BUYING A HOME IN FLORIDA

Florida's commonly used AS-IS contract allows a buyer to inspect the property during an agreed-upon inspection period and generally gives the buyer the right to cancel within that period under the contract's terms. The inspection period is your opportunity to understand the home's condition before deciding how to proceed.

A 4-point inspection looks at four major systems: roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC. Insurance companies often request one for older homes before issuing or renewing coverage. It's different from a full home inspection and can uncover issues that affect insurability even when the home itself appears to be in good condition.

A wind mitigation inspection documents features that may help a home withstand high winds, including roof construction, roof-to-wall connections and opening protection. Qualifying features can potentially reduce portions of your Florida homeowners insurance premium, so an existing wind mitigation report or getting a new one can be valuable.

A Wood-Destroying Organism inspection looks for evidence of termites and other organisms that can damage wood. Florida's warm, humid climate makes WDO inspections particularly relevant. Depending on the property and financing, the inspection may be recommended or required.

The age and condition of these systems can affect much more than future repair costs. In Florida, they can also influence whether a property qualifies for homeowners insurance and what that coverage costs. I like to identify potential insurance issues early rather than discover them days before closing.

Flood-zone designation can affect insurance requirements and ownership costs, but being outside a high-risk flood zone doesn't mean a property has zero flood risk. We can review the property's flood designation, available elevation information and insurance considerations as part of evaluating a home.

Florida insurance deserves attention early in the buying process. Premiums and availability can vary significantly based on location, roof age, construction, wind protection, flood exposure and the home's major systems. Getting insurance quotes during the inspection period can help avoid surprises before closing.