Buying a House in Fort Lauderdale - Step-by-Step Guide 2025

"Venice of America" often flies under the radar, especially when Miami fancies stealing the spotlight.

But even though Miami likes making headlines, Fort Lauderdale remains one of the best places to live in South Florida without all the flashiness. 

You won’t have trouble finding some of the best beaches available in the Sunshine State, and plenty of housing options - from new construction houses to condos to single-family resales - dot the real estate landscape of one of Florida’s most popular cities.

Feeling confident about moving to Fort Lauderdale won’t be an issue, but carefully outlining your action plan may be challenging if you’re unsure where to start.

Below, we will highlight all the essential steps experienced and first-time buyers should take when buying a home in Fort Lauderdale, from carefully planning a budget to saving money with commission rebates.

Steps to buying a house in Fort Lauderdale

• Get a mortgage pre-approval
• Decide on the right neighborhood
• Work with an experienced buyer’s agent
• Use commission rebates to save money
• Figure out the property type you need
• Structure your budget 
• Set aside time for property tours and open houses
• Don’t skip due diligence
• The closing process

Get a mortgage pre-approval

A pre-approval helps outline your budget and signals to sellers that you are a serious and qualified buyer.

A mortgage pre-approval involves a lender reviewing your financial background, including your credit score, income, and debt-to-income ratio. This process results in a pre-approval letter stating the maximum loan amount you qualify for based on the lender's assessment. 

If you want to go the extra mile, consider obtaining a fully underwritten pre-approval. 

The lender will verify your documentation, such as tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements, and fully underwrite your loan before you make an offer. This provides you with a more accurate budget and strengthens your offer, as you already have a specific loan amount secured.

Don’t forget to interview multiple lenders to compare their pre-approval processes and mortgage rates.

Decide on the right neighborhood

It’s easy to see this step as simply choosing a neighborhood that you find appealing. But in reality, choosing where you buy your home in Fort Lauderdale affects a few crucial points: your budget, lifestyle, and monthly expenses.

Start by considering proximity to work, access to recreation and entertainment, and the overall vibe of the community. Luckily, Fort Lauderdale boasts a variety of unique neighborhoods, each championing the ultimate in Florida residential living without sacrificing entertainment and things to do.

Central Beach might be ideal for those seeking the closest things to Miami’s vibrant nightlife without the raucous crowds, while those preferring a quieter neighborhood can consider Victoria Park and its irresistible "Old Florida" charm.

For those who dream of living near the water, neighborhoods like Las Olas Isles and Rio Vista offer stunning waterfront properties with easy access to boating and water sports. Of course, this is where the price points will be at their highest, as these areas are renowned for their luxury homes and private docks.

Ideally, you’d be able to explore these different areas at various times of the day. Observe the traffic patterns, noise levels, and overall ambiance. The more time you can spend there, the better your sense of the community and its amenities will be. Choosing the best place to live is not always about the flashiest and most desired; you must consider as many factors as possible.  

Work with an experienced buyer’s agent

An experienced buyer's agent has an in-depth understanding of the local real estate market. 

They are familiar with the various neighborhoods, current market trends, and property values in Fort Lauderdale. This expertise allows them to provide you with up-to-date information and advice on where and when to buy, making it much easier to choose the right neighborhood and find the right property.

One of the best tools a buyer’s agent can provide is access to Multiple Listing Services (MLS). Agents can leverage the MLS to identify listings not found anywhere else while utilizing the data to create a comparative market analysis to help you structure an accurate offer, ensuring you don’t overpay. 

Negotiation is another critical part of the home-buying process, and an experienced agent excels in this area. They will represent your interests during negotiations with the seller to secure the best possible deal. Whether negotiating the purchase price, closing costs, or contingencies, having a skilled negotiator can save you money and stress.

Most importantly, however, the right buyer’s agent can help you save money when you buy by working with commission rebates.

Use commission rebates to save money

Affordability is always a challenge for any buyer, but leveraging commission rebates helps make that hurdle much easier.

Commission rebates are offered by brokerages specializing in them, returning a portion of a buyer’s agent’s commission fee back to the buyer after successfully closing a home purchase.

For example, Prevu Real Estate offers the largest commission rebate in Florida, allowing buyers to potentially receive up to 1% of the home’s purchase price via the company’s Smart Buyer Rebate. Prevu unlocks substantial rebates for buyers by investing in a digital homebuying platform that puts more tools in the buyers' hands and provides direct access to expert salaried agents.

The funds you can gain from a commission rebate can be invaluable in helping to offset closing costs, bolster your savings, or simply serve as a foundation for a renovation or furnishing budget for your new home.

Figure out the property type you need

Understanding the characteristics and benefits of each property type can help you make an informed decision that is in alignment with your lifestyle and preferences.

For instance, townhouses in Fort Lauderdale offer a blend of single-family home and condo living. They typically feature multiple floors, providing more space and privacy than a condo. Townhouses often come with small private yards or patios and sometimes share amenities like pools or fitness centers with other units in the complex. This property type is ideal for buyers who want more room than a condo offers but still prefer low-maintenance living.

Condos, meanwhile, present an often affordable and less-hassle option for homebuyers. Maintenance in condo buildings is handled by the Homeowners Association (HOA). Here, you’ll find top amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and security services. 

This property type is perfect for individuals or couples who prioritize convenience and enjoy being close to urban amenities. Colee Hammock and Sunrise should be your first neighborhoods to visit if you want to explore some of the best condos in Fort Lauderdale.

Single-family homes, of course, are arguably the bread and butter of Fort Lauderdale’s real estate scene.

Plenty of the area's top neighborhoods, such as Las Olas Isles and Pembroke Pines, feature some of the most coveted settings for this type of property, whether you’re searching for a modest starter home or a palatial estate with waterfront views. A single-family home is the ultimate in custom options and privacy, but it’s also the most demanding regarding maintenance and price point.

Deciding which property type works best depends mainly on your current and future needs. 

Consider your household size, lifestyle preferences, and how much time you can dedicate to property maintenance. A condo or townhouse might be more suitable if you travel frequently or prefer low-maintenance living. On the other hand, a single-family home could be the better choice if you plan to grow your family or value having outdoor space.

Structure your budget

A well-planned budget helps you understand what you can afford and prepares you for all the expenses of purchasing and maintaining a home.

Start by determining your maximum home price. This figure can be based on your mortgage pre-approval, which gives you a clear idea of the loan amount you qualify for. Setting your budget slightly below this amount to account for unexpected costs is a good idea. 

Closing costs are another significant expense to consider. They include appraisal fees, inspection fees, title insurance, and loan origination fees. Buyer closing costs in Florida often range from 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price and can often be a stressful part of the final stretch of the home-buying process, so make sure you’re prepared.

It's also wise to create a maintenance and emergency fund. Homes require ongoing maintenance and occasional repairs, which can be costly. Setting aside a portion of your budget for these unexpected expenses will help ensure you're not caught off guard by necessary repairs or improvements.

Lastly, be prepared for bidding wars. The Fort Lauderdale market can be competitive, and if you find yourself competing with other buyers, you want to know exactly how much you can stretch your budget to stay in the bid.

Set aside time for property tours and open houses

Though they can be time-consuming, property tours and open houses are invaluable in assessing whether a property meets your needs and preferences.

Open houses offer a more relaxed way to view multiple properties. You can explore every part of the home, ask the listing agent any questions about the property, and get a chance to gauge if the place has a lot of interest from other buyers.

Property tours, meanwhile, are often scheduled in advance. Work with your buyer’s agent to help you choose property tours that best fit your schedule so you can attend together.

Prioritize homes that meet your key criteria and are within your budget. Be flexible and open to visiting different neighborhoods, as this can help you discover areas you might not have considered initially. Planning your visits strategically will ensure you make efficient use of your time and see as many suitable properties as possible.

A great way to make the most of property tours and open houses is to bring a checklist to each property. Note important features, concerns, and overall impression of the home. Photos or videos can also help you remember details and compare properties later. After each visit, review your notes and discuss them with your real estate agent to narrow down your options.

Don’t skip due diligence

Due diligence is the buyer’s most crucial line of defense to ensure a successful home purchase.

Hiring a professional inspector to evaluate the property's structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, and overall condition is essential. An inspection report will highlight existing or potential issues, such as roof damage, foundation cracks, or outdated wiring. Addressing these concerns before closing can save you from costly repairs and provide leverage in negotiating the purchase price.

Review the property’s history to uncover problems that might affect its value or use. Investigate if the home has experienced flooding, fire damage, or extensive repairs. In Fort Lauderdale, where hurricanes and flooding are common, understanding the property's resilience to such events is vital. Check for necessary permits for renovations or additions to ensure they were done legally and safely.

If the property is part of an HOA, review the HOA’s rules, regulations, and financial health. Get familiar with the HOA’s policies on property maintenance, fees, and building rules, as these will be something you will commit to for the duration of your ownership.

The closing process

Even the most experienced buyers can get burnt out by the time they get to closing. But reaching this step means you’re at the final stretch of owning a home in Fort Lauderdale.

Closing day is when all remaining vital documents are signed and required payments are made to complete the purchase and transfer of ownership. These payments typically cover closing costs and prepaid expenses such as property taxes and homeowners insurance.

Next, you’ll conduct a final walk-through of the property to confirm that it is in the agreed-upon condition. This is your chance to check that any requested repairs have been completed, appliances are functioning, and no new issues have come up since your last visit. 

Once all documents are signed and funds are transferred, the deed will be recorded with the county clerk's office, officially transferring ownership of the property to you. The last step will be to receive the keys to your new Florida home and enjoy the best Fort Lauderdale offers.

Houses for sale in Fort Lauderdale

Listings for sale in Fort Lauderdale

Interested in buying a house? Browse listings and see how much you can save with Prevu’s Smart Buyer Rebate.