready to begin your Florida home search, the SJH Real Estate Team can help you create a strategy and explore homes throughout the Sarasota-Manatee area.

Contact us to start planning your search.