Guide
A plain-language walkthrough of how real estate transactions work in Miami — useful whether you're buying your first home, selling, or relocating from abroad. Have a question this doesn't answer? Text or call me directly.
Most purchases start with getting pre-approved by a lender so you know your budget, then touring properties that fit your criteria. Once you find the right home, we submit an offer, negotiate terms, and move into a due-diligence period that typically includes a home inspection. From there: appraisal, final loan approval, and closing — usually 30–45 days from signed contract to keys in hand for a financed purchase, faster for cash.
A successful sale starts with pricing the home correctly based on recent comparable sales, then preparing it to show well — photography, staging, and a clear marketing plan. Once an offer comes in, we negotiate price and terms, move through the buyer's inspection and financing period, and coordinate toward closing. Compass's marketing tools and agent network help put your listing in front of qualified buyers, locally and internationally.
Buyers typically budget for a down payment, closing costs (roughly 2–5% of the purchase price, covering items like title insurance, lender fees, and recording costs), and in South Florida specifically, property insurance costs that vary a lot by building age and location — worth checking early, especially for condos. Sellers typically budget for the listing agent commission, title costs, and any agreed-upon repairs or credits. I'll walk you through the specific numbers for your situation.
Miami sees a steady flow of buyers relocating from Brazil, Portugal, Latin America, and beyond — I work with clients through the entire process in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, including coordinating with international lenders, remote closings, and getting oriented to neighborhoods before you've even landed. If you're buying from outside the U.S., ask me about what documentation to prepare in advance.
Every transaction is different — let's talk through yours.