Buy a Home
in Miami
From your first mortgage pre-approval to the day you get the keys. Marie walks you through the entire Miami home buying process. No surprises, no guesswork.
Get Your Free Buyer Consultation →The Case for Miami
Why Buy in Miami?
Miami draws buyers from across the US and around the world and for good reason. Here's what makes this market consistently hold its value and attract demand.
🌞
Year-Round Paradise
With over 300 days of sunshine annually, Miami offers an outdoor lifestyle that attracts residents from around the globe, boosting long-term demand for real estate.
💰
No State Income Tax
Florida levies no personal state income tax, making Miami an especially attractive destination for high earners, entrepreneurs, and retirees looking to maximize their wealth.
📈
Strong Appreciation
Miami home values have historically outpaced national averages. International demand, limited land supply, and migration from high-tax states continue to drive appreciation.
✈️
Global Hub
Miami is the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. Its international airport, seaport, and thriving finance, tech, and arts scenes attract a sophisticated, global population.
🏖️
A City That Actually Delivers
Michelin-starred restaurants, pristine beaches, Art Basel, top-tier hospitals, international shopping. Miami backs up the hype with a quality of life that most cities can't match.
🏘️
Diverse Neighborhoods
Urban condos in Brickell, family homes in Pinecrest, waterfront estates in Key Biscayne. Miami's neighborhoods are distinct enough that picking the right one really matters. Marie helps you figure that out first.
Step by Step
The Home Buying Process
The process has real steps and real timelines. Here's exactly what to expect when buying a home in Miami, from start to finish.
Define Your Goals & Budget
Start with a clear picture of what you need, bedrooms, neighborhood, school district, lifestyle. Then establish a realistic budget that accounts for down payment, closing costs, and ongoing expenses like HOA fees and property taxes.
Get Pre-Approved
Before touring homes, secure a mortgage pre-approval from a reputable lender. In Miami's competitive market, sellers expect pre-approval letters with any offer. Marie can connect you with trusted local lenders.
Partner with Marie
Working with Marie costs you nothing, her commission is paid by the seller. What you gain is an expert advocate with 20+ years of Miami market knowledge, negotiation skills, and an extensive professional network.
Search & Tour Homes
Marie curates listings matching your criteria from MLS, off-market sources, and her professional network. She schedules tours efficiently and helps you evaluate each property's true value and potential.
Make a Strategic Offer
When you find the right home, Marie analyzes comparable sales (comps) to determine fair market value and crafts a compelling offer strategy, price, terms, contingencies, designed to win without overpaying.
Inspection & Due Diligence
After an accepted offer, you'll have an inspection period. Marie coordinates licensed inspectors, reviews reports, and helps you negotiate any necessary repairs or credits before moving forward.
Close & Celebrate
Marie coordinates with your lender, the title company, and all parties to ensure a smooth closing. On closing day, you sign the final paperwork, receive your keys, and begin your next chapter in Miami.
Financing Options
Finding the Right Mortgage
Miami has everything from first-time buyer condos to $10M waterfront estates. Here are the most common loan types and what they mean for your purchase.
Conventional Loans
The most common mortgage type. Typically requires 10–20% down and a credit score of 620+. Best for buyers with strong credit and stable income. Conforming loan limits for 2024 are $766,550 in Miami-Dade County.
FHA Loans
Backed by the Federal Housing Administration. Allows down payments as low as 3.5% with a 580+ credit score. Popular with first-time buyers. Note: FHA loans require mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) for the life of the loan.
Jumbo Loans
For luxury properties exceeding conforming loan limits. Miami's high-end market regularly requires jumbo financing. Typically requires 20–25% down, excellent credit (720+), and significant cash reserves. Rates vary widely by lender.
Foreign National Loans
Designed for non-US citizens purchasing Miami real estate. These portfolio loans typically require 30–40% down and accept foreign income documentation. Marie regularly assists international buyers with specialized lender referrals.
Your Buyer's Agent
Working with Marie
As your buyer's agent, Marie represents your interests exclusively and her commission is covered by the seller, so expert guidance costs you nothing. What you gain is a 20-year Miami market veteran, fierce negotiator, and trusted advisor in your corner.
- Access to MLS, off-market, and pre-market listings
- Neighborhood expertise across all of Miami-Dade
- Comparative market analysis on every property you consider
- Skilled offer strategy and contract negotiation
- Trusted network of lenders, inspectors, and attorneys
- Bilingual service in English and Spanish
- Full support from search through closing and beyond
Common Questions
Buyer FAQ
Most conventional loans require 10–20% down. FHA loans allow as little as 3.5% with a qualifying credit score. For luxury properties over $726,200, jumbo loan requirements vary by lender but typically require 20–25%.
The typical timeline is 30–60 days from accepted offer to closing. Finding the right property can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on your criteria and current market inventory.
Absolutely. Pre-approval strengthens your offer significantly. In Miami's competitive market, sellers often prefer or require a pre-approval letter before considering any offer seriously.
Buyer closing costs in Florida typically run 2–5% of the purchase price. This includes title insurance, lender origination fees, prepaid property taxes and insurance, and government recording fees.
Yes. There are no restrictions on foreign nationals purchasing real estate in Florida. However, financing options may be more limited and FIRPTA tax withholding rules apply to foreign sellers (not buyers). Marie works regularly with international clients.
Ready to Start Your Miami Home Search?
Schedule a free buyer consultation with Marie. She'll help you get pre-approved, narrow down the right neighborhoods, and start seeing homes worth your time.