Congratulations! Your offer on that dream home in sunny Florida has been accepted. That's an exciting milestone, but the journey doesn't end there. As a Realtor who's guided countless buyers through the Florida real estate process, I know the post-acceptance phase can feel a bit overwhelming with all the moving parts. Don't worry—I'm here to break it down into clear, actionable steps. In this post, we'll cover the key things you'll need to do right away, focusing on the earnest money deposit, scheduling inspections, and making your formal loan application. By understanding these, you'll navigate the process with confidence and keep your path to closing smooth and stress-free. 

1. Make the Earnest Money Deposit: Locking in Your Commitment

Once your offer is accepted, the first order of business is to submit your earnest money deposit (EMD). This is essentially a good-faith payment that shows the seller you're serious about buying the property. In Florida, the EMD is typically 1-3% of the purchase price (though it can vary based on your contract), and it's held in escrow by a neutral third party, like a title company or attorney, until closing. Why is this important? The EMD acts as a security blanket for the seller—they've taken the property off the market for you, so this deposit compensates them if you back out without a valid reason (like a failed inspection or financing issue). On the flip side, if everything goes according to plan and you close, this money applies directly toward your down payment or closing costs.

**Pro Tip from Your Florida Realtor: Aim to get this done ASAP to keep momentum on your side - either via wire transfer or certified check. 

2. Schedule Inspections: Uncovering the Home's Hidden Story 

With your offer secured, it's time to roll up your sleeves and dig deeper into the property. This step typically happens during the inspection period outlined in your contract—often 7-10 days from acceptance. First, a quick note on AS-IS contracts, which are common in Florida. An AS-IS agreement means the seller is not required to make repairs after inspections; you're buying the property in its current condition. However, this doesn't mean you skip inspections! You still have the right to inspect and, if major issues arise, you can negotiate credits, request repairs (even if unlikely), or walk away and request back your deposit. It's all about informed decision-making.

Here's what I recommend prioritizing:

 - Full Property Inspection: This comprehensive check covers the home's structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more. It's your baseline to spot any red flags.

- Wind Mitigation Inspection: Essential for Florida homeowners’ insurance, this verifies features like impact windows or roof straps that could qualify you for premium discounts (saving you hundreds annually in hurricane-prone areas).

- 4-Point Inspection: Another insurance must-have, this focuses on the home's four key systems—roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC—to ensure they're safe and up to code.

- WDO/Pest Inspection: Checks for wood-destroying organisms like termites

Beyond these, consider optional inspections based on the property: 

- Pool Inspection: If the home has one, verify the equipment and safety features.

- Septic and Well Inspections: Crucial for rural or non-municipal properties to ensure they're functioning properly.

What Happens Next? You'll review all inspection reports during the inspection period. For condo buyers, this is also the time to dive into the association's important documents—like the declaration of condos, bylaws, financials, rules & regulations and recent meeting minutes—to uncover any special assessments or rule changes that could affect your lifestyle. If any findings make you uncomfortable (e.g., a leaky roof, outdated wiring or a particular condo rule/regulation), you can terminate the contract and request your earnest money deposit back. 

3. Make the Formal Loan Application: Securing Your Financing

Parallel to inspections, you'll need to kick off your mortgage process by submitting a formal loan application. You might have gotten pre-approved earlier, but this is the full commitment—providing detailed financial docs like tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and asset info to your lender. In Florida, where closing timelines are often tight (30-45 days), acting fast here is key. Your lender will order an appraisal (to confirm the home's value matches your offer) and run a full underwriting review. Expect some back-and-forth as they verify everything, but a smooth application keeps rates locked and avoids delays.  

Wrapping It Up: You're on the Home Stretch Navigating these steps after your offer acceptance might seem like a checklist, but it's really about building a solid foundation for your Florida homeownership dream. From that earnest money deposit to thorough inspections and locking in your loan, each piece ensures you're making a smart, eyes-wide-open decision.