Miami waterfront luxury living
Miami Buyer's Guide

Buy Your Dream Home
in Miami

Expert guidance through every step of the Miami home buying process — from mortgage pre-approval to closing day. Your dream property is closer than you think.

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Why Buy in Miami?

Miami consistently ranks among the world's most desirable real estate markets — combining lifestyle, investment upside, and tax advantages that are hard to match.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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World-Class Amenities

From Michelin-starred restaurants and art galleries to pristine beaches and designer shopping — Miami's lifestyle amenities are genuinely unmatched in the continental US.

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Diverse Neighborhoods

Whether you want urban condo living in Brickell, family suburbia in Pinecrest, or waterfront luxury in Key Biscayne, Miami offers a neighborhood for every lifestyle and budget.

The Home Buying Process

Buying a home in Miami doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance, the path from search to keys is clear and manageable.

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

Finding the Right Mortgage

Miami's diverse real estate landscape means financing options range widely. Here's an overview of the most common loan types for Miami buyers.

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.

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Modern luxury dining and living room with Miami city views

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
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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 Find Your Miami Home?

Schedule a free buyer consultation with Marie and take the first step toward owning property in one of America's most exciting real estate markets.