Though this section may be best suited for those purchasing a home in Florida for the first time, those of you that have bought before may still find valuable information in the details below.

1. Viewing properties: Upon arriving in Decatur, I or one of my agents, will arrange a time to meet with you at your villa or hotel. We will pick you up and begin taking you around the area to begin viewing homes that match your criteria. We try to show at least 6 homes in a day. If after the first day you’d like to see other choices, we will arrange a few more viewings for alternate homes. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, we will return to the them for a second visit to help make sure the one you like is indeed the one you like. Don't worry, if we still haven't found what you like after the first couple of days, we'll keep looking!
2. Making an offer: Once you’ve decided on the property, it is then time to submit a formal offer to the seller’s agency. This is done by deciding what price, what closing date (day that property will officially change hands), and what financial terms will be offered to the seller. If the seller accepts your offer, we will then move to the next step. If the seller makes a counter offer, it is then up to our side to accept, make another counter offer, or reject.
3. Opening a bank account: Once the offer has been accepted, it is then time to open a U.S. bank account. This is a simple process that can be completed at the branch of your choice within about an hour. In order to open the account you will need to furnish your valid passport and a major credit card. It is wise to begin the account with $1,500 - $5,000. Part of the sales contract on the home, will include a good faith deposit from you to the seller of anywhere between $1,000 - $5,000. These funds are held in escrow by the closing agent or title company (discussed later).
4. Financing: Depending on the timeframe of your visit, you may meet with a mortgage company before you settle on a final choice for the home. In other cases, you may not meet with them until after you’ve gone to contract. There are many aspects to obtaining financing, most of which is too involved to get into here, however this will be the time that you will begin the application process. Typically, a foreign national buyer will qualify for a loan provided they put at least 25% of the homes value in as a down payment. U.S. buyers have a bit more flexibility as it applies to down payment. However, keep in mind, the more money down usually means a lower rate.
5. Property Manager: While you are here, it may be necessary to meet with a management company. Deciding on the right management company is as important as deciding on the right home. A good property manager is essential to making your investment work. Hire a poor manager and you’re sure to see poor results. We are pleased to offer a fantastic management solution for those buyers seeking a long-term tenant. However, we do not offer short-term rental management at this time. We will refer you to a couple of different reputable companies to consider though. 
6. Home Inspection: After all parties accept the offer, the buyer then orders a home inspection within the first 7 days. A home inspector will go to the home and inspect it to make sure that it is sound and that all of the components of the home are operating as advertised. Should there be any concerns stemming from the inspection, the seller will be given the opportunity to repair the items. There is usually a set dollar amount in the contract that the seller will be accountable for.
7. Appraisal: Your mortgage company will order an appraisal to value the property. This is done to ensure that the agreed purchase price is warranted based on other like homes that have sold recently in the neighborhood. If the home should appraise for less than what is agreed, it may be necessary to renegotiate with the seller. This happens on a case-by-case basis.
8. Title company: During the time between the acceptance of the offer and the closing date, a local title company is brought in to facilitate the paperwork for both buyer and seller. They will send out all closing documents to anyone that will not physically be in attendance. Thus, it is not necessary to be in Florida for the closing. However, you will need to visit a notary once you receive the final documents before you can send them back.
9. Closure: Once the title company receives your documents back, and receives the loan from your lender, it is then time for the property to change hands. At this point you are now the owner of the property! Congratulations! If you have hired a management company to look after your home, they will immediately gather the keys and begin performing their duties.

Miscellaneous:

A. The typical time between offer acceptance and final transfer of ownership is about 6 weeks.

B. In addition to the down payment, you will incur closing costs of roughly 3% of the purchase price. Some of that is for pre-payment of property taxes and homeowners insurance.