Buy a home in Central Florida
Buy with a plan, not a guess
Everything a Polk, Osceola, Orange, and Lake County buyer needs in one place: the steps, the Florida costs most buyers miss, the tools to run your numbers, and the research behind each neighborhood.
The path
Six steps from pre-approval to keys
Step 01
Get pre-approved
Talk income, credit, debts, and savings with a lender. Pre-approval is conditional, not a loan guarantee.
Step 02
Set a real monthly budget
Include taxes, homeowners and flood insurance, HOA dues, and any CDD assessment, not just principal and interest.
Step 03
Pick the area, then the house
Compare commute, schools, flood exposure, and association rules for the specific address.
Step 04
Write the offer
Your signed contract sets the deposit, inspection, financing, and closing dates. Record every one.
Step 05
Inspect and verify
Inspection, insurance quotes, permit history, HOA documents, and the title commitment before deadlines pass.
Step 06
Review and close
Your Closing Disclosure arrives at least 3 business days before signing a covered loan. Compare it to your Loan Estimate.
Florida specifics
What makes buying here different
These are the items that most often change a Central Florida buyer's budget or timeline.
Florida closing taxes on your loan
Buyers who finance typically pay documentary stamp tax on the note ($0.35 per $100 of the loan) and intangible tax (0.2% of the loan). The seller usually pays deed stamps ($0.70 per $100 of price).
Flood zone is an address question
Flood risk and insurance cost can change from one street to the next. Check the FEMA map and get a quote before your inspection period ends.
HOAs and CDDs add to the payment
Many newer Central Florida communities carry a CDD assessment on the tax bill in addition to HOA dues. Ask for both amounts and the rental rules up front.
No attorney is required
Florida closings are commonly handled by a title company. You can still hire a real estate attorney to review the contract.
Polk County median sale price
$311,230
Kissimmee median sale price
$388,000
Medians from the sources cited in Michael's neighborhood guides. Prices move; check the guide for the date and source.
Run your numbers
Calculators, rates, and assistance
Calculator
Mortgage payment calculator
Monthly payment with Florida closing taxes included.
OpenCalculator
Down payment planner
Your savings goal and the monthly amount to reach it.
OpenCalculator
Buyer net sheet
Estimated cash to close, fees, prepaids, and credits.
OpenRates
Florida rates tracker
Current rates, weekly Freddie Mac trends, and county payments.
OpenAssistance
Homebuyer assistance
Down payment and first-time buyer programs by county.
OpenFinancing
Financing options
Loan types, credit readiness, and lender specials.
OpenResearch
Guides for checking the home and the area
Checklist
Buyer's checklist
Permits, HOA rules, flood zones, and school districts.
OpenTimeline
Buyer's timeline
Eight sourced steps from pre-approval to closing.
OpenFAQ
Florida real estate FAQ
Costs, insurance, HOAs, short-term rentals, and timing.
OpenNeighborhoods
Neighborhood guides
Lakeland, Winter Haven, Kissimmee, Davenport, and more.
OpenListings
Current listings
Active homes with price, size, and days on market.
OpenProfile
Your buyer profile
Share your budget and areas so Michael can follow up.
OpenReady to talk through your purchase?
Bring your budget, target areas, and timing. Michael Texidor will help you sort out the order of operations before you commit to a home.
Michael Texidor, Florida license SL3657237. General educational information, not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice. Taxes, fees, and program terms can change. Confirm figures with your lender, title company, and agent.