BUYING A HOME

HOW DO I MAKE AN OFFER ON A HOME IN FLORIDA

Once you have found the perfect property and are ready to move forward, the next step in the home buying process in Florida is submitting an offer. Buyers purchasing homes in Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch, or the surrounding Gulf Coast communities typically present their offer using a standard Florida real estate contract.

In most cases, agents will prepare either the Florida FAR/BAR Residential Contract for Sale and Purchase or the Standard Florida Contract for Sale and Purchase. These legally recognized forms outline the terms of your offer and serve as the foundation of the real estate transaction.

Your purchase offer for a home in Sarasota or the surrounding areas will typically include the following terms and conditions:

• Pre-approval letter or proof of funds – Buyers financing their purchase will attach a mortgage pre-approval letter. Cash buyers will provide proof of funds.
• Purchase price – The amount you are offering to pay for the property.
• Earnest deposit – A deposit submitted to the escrow company showing the seller you are serious about purchasing the home.
• Mortgage financing amount – The loan amount and financing terms if the purchase is not all cash.
• Closing date – Proposed timeline for completing the purchase.
• Offer expiration timeline – The timeframe in which the seller must respond.
• Inspection period – The time allotted to complete inspections and negotiate repairs.
• Contingencies – Conditions such as financing, inspection, or appraisal that must be met.
• Personal property – Any items included in the sale such as appliances, fixtures, or furnishings.

As your Sarasota buyer’s agent, we will also prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to help determine a competitive and strategic offer price based on current market conditions.

Once your offer is submitted, the seller may accept, reject, or respond with a counteroffer. Negotiations are a normal part of the process, and our role is to guide you through each step and help secure the best possible terms.

Because homes in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Venice, and Longboat Key can receive multiple offers, it is important for buyers to remain flexible and prepared to act quickly when necessary.

Expert Guidance for Sarasota Home Buyers

Buying a home can feel overwhelming, especially if you are relocating to the Sarasota Gulf Coast area or purchasing property in Florida for the first time. Our goal is to guide you through every step of the home buying process—from your initial search to closing day.

Whether you are looking for luxury waterfront homes in Sarasota, new construction in Lakewood Ranch, or coastal properties in Venice and Longboat Key, we provide local expertise, negotiation experience, and personalized service to help you make confident decisions.

If you have any questions about buying or selling a home in Sarasota, Florida, please feel free to reach out anytime.

Buyer Services

Mauri and Neil Blefeld work together as your dedicated Sarasota buyer’s agents, helping clients navigate the process of finding and purchasing the right property along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

If you like, we can connect with you quickly to better understand:

• Your home search timeline
• Your timeframe for buying a home
• The type of property you are looking for

We would be happy to schedule a free consultation by phone or Zoom so we can get to know you and learn more about your goals.

Buying a home can seem overwhelming. That is why we are here to be your trusted guide throughout the entire process. Please contact us directly with any questions.