--- title: "Real Estate FAQs | Treasure Coast | Peter White & Kate Ward" url: https://www.petekaterealestate.com/faq description: "Quick answers to common questions about buying, selling, and living on Florida's Treasure Coast, from local Realtors Peter White & Kate Ward, REMAX Gold." lang: en --- Skip to main content Image: Wooden dune walkover through sea oats and sea grape leading to a calm Atlantic beach at sunrise (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/__l5e/assets-v1/4475c6ce-56bf-4d6d-a7fa-ad5292dde095/faq-hero.webp) Real Estate FAQs # Got a Question? Start Here. Quick answers about buying, selling, and living on the Treasure Coast. ## Questions and answers Showing 42 of 762 questions ## Buying ### Do I have to sign an agreement before you show me homes? Buy a Home Yes. Florida requires a written buyer agreement before we tour homes together. Read more about "Do I have to sign an agreement before you show me homes?" on Buy a Home (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/buy) ### What are closing costs, and how much should I plan for? Buy a Home Closing costs include lender fees, title insurance, government recording fees, prepaid taxes and insurance, and more. Read more about "What are closing costs, and how much should I plan for?" on Buy a Home (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/buy) ### What does "as is" mean? Buy a Home 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. Read more about "What does "as is" mean?" on Buy a Home (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/buy) ### How long does it take to close? Buy a Home Usually about 30 to 45 days with a loan, and sometimes faster with cash. Your contract sets the exact date. Read more about "How long does it take to close?" on Buy a Home (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/buy) ### Should I get a home inspection on a newer home? Buy a Home Yes. Even newer homes can have issues with roofs, plumbing, or installation. Read more about "Should I get a home inspection on a newer home?" on Buy a Home (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/buy) ### Do I have to sign a buyer agreement before touring homes? Buying a Home on the Treasure Coast, Step by Step Yes. Florida requires a written agreement with your agent before they show you homes. Read more about "Do I have to sign a buyer agreement before touring homes?" on Buying a Home on the Treasure Coast, Step by Step (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/guides/buying-a-home-step-by-step) ## Selling ### Can I buy before I sell my current home? Buy a Home Sometimes. It depends on your finances and the type of loan. Read more about "Can I buy before I sell my current home?" on Buy a Home (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/buy) ### How do you decide on a list price? Selling Your Home, Step by Step We use recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood, the homes currently competing with yours, and what buyers are paying right now. Read more about "How do you decide on a list price?" on Selling Your Home, Step by Step (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/guides/selling-your-home-step-by-step) ### Can I find out what my home is worth before deciding to sell? Selling Your Home, Step by Step Yes. Request a free, no-pressure home value review and we'll base it on real local sales. Read more about "Can I find out what my home is worth before deciding to sell?" on Selling Your Home, Step by Step (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/guides/selling-your-home-step-by-step) ### How close is a Zestimate to an appraisal? How Accurate Is Zillow's Zestimate? Sometimes close, sometimes not. An appraiser visits the home, checks its condition, and picks comparable sales by hand. Read more about "How close is a Zestimate to an appraisal?" on How Accurate Is Zillow's Zestimate? (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/how-accurate-is-zillow-zestimate) ### Why did my Zestimate change? How Accurate Is Zillow's Zestimate? Zillow updates it as new sales and public records come in. A nearby sale can move your number up or down even if nothing changed at your house. Read more about "Why did my Zestimate change?" on How Accurate Is Zillow's Zestimate? (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/how-accurate-is-zillow-zestimate) ### Can I change my Zestimate? How Accurate Is Zillow's Zestimate? You can claim your home on Zillow and update details like bedrooms or upgrades. That can shift the estimate, but it still won't account for everything a buyer sees in person. Read more about "Can I change my Zestimate?" on How Accurate Is Zillow's Zestimate? (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/how-accurate-is-zillow-zestimate) ## Financing ### How much do I need for a down payment? Buy a Home It depends on the loan. Some programs allow as little as 3% down, and VA loans can allow zero down for eligible buyers. Read more about "How much do I need for a down payment?" on Buy a Home (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/buy) ### What credit score do I need for an FHA loan in Florida? FHA Loans in Florida 580 for 3.5% down. Some lenders go lower with 10% down. Read more about "What credit score do I need for an FHA loan in Florida?" on FHA Loans in Florida (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/fha-loan-florida) ### What's the FHA loan limit in St. Lucie County for 2026? FHA Loans in Florida $603,750 for a single-family home. Read more about "What's the FHA loan limit in St. Lucie County for 2026?" on FHA Loans in Florida (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/fha-loan-florida) ### Can I use FHA for new construction? FHA Loans in Florida Yes, if the builder and home meet FHA requirements. Read more about "Can I use FHA for new construction?" on FHA Loans in Florida (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/fha-loan-florida) ### Can I use FHA for a condo? FHA Loans in Florida Only if the condo is FHA-approved. Read more about "Can I use FHA for a condo?" on FHA Loans in Florida (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/fha-loan-florida) ### Do I need a down payment for a VA loan in Florida? VA Loans in Florida No, with full entitlement. Read more about "Do I need a down payment for a VA loan in Florida?" on VA Loans in Florida (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/va-loan-florida) ## Taxes & Insurance ### Will my property taxes be the same as the seller's? Usually not. The assessed value resets to market value when a home sells, so budget using an estimate from the county property appraiser, not the seller's current bill. Read more about "Will my property taxes be the same as the seller's?" on Buying a Home on the Treasure Coast, Step by Step (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/guides/buying-a-home-step-by-step) ### Which county has lower property taxes, Indian River or St. Lucie? Property Taxes, Homestead and Portability It depends on the exact address, city and taxing districts, and rates change yearly. Check the specific property on the county Property Appraiser site before you buy. Read more about "Which county has lower property taxes, Indian River or St. Lucie?" on Property Taxes, Homestead and Portability (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/guides/property-taxes) ### Can I transfer my homestead from another Florida county? Yes, Florida's portability rule lets you carry up to $500,000 of your Save Our Homes savings to a new homestead anywhere in Florida. Read more about "Can I transfer my homestead from another Florida county?" on Property Taxes, Homestead and Portability (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/guides/property-taxes) ### Does portability help if I'm moving from out of state? No, portability only applies to Florida-to-Florida moves. Buyers relocating from another state start fresh with a new $50,000 homestead exemption and a new Save Our Homes baseline once they establish Florida residency and file by March 1. Read more about "Does portability help if I'm moving from out of state?" on Property Taxes, Homestead and Portability (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/guides/property-taxes) ### How does the Save Our Homes 3% cap work in Vero Beach and Indian River County? Once you establish homestead on a Vero Beach or Indian River County property, your assessed value can rise no more than 3% per year (or CPI, whichever is lower), even if market values jump. Read more about "How does the Save Our Homes 3% cap work in Vero Beach and Indian River County?" on Property Taxes, Homestead and Portability (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/guides/property-taxes) ### How much homestead portability can I bring to a new Vero Beach home? Up to $500,000 of Save Our Homes savings if you're upsizing from another Florida homestead. File Form DR-501T with the Indian River County Property Appraiser by March 1 of the year after you establish residency, alongside your standard DR-501 homestead application. Read more about "How much homestead portability can I bring to a new Vero Beach home?" on Property Taxes, Homestead and Portability (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/guides/property-taxes) ## Moving to Florida ### How long does it take to become a Florida resident? How to Become a Florida Resident There's no waiting period. You can start the process the day you move into a home here. Read more about "How long does it take to become a Florida resident?" on How to Become a Florida Resident (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/how-to-become-a-florida-resident) ### What's the fastest way to become a Florida resident? How to Become a Florida Resident Get a Florida address, file a Declaration of Domicile, and get your Florida driver's license right away. Those three steps establish your residency quickly. Read more about "What's the fastest way to become a Florida resident?" on How to Become a Florida Resident (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/how-to-become-a-florida-resident) ### Can I become a Florida resident without living there? How to Become a Florida Resident You need a real Florida address you actually live in. Residency is based on where your permanent home is, so simply using a Florida mailing address isn't enough, and it can create problems with your old state's tax authorities. Read more about "Can I become a Florida resident without living there?" on How to Become a Florida Resident (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/how-to-become-a-florida-resident) ### What documents do I need to become a Florida resident? How to Become a Florida Resident Expect to need your current driver's license, passport or birth certificate, Social Security number, two proofs of Florida address (deed, lease, utility bill, or bank statement), vehicle title, and Florida auto insurance. Read more about "What documents do I need to become a Florida resident?" on How to Become a Florida Resident (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/how-to-become-a-florida-resident) ### Do I need to file a Declaration of Domicile? How to Become a Florida Resident It isn't required, but it's strongly recommended if you're leaving a state with income tax. It's one of the clearest records showing the date Florida became your home. Read more about "Do I need to file a Declaration of Domicile?" on How to Become a Florida Resident (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/how-to-become-a-florida-resident) ### When should I buy a home to get the homestead exemption? How to Become a Florida Resident You must own and live in the home on January 1 to qualify for that year. Buying before the end of the year gets you the exemption sooner. Read more about "When should I buy a home to get the homestead exemption?" on How to Become a Florida Resident (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/how-to-become-a-florida-resident) ## Cities & Neighborhoods ### What are the best neighborhoods in Vero Beach? Vero Beach Real Estate It depends on budget and priorities. The island puts you near the ocean with higher prices and insurance. Read more about "What are the best neighborhoods in Vero Beach?" on Vero Beach Real Estate (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/cities/vero-beach) ### Are there gated communities in Vero Beach? Vero Beach Real Estate The mainland offers gated golf communities, established neighborhoods with larger lots and newer construction west of I-95. Read more about "Are there gated communities in Vero Beach?" on Vero Beach Real Estate (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/cities/vero-beach) ### Which Vero Beach neighborhoods have no HOA? Vero Beach Real Estate An HOA covers common areas and community rules and is paid as a regular dues amount. A CDD is a special district that funds infrastructure and shows up on your property tax bill. Read more about "Which Vero Beach neighborhoods have no HOA?" on Vero Beach Real Estate (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/cities/vero-beach) ### Is it better to buy on the island or the mainland? Vero Beach Real Estate Read more about "Is it better to buy on the island or the mainland?" on Vero Beach Real Estate (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/cities/vero-beach) ### What county is Vero Beach in? Vero Beach Real Estate Indian River County. It is the county seat. Read more about "What county is Vero Beach in?" on Vero Beach Real Estate (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/cities/vero-beach) ### What county is Sebastian in? Sebastian Real Estate Indian River County, the same county as Vero Beach. Read more about "What county is Sebastian in?" on Sebastian Real Estate (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/cities/sebastian) ## New Construction ### Is new construction more expensive than resale on the Treasure Coast? New Construction vs Resale Homes on the Treasure Coast New construction often costs more per square foot. But after factoring insurance savings, lower maintenance, and builder incentives, the 5-year total cost is often comparable or lower. Read more about "Is new construction more expensive than resale on the Treasure Coast?" on New Construction vs Resale Homes on the Treasure Coast (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/guides/new-construction-vs-resale) ### Do new construction homes appreciate as well as resale? Newer Florida homes have appreciated strongly, particularly because they qualify for the lowest insurance rates, a growing concern for resale buyers. Read more about "Do new construction homes appreciate as well as resale?" on New Construction vs Resale Homes on the Treasure Coast (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/guides/new-construction-vs-resale) ### Do I need a real estate agent for new construction? The Treasure Coast New Construction Buying Process Yes, and you must register them on your first visit. The builder pays the commission either way; without an agent, the builder simply keeps it. Read more about "Do I need a real estate agent for new construction?" on The Treasure Coast New Construction Buying Process (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/guides/new-construction-buying-process) ### How much earnest money is required? It varies by builder and price point, so ask for the deposit schedule in writing. Much of it is non-refundable once you pass contingency periods. Read more about "How much earnest money is required?" on The Treasure Coast New Construction Buying Process (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/guides/new-construction-buying-process) ### Are new construction homes safer in floods? Flood Zones on the Treasure Coast: What Buyers Need to Know Yes, Florida code requires new homes to be built above BFE, often with a 1-foot freeboard. This dramatically reduces flood damage risk and insurance premiums. Read more about "Are new construction homes safer in floods?" on Flood Zones on the Treasure Coast: What Buyers Need to Know (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/guides/flood-zones) ### Should I buy new construction or resale when relocating? Relocation Guide For most relocators we work with, new construction wins: builder warranties, current hurricane codes, energy efficiency, and no surprise repairs while you're settling into a new state. Read more about "Should I buy new construction or resale when relocating?" on Relocation Guide (https://www.petekaterealestate.com/relocation) ## Still Have a Question? Ask us directly. We're local and we'll give you a straight answer. Talk to Peter and Kate. Peter White 772-284-1419: +17722841419 Kate Ward 772-342-4006: +17723424006 The McKinney Team | REMAX Gold ## Structured data ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "RealEstateAgent", "@id": "https://www.petekaterealestate.com/#real-estate-agent", "name": "Peter White & Kate Ward, The McKinney Team | REMAX Gold", "url": "https://www.petekaterealestate.com", "telephone": "772-284-1419", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "140 NW California Blvd", "addressLocality": "Port St. Lucie", "addressRegion": "FL", "postalCode": "34986", "addressCountry": "US" }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "Vero Beach" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Sebastian" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Fort Pierce" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Port St. Lucie" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Stuart" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Jensen Beach" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Palm City" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Hobe Sound" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Indiantown" } ], "employee": [ { "@id": "https://www.petekaterealestate.com/#peter-white" }, { "@id": "https://www.petekaterealestate.com/#kate-ward" } ] }, { "@type": "Person", "@id": "https://www.petekaterealestate.com/#peter-white", "name": "Peter White", "jobTitle": "Realtor", "telephone": "772-284-1419", "worksFor": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "REMAX Gold" } }, { "@type": "Person", "@id": "https://www.petekaterealestate.com/#kate-ward", "name": "Kate Ward", "jobTitle": "Broker Associate", "telephone": "772-342-4006", "worksFor": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "REMAX Gold" } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Peter White & Kate Ward, The McKinney Team | REMAX Gold", "url": "https://www.petekaterealestate.com" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.petekaterealestate.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Guides", "item": "https://www.petekaterealestate.com/guides" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "FAQ", "item": "https://www.petekaterealestate.com/faq" } ] } ] ```