buyer guide
A first-time Florida homebuyer’s preparation plan
Turn a first purchase into a series of manageable decisions: budget, financing, property review and a closing plan.
FLORIDA buyer GUIDE
Buying a condo in Florida: a property review checklist
Compare the unit, association, building and full ownership costs before making a condo decision. Use a practical document-and-question checklist with NEX.
Prepared by NEX Realty · Updated
Talk through my condo questionsSeparate the unit from the association and building
Create three folders: the unit you would own, the association’s records and responsibilities, and the building or shared property. Identify which costs and maintenance belong in each. Photos and an asking price do not answer these questions, and another building’s documents do not establish this one’s condition or obligations.
Ask for the documents behind the monthly figure
Request the current budget, regular charges, known assessments, governing documents, available financial and reserve information, insurance information and relevant inspection or building reports. Ask the appropriate professional to explain what is current, what is missing and what affects your decision. This checklist is not a statutory document list or a determination of legal rights or deadlines.
Check financing and insurance for this property
Give your lender the actual building and unit information early. Ask what additional review is needed and what remains conditional. Ask your insurance professional to distinguish the building’s coverage from what you may need for the unit and your belongings. A listing marked “condo,” a price range or another buyer’s loan does not establish financing eligibility.
Put recurring and uncertain costs beside the price
Use the existing ownership-cost worksheet to compare financing, taxes, insurance, association charges and your maintenance allowance without counting an escrowed expense twice. Keep a separate line for an unresolved assessment or future expense and record who can verify it. No universal tax, premium, reserve amount or closing-cost percentage is assumed.
Tour with questions and review before committing
Keep each listing’s identity and the documents you received together. Note the issues for your inspector, lender, insurance professional, broker or attorney. Confirm showing appointments and discuss the actual contract and review dates with the appropriate professional. The worksheet helps prepare the conversation; it does not approve a building, interpret a contract or recommend that you buy a particular home.
Your preparation checklist
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Your property comparison worksheet
Use your own property records and professional answers. Blank cells are for your notes; use the printable copy for your own notes.
| Question or cost | Home A / my notes | Home B / next question |
|---|---|---|
| Location, property type and must-have criteria | ________________ | ________________ |
| Upfront purchase and moving costs to discuss with lender | ________________ | ________________ |
| Recurring financing, tax, insurance and association costs | ________________ | ________________ |
| Condition, inspection and coverage questions | ________________ | ________________ |
| Availability, touring date and next professional contact | ________________ | ________________ |
Official resources
Source links checked 2026-11-12. Use these resources alongside advice for your actual property.
My next steps
Location / property: ______________________________________________
My target timing: _________________________________________________
Questions for my NEX agent: _______________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Contact NEX Realty at 772-403-1259 or info@mynexrealty.com to discuss your location, priorities and current service availability.
Equal Housing Opportunity. Educational preparation, not an appraisal or legal, tax, lending or insurance advice. Confirm details for your property with the appropriate professional. Agent and IDX availability depend on location.
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Talk through my condo questions
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