--- title: "Buying a Home on the Treasure Coast | Pete & Kate" url: https://petekaterealestate.com/buy description: "Buy a home in Vero Beach, Port St. Lucie or Fort Pierce with local REALTORS. How it works, what to read first, and how to get started." lang: en --- Image: Agents and buyers shaking hands over closing paperwork at a table outside a new Florida home (https://petekaterealestate.com/assets/buy-Cl06iV0x.webp) Buy # Buying a Home on the Treasure Coast Buying here comes with its own set of questions: flood zones, insurance, HOAs, CDDs, and how property taxes reset when a home sells. We help you sort through all of it so you can focus on finding the right home. ## How it works 1. 1 ### Talk with us first. We'll learn what you need, your budget, and your timeline. Florida requires a written buyer agreement before we show homes, and we'll walk you through it in plain English. 2. 2 ### Get pre-approved. We'll connect you with local lenders if you need one, so you know your real budget before you fall in love with a house. 3. 3 ### Tour neighborhoods and homes. Use our neighborhood guides to narrow down areas, then we'll tour homes that fit. 4. 4 ### Make a strong offer. We'll show you recent sales, explain every part of the contract, and negotiate on your behalf. 5. 5 ### Inspections to closing. We coordinate inspections, keep track of every deadline, and stay with you through the final walk-through and closing. ## What's different about buying on the Treasure Coast Florida homes come with a few costs and rules that surprise people, especially if you're moving from out of state. Here's what to look at before you fall in love with a house. ### Insurance Homeowners and wind insurance can vary a lot from one house to the next. Roof age, windows, and the year the home was built all matter. Get quotes before your inspection period ends. Insurance guide (https://petekaterealestate.com/guides/insurance-florida-new-homes) ### Flood zones Some homes require flood insurance and some don't, even on the same street. An elevation certificate tells you where a home stands. Flood zones guide (https://petekaterealestate.com/guides/flood-zones) ### Property taxes reset The seller's tax bill is not your tax bill. Taxes are reassessed after a sale, so budget based on the purchase price, not what the seller pays now. Property taxes guide (https://petekaterealestate.com/guides/property-taxes) ### HOA and CDD fees Many communities have an HOA, and some also have a CDD that shows up on your tax bill. Know both before you sign. HOA and CDD guide (https://petekaterealestate.com/guides/hoa-fees) ### Homestead exemption If it's your primary residence, you can apply for Florida's homestead exemption, which lowers your taxable value and caps future increases. ### Inspections Most Florida resale contracts are "as is," which means your inspection period is your main chance to find problems and decide whether to move forward. Buyer FAQ ## Who handles what ### What we handle - Searching and setting up showings - Pulling recent sales so you know what a home is really worth - Writing and negotiating your offer - Tracking every contract deadline - Coordinating with the lender, inspector, and title company - Walking you through the final walk-through and closing ### What we'll need from you - A pre-approval letter or proof of funds - Quick responses during negotiations and the inspection period - Your insurance quotes during the inspection period - Your deposit on time - Any documents your lender asks for, as soon as they ask ## Not sure where to start? Each city has a different feel. Here's a quick look, then dive into the neighborhood guides. Image: Vero Beach coastline with blue Atlantic water and a sandy beach (https://petekaterealestate.com/__l5e/assets-v1/deb1027c-ba9e-4f04-94f7-8f8fb3dd572b/beach.webp) ### Vero Beach Quieter and lower-density, with a walkable downtown, uncrowded beaches, and a mix of established neighborhoods and newer communities on the mainland. See Vero Beach neighborhoods (https://petekaterealestate.com/cities/vero-beach) Image: Home at Astor Creek Golf and Country Club in Port St. Lucie (https://petekaterealestate.com/__l5e/assets-v1/e3858cb9-ed8b-48b3-85ac-f8ff5a7f3b81/astor-creek.webp) ### Port St. Lucie The area's largest city, with master-planned communities, golf, newer homes, and easy access to I-95 and the Turnpike. See Port St. Lucie neighborhoods (https://petekaterealestate.com/cities/port-st-lucie) Image: Waterfront homes and blue river water along the Fort Pierce area of St. Lucie County (https://petekaterealestate.com/__l5e/assets-v1/ac6f8872-6bf3-4f2e-9645-8413e637d9e6/fort-pierce.webp) ### Fort Pierce A historic waterfront city with a working marina, a lively downtown, beach access on Hutchinson Island, and some of the area's more attainable prices. See Fort Pierce neighborhoods (https://petekaterealestate.com/cities/fort-pierce) ## Thinking about new construction? If you're considering a brand-new home, contact us before you visit any model or builder website. Most builders require your agent to register you first, or you lose the right to have someone negotiating for you. How builder registration works: https://petekaterealestate.com/buyer-representation Image: New single-story home at Hampton Park under a blue Florida sky (https://petekaterealestate.com/__l5e/assets-v1/9b6b2825-6f3a-463f-b6b8-8513dbc92e59/hampton-park.webp) ## Common questions from buyers ### Do I have to sign an agreement before you show me homes? ### How much do I need for a down payment? ### What are closing costs, and how much should I plan for? ### What does "as is" mean? ### How long does it take to close? ### Should I get a home inspection on a newer home? ### Can I buy before I sell my current home? Image: Kate Ward and Peter White seated at a table with a laptop and home-buying paperwork (https://petekaterealestate.com/__l5e/assets-v1/6ddfef0d-402e-41c0-bdf9-ed0502f579fb/team-consultation.webp) ## Start with a quick call Call Kate 772-342-4006: +17723424006 Call Pete 772-284-1419: +17722841419 Call Us (+17722841419) ## Structured data ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "RealEstateAgent", "name": "Pete & Kate Real Estate", "url": "https://petekaterealestate.com", "telephone": "+1-772-284-1419", "description": "Kate Ward and Peter White, REALTORS with The McKinney Team at RE/MAX Gold. Buying, selling, relocation and new construction on Florida's Treasure Coast.", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressRegion": "FL", "addressCountry": "US" }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "Vero Beach, Florida" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Port St. Lucie, Florida" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Fort Pierce, Florida" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Sebastian, Florida" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Palm Bay, Florida" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Stuart, Florida" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Jensen Beach, Florida" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Palm City, Florida" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Hobe Sound, Florida" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Pete & Kate Real Estate", "url": "https://petekaterealestate.com" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://petekaterealestate.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Buy", "item": "https://petekaterealestate.com/buy" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I have to sign an agreement before you show me homes?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Florida requires a written buyer agreement before we tour homes together. It spells out what we do for you and how we're paid. We'll go through it with you line by line, and we're happy to answer any questions before you sign." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much do I need for a down payment?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It depends on the loan. Some programs allow as little as 3% down, and VA loans can allow zero down for eligible buyers. A lender can tell you exactly what you qualify for, and we can connect you with one." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are closing costs, and how much should I plan for?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Closing costs include lender fees, title insurance, government recording fees, prepaid taxes and insurance, and more. A lender will give you a Loan Estimate with real numbers early in the process. Sometimes the seller agrees to pay part of these costs as part of the deal." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What does \"as is\" mean?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Most Florida resale homes are sold on an \"AS IS\" contract. You can still inspect everything, and during the inspection period you can cancel for any reason and get your deposit back. Once that period ends, you're accepting the home's condition." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long does it take to close?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Usually about 30 to 45 days with a loan, and sometimes faster with cash. Your contract sets the exact date." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Should I get a home inspection on a newer home?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Even newer homes can have issues with roofs, plumbing, or installation. An inspection is one of the best investments you can make during the purchase." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I buy before I sell my current home?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Sometimes. It depends on your finances and the type of loan. Let's talk through your situation and we'll help you map out the order that makes sense." } } ] } ] ```