You’d be surprised how many buyers start shopping without getting pre-approved. Pre-qualification isn’t the same, sellers want to know you’re serious. Pre-approval gives you clarity on your budget and strengthens your offers in a competitive market like South Florida.

Real Talk: One of my buyers fell in love with a beautiful 4-bedroom home in Weston Hills. But without a pre-approval letter, we lost the home to another buyer who was ready. It was heartbreaking, and totally avoidable.

👉 Lesson: Pre-approval is not optional. It’s your ticket to the negotiation table.

Need a trusted local lender? Just reach out, I’d be happy to connect you with one.

Everyone talks about the down payment, but what about closing costs? In Florida, these typically run between 2–5% of the purchase price. That can add up quickly.

Example: One of my first-time buyers had saved $20,000 for a down payment on a $400K home. But when we factored in title fees, insurance, taxes, and escrow, they came up $9,000 short. We made it work, but the stress could’ve been avoided.

👉 Tip: Understand the full picture from the beginning. I use an app that gives real-time closing cost estimates, happy to walk you through it!

In a hot market, it’s tempting to waive the inspection to make your offer more appealing. Please don’t.

Even brand-new homes can have hidden issues: plumbing, HVAC, roof leaks, or worse.

Real Example: A client wanted to skip the inspection on a beautifully renovated home in Savanna. I convinced them to spend the $400 and thank goodness. The inspector found water damage behind a kitchen wall, and we negotiated a $5,000 credit.

👉 Takeaway: A few hundred dollars now can save you thousands later. Always hire a licensed inspector, I have great referrals if you need one.

In Weston (and much of Florida), HOA communities are the norm. They keep the neighborhood clean and secure, but they come with rules and monthly fees.

Story Time: A couple bought a townhome, then found out the HOA didn’t allow commercial vehicles overnight. The husband was a contractor, his van didn’t fit in the garage. They had to rent extra storage a costly and frustrating surprise.

👉 Moral of the Story: Always review HOA documents early. Watch out for rental restrictions, parking rules, landscaping policies, and unexpected fees.

You see a sign or an online listing and call the agent … simple, right? But here’s the issue: that agent works for the seller, not you.

What Could Go Wrong: A buyer I met worked with a listing agent and later realized the home they bought in The Ridges was overpriced. With no one advocating for them, they missed out on better comps and terms.

👉 Truth: Most of the time, having your own buyer’s agent costs you nothing, the seller pays the commission. There’s no downside, only protection.