Ask a lender
Your lender is the right source for anything about borrowing, rates, programs and your monthly payment. Ask them before you tour.
- What can I borrow, and what should I borrow? Those are different numbers.
- Which loan types fit me, and what down payment does each one need?
- What programs for first-time buyers are open right now, and do I qualify?
- Can you give me an estimate that includes property tax, insurance and community fees, not just the mortgage?
- What will my closing costs be, and when do I see the final figures?
- If my new home's closing date moves, what happens to my rate lock?
- If a financing incentive is offered on a home, what does the payment look like with it and without it, and for how long?
Ask an insurance agent
Insurance is a real monthly line in Florida. Get a quote for the exact address before you sign, not after.
- What will home insurance cost on this address, and what does it cover?
- Do I need flood insurance here, and what does it cost if I want it anyway?
- Which features of a new home earn credits on the premium?
- What will I pay out of pocket on a storm claim?
Ask us
Our sales team answers anything about the home, the community and the process.
- Which communities and home types are selling now, and which have quick move-in homes?
- What is included in this home, and what is a design center option?
- What is the deposit schedule, and when is each payment due?
- How long will this home take, and what are the stages?
- When are the pre-drywall walkthrough and the orientation, and what do they cover?
- What are the current HOA and district fees on this specific home?
- Are there one-time fees at closing for this community?
- Which closing costs does the purchase agreement assign to me?
- What does the warranty cover, for how long, and how do I request service?
[to confirm: that the Florida sales team is comfortable fielding each of these, and the agreed answers for fees, deposits and closing cost assignments]
Ask the county or the community
A few answers come from public offices and published documents. They are free, and worth a look before you sign.
- The county property appraiser: what the property tax rate is in this area, and which exemptions I may qualify for once I live in the home.
- The community development district, where there is one: the current fee schedule for this home type and lot size.
- The homeowners association: the current fee, what it covers, and the community rules.
Your next step, by stage
| Where you are | Your next step |
|---|---|
| Just starting | Talk to a lender and get pre-approved. Then read what it costs, so you know the lines to ask about. |
| Narrowing down | Pick two communities that fit on area and home type. Visit both, walk the model homes, and get the community fees for the homes you like. Where to start. |
| Choosing new or resale | Compare one specific new home against one specific resale listing on total monthly cost, not price. The comparison. |
| Under contract | Book the design appointment, start the insurance quote, keep your lender updated, and put the walkthrough dates in your calendar. The process. |
| Moved in | Keep the warranty document handy, learn your home's systems, and ask the county property appraiser about homeowner exemptions. |
[to confirm: whether a printable version of this checklist will be produced, and whether it is gated]
Questions first-time buyers ask
What if I do not have a lender yet?
Any bank, credit union or mortgage lender can pre-approve you. Choose one who works with first-time buyers often, and ask them the questions above. Our sales team can tell you how buyers in our communities typically finance a new home. [to confirm: whether the Florida team refers buyers to lenders, and how to describe that]
Is it too early to ask about insurance?
No. An agent can quote an address before you sign, and the number may change which home you choose. Earlier is better.
Why do you send me to the county for tax questions?
Because the county sets the rate, grants the exemptions and bills the tax. We can tell you the community fees on a home. The property appraiser's office is the right source for what you will owe and what you may qualify for.
Ready for the first conversation?
Pick a community, bring your questions, and let the sales team walk you through a specific home.
Internal review notes — what must be confirmed before this page publishes
- [to confirm] That the Florida sales team is comfortable fielding each question under 'Ask us', and the agreed answers for fees, deposits and closing cost assignments.
- [to confirm] Whether the Florida team refers buyers to lenders, and how to describe that.
- [to confirm] Whether a printable checklist will be produced, and whether it is gated. This page replaces the former 'Guide & checklist' download page.
- Confirm the Florida contact URL (www1.cardelhomes.com/florida/contact) is canonical at launch.