BUY A HOME
Find Your
Perfect Home
Buying a home should be exciting, not stressful. We'll guide you through every step—from first search to final keys—with local expertise and personalized attention.
Why Work With TRULUX Realty
Real estate is local. We know Florida, and we're invested in your success.
Local Expertise
We know Florida—neighborhoods, schools, flood zones, insurance costs, and what things really sell for.
Integrated Services
Need financing? Building new? We're connected to TRULUX Financial and TRULUX Build for a seamless experience.
Your Advocate
We work for you, not the seller. Our job is to get you the best deal and protect your interests.
Beyond the Transaction
Need a contractor? Painter? Lawn service? We have trusted referrals for everything that comes after.
The Home Buying Process
Here's what to expect from start to finish.
Define Your Goals
Clarify what you need vs. want. Location, size, features, timeline, and budget.
Get Pre-Approved
Know your budget before you shop. Pre-approval makes your offers stronger.
Search & Tour
We'll curate properties that match your criteria and schedule showings that fit your schedule.
Make an Offer
When you find the one, we help you craft a competitive offer that protects your interests.
Negotiate
Counteroffers, repairs, credits—we advocate for you every step of the way.
Inspection & Due Diligence
Professional inspection, title search, HOA review. Know exactly what you're buying.
Appraisal & Underwriting
The lender verifies the home's value and finalizes your loan.
Close & Get Keys
Sign the papers, transfer funds, and celebrate. The home is yours.
What Kind of Buyer Are You?
Different situations call for different strategies. Find yourself below.
First-Time Buyers
Never bought before? We'll guide you through every step, explain everything in plain English, and make sure you're comfortable.
Key Tips:
- Get pre-approved before touring homes
- Save more than just the down payment (closing costs, reserves)
- Consider FHA, VA, or first-time buyer programs
- Don't skip the inspection
Move-Up Buyers
Ready for more space or a better location? We'll help you time the sale and purchase, potentially finding bridge solutions.
Key Tips:
- Get your current home ready to list before buying
- Consider contingent offers or bridge financing
- Understand your equity position
- Be realistic about timing
Relocating
Moving to Florida from out of state? We'll be your eyes and ears, provide virtual tours, and help you understand the local market.
Key Tips:
- Research neighborhoods virtually (schools, crime, commute)
- Consider renting first if timeline allows
- Understand Florida insurance and property tax differences
- Plan a focused house-hunting trip
Investors
Looking for cash flow or appreciation? We can analyze deals, find off-market opportunities, and connect you with investor-friendly financing.
Key Tips:
- Define your strategy (cash flow vs appreciation)
- Run the numbers before making offers
- Consider DSCR loans to scale beyond conventional limits
- Factor in property management if not self-managing
Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' experiences. Here are the most common buyer pitfalls.
Common Home Buying Mistakes
- Searching for homes before getting pre-approved
- Falling in love with a home before the inspection
- Waiving contingencies without understanding the risks
- Making major purchases before closing (cars, furniture)
- Not researching the neighborhood (flooding, HOA, future development)
- Ignoring ongoing costs (insurance, taxes, maintenance, HOA)
- Going it alone without representation
Buying in Florida? Know This
Hurricane Insurance
Homeowners insurance in Florida is expensive and getting harder to find. Factor this into your budget—sometimes $5,000-$10,000+ per year. We can connect you with insurance specialists.
Flood Zones
Many Florida properties require flood insurance, which can add $500-$3,000+ annually. Always check the flood zone before making an offer. We include this in every property analysis.
No State Income Tax
Florida has no state income tax, which can significantly increase your buying power compared to high-tax states. Factor this into your relocation math.
Homestead Exemption
Florida's Homestead Exemption can reduce your property taxes by $25,000-$50,000 of assessed value. Apply after closing on your primary residence.
More Than Just Real Estate
TRULUX Realty is part of a full-service platform. Need financing? Want to build instead of buy? We've got you covered.
Buyer FAQs
Common questions from homebuyers.
You don't have to use one, but you probably should. A buyer's agent represents your interests, provides access to listings, handles negotiations, and guides you through the process. In most cases, the seller pays the buyer's agent commission, so it costs you nothing extra.
From starting your search to closing, it typically takes 2-4 months. Once you're under contract, closing usually takes 30-45 days. The timeline depends on inventory, your decisiveness, and your loan type (VA and construction loans can take longer).
Beyond the obvious features, check water pressure, outlets, closet space, and natural light. Look for signs of water damage, foundation issues, or deferred maintenance. Notice the neighborhood—traffic, parking, neighboring properties. Take notes and photos.
Besides price, consider: larger earnest money deposit, shorter inspection periods, flexibility on closing date, personal letter to seller (in some cases), proof of strong financing. Your agent will advise based on the specific situation.
Contingencies protect you—financing, inspection, appraisal. They let you back out if issues arise. Waiving contingencies makes offers stronger but carries risk. Only consider waiving if you fully understand what you're giving up and can afford the consequences.
In Florida, earnest money is typically 1-3% of the purchase price. It shows you're serious and is credited toward your closing costs. If you back out for a covered reason (contingency), you get it back. Otherwise, the seller may keep it.
You have options: negotiate with the seller to lower the price, pay the difference in cash, challenge the appraisal with additional comparables, or walk away (if you have an appraisal contingency). Your agent will help you navigate the best path.
We provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) showing what similar homes sold for. We'll also tell you about condition, days on market, and seller motivation. A 'good deal' depends on your priorities—sometimes paying more for the right home is worth it.
Ready to start your home search?
Let's find your perfect home together.
SECURE YOUR FINANCING
Need Help with Financing?
Get pre-approved to strengthen your offers and move faster when you find the right property.