How to Start the Florida Home Buying Process

The no-nonsense guide to making your next move with calm, confidence, and a plan that works.

Thinking about buying a home in Florida? Whether you’re moving across the street or across the country, the process can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re not sure where to start.

The good news? You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin. You just need a clear starting point, and someone who knows how to walk you through it.

Here’s what I recommend doing first:


1. Start by Defining Your “Why”

Before you jump into listings or loan calculators, ask yourself what’s really motivating the move.

  • Are you relocating to Florida for lifestyle or weather?
  • Downsizing or upgrading your space?
  • Looking for peace of mind in retirement or a fresh start?

Knowing your “why” will guide your decisions and help you stay focused when things get noisy.


2. Get Clear on Your Timeline

Are you looking to buy in the next 3 months? 6 months? A year?
There’s no “perfect” timeline—just the one that makes sense for you.

If you’re more than 3 months out, this is the ideal time to get your plan in place. You’ll avoid stress, stay ahead of the market, and be ready when the right home shows up.

📌 Pro Tip: You don’t need a pre-approval to start planning. In fact, it’s often better to talk to a local expert (👋 that’s me) before you talk to a lender.


3. Connect with a Local Realtor Early

This is where I come in.

I help buyers figure out what makes sense—before they get too far into the weeds. We’ll talk through:

  • What to expect from the Florida market
  • How to approach financing without getting overwhelmed
  • Which areas align with your lifestyle and goals
  • What to watch out for (especially in a state with hurricanes, HOAs, and flood zones)

If you’re not sure what you can afford or where to even begin, you’re not behind—you’re right on time. That’s what our first conversation is for.

📆 Let’s talk. You can book a free planning call right here:
👉 Schedule a Chat with April (Replace with actual link)


4. Start Learning the Process—Without Pressure

This isn’t HGTV. The real process of buying a home is more nuanced—and usually less glamorous.

But that’s okay. My job is to help you understand:

  • What really happens at each step
  • When to make certain decisions (and when to wait)
  • What you don’t need to worry about (yet)

I break all of that down inside my free weekly email series and talk about it even more on my Facebook page.

📥 Join the newsletter here:
👉 Get Weekly Buyer Tips from April


5. Map Out Your Budget + Options

Once we’ve talked and you feel ready, the next step will be financing. I’ll walk you through:

  • How to compare loan types
  • What upfront and monthly costs to expect
  • What kinds of buyer programs might apply to you

And I’ll connect you with lenders who actually answer their phones.


The best time to start planning your Florida home purchase is when you’re still gathering your thoughts. You don’t need to have a loan in hand or a dream house picked out to take that first step.

You just need someone who can help you make sense of it all—without the overwhelm. That’s what I do.

👋 I’m April. I help buyers plan smart, simple Florida moves—whether you’re dreaming about it or already packing boxes.

📬 Let’s talk about what your next move looks like:
👉 Schedule a Consult 👉 Follow My Page 👉 Visit the Website

You’ve got options. I’ll help you make the most of them.


Ready to start planning out a move?

You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just tell me your story – and I’ll help you build a plan that makes sense. SCHEDULE A QUICK CHAT

👉 Join THE BOTTOM LINE – My free weekly newsletter with smart tips for homeowners and home sellers.


The Bottom Line

Hi, there!

Hi, I’m April.
So glad you’re here.
Whether you're dreaming of life under the palm trees or planning your next smart move, I’m here to make your move feel simple, doable, and a lot less overwhelming.

Relocating, selling, or just starting to explore your options? You're in the right place.



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April@PlanMyFloridaMove.com

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Hi, there!

Hey there, I'm April Tsotsos, and I love to help people in SW Florida and Western North Carolina find homes they love. Wherever the Next Chapter is leading to, I provide practical solutions to make this transition simple and seamless, helping my clients feel confident every step of the way.

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