— Free live webinar · Wednesdays · 6 PM Eastern
Buying a home in Florida,
done prepared.
Sixty minutes, live on Zoom, on what actually matters before buying in Central Florida, Tampa Bay, or St. Petersburg — financing, insurance, inspections, neighborhoods, and the costs nobody talks about until closing.
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— If any of this sounds like you
You’re not alone — and you don’t need another generic “how to buy” video.
Florida buyers face a specific set of friction points most national guides skip. We go straight at them.
“I don't know what I can actually afford — between insurance, HOA, CDD, and taxes the payment keeps shifting.”
The affordability fog“I'm worried about overpaying in a market that feels weirdly slow and weirdly competitive at the same time.”
The pricing problem“Flood zones, 4-point inspections, wind mit — Florida buying has its own vocabulary and I’m guessing.”
The Florida-specific confusion“I don’t know which neighborhoods fit my budget and my lifestyle. The maps don’t tell me that.”
The neighborhood gap“Rates, inventory, election cycles — I’m not sure whether to buy now or wait six months.”
The timing question— What you’ll learn in 60 minutes
Five things most first-time and relocating buyers get wrong.
No theory, no fluff. Florida-specific tactics from a Realtor who closes here every week.
How to think about affordability — beyond the mortgage payment
Insurance, taxes, HOA, CDD, and what your lender's max number actually leaves you to live on. The two affordability numbers you should ask your lender for (they're almost never the same).
Insurance, flood zones, inspections, HOAs, CDDs, and property taxes
The Florida cost-of-ownership reality that closing paperwork doesn’t prepare you for. Why VE-zone flood can run 3–4× AE-zone. Why your tax bill resets at purchase (it isn’t grandfathered like California). What a 4-point and wind mitigation report actually do for your rate.
How to evaluate Central Florida, Tampa Bay, and St. Pete neighborhoods
What the MLS won’t tell you about flood risk, schools, commute, and resale. The questions to ask before you fall in love with a neighborhood that won’t fit your life in three years.
How to make a strong offer — not just a high one
Where to flex, where to hold. Price matters, but inspection windows, financing contingency timing, closing date flexibility, and title insurance all move the needle. The cleanest offer often wins over the highest.
When to book a private buyer consult — and what to bring
The 10-minute prep that turns a 30-minute consult into a real plan. What Ben needs to know to walk you out with the next three steps (not the next thirty).
The Florida Home Buyer Game Plan
What to know before you buy in Central Florida, Tampa Bay, or St. Petersburg.
— Included with registration
The Florida Home Buyer Game Plan.
A 24-page PDF you’ll actually use. Insurance cost ranges by Florida county, the inspection checklist nobody gives you, HOA/CDD math, an offer-strategy decision tree, and the questions to ask before you sign anything.
- Insurance and flood cost ranges by Florida county
- 4-point and wind mitigation inspection checklist
- HOA & CDD true-cost calculator template
- Neighborhood evaluation worksheet
- Offer-strategy decision tree
- 10-question agent interview script
— Your host
Ben Laube — Broker Associate · eXp Realty
Ben Laube has spent his career helping Central Florida families find the right home — whether that is a first starter in St. Petersburg, a waterfront estate on Snell Isle, or a relocation into Winter Park. He works across the Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, and Greater Orlando markets as a broker with eXp Realty.
— Can’t wait until Wednesday?
Book a private buyer consult instead.
Free 30-minute Zoom. Tell Ben your situation — budget, timeline, target areas, financing — and walk out with a plan. No pressure, no sales pitch.
Schedule a buyer consult— Questions before you register
Frequently asked.
Is this only for first-time buyers?
No. The content applies to first-timers, relocators from out of state, and second/move-up buyers. Investors should book the investor consult instead.
Do I need to be pre-approved to attend?
No. We'll cover what pre-approval actually means, when to do it, and lender options for Florida buyers.
Is the webinar live?
Yes. Live every Wednesday at 6 PM Eastern on Zoom, with live Q&A. Replays go to registered attendees.
Can I ask questions during the webinar?
Yes. The last 15 minutes are dedicated Q&A. You can also submit questions during registration and we'll try to cover them.
What if I can't attend live?
Register anyway. You'll get the buyer guide immediately and a replay link within 24 hours of the live session.
Will someone call me after I register?
Only if you opt in to a buyer consult. Otherwise: webinar reminders and a weekly Florida Buyer Brief email — that’s it. Unsubscribe anytime.
Is the buyer guide really free?
Yes. No card required, no upsell. The download link is sent immediately after registration completes.