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Florida state guideThe Florida First-Time Buyer GuideWhat to check, what to watch for, and what it really costs to buy your first home in Florida.$14.99 30 pagesRead free
Pinellas County guideBuying Your First Home in Pinellas CountySt. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, the beaches and everywhere in between.$29.99 23 pagesRead freeWhat a first-time buyer guide should cover
Buying a home is a long list of decisions made quickly. This is the order they tend to come in.
Before you make an offer
Get pre-approved so you know your range, then budget for more than the mortgage: property tax, homeowners insurance, flood insurance where it applies, and maintenance. Check whether down payment assistance programs in your state or county fit your income and the type of home.
Local rules change the math. A flood zone changes insurance cost. County tax rates and exemptions change the monthly payment.
Between offer and closing
A home inspection is your chance to learn about the roof, HVAC, plumbing and electrical before you are committed. Read the contract and the disclosures, shop insurance early because it can affect whether a lender will close, and ask for a closing cost estimate so the final number is no surprise.
Each Steadwell guide lays these steps out for your state or county, with checklists you can print and bring to showings, inspections and closing.
After you get the keys
The first year is when you learn the house. Record the age and model of the roof, water heater, HVAC and appliances, keep your closing documents and inspection report, and set up the recurring maintenance a new home needs.
That is what the Steadwell app is for, and the free plan has no time limit.
Not in Florida?
Tell us your state. We write guides in the order people ask for them, and we'll email you when yours is ready.
What makes these different
Local, not generic
A state guide covers statewide rules. A county guide covers the details that change your decision: risk maps, programs, tax rates and offices.
Dated and sourced
Every guide says when it was checked, and its figures are dated and sourced so you can confirm them.
Made to use
Checklists, a glossary and a first-year plan you can print and bring to showings, inspections and closing.
Common questions
Which guides are available?
The Florida First-Time Buyer Guide and the Pinellas County guide are ready now. More states and counties are planned. Tell us your state below and we'll write guides in the order people ask for them.
What's the difference between a state guide and a county guide?
The state guide covers the statewide rules: loans, inspections, contracts, insurance, closing costs and property taxes. A county guide covers the local details: risk maps, down payment programs, tax rates, local offices and what to watch for in that county.
How current are the guides?
Each guide says when it was checked, and every figure is dated and sourced. Program funding, income limits, insurance rules and tax rates change, so confirm anything you rely on with the agency or your lender.
What should a first-time home buyer know first?
Get pre-approved so you know your range, budget for taxes, insurance and maintenance as well as the mortgage, and check flood risk and local down payment programs before you make an offer. The guides walk through each step for your state and county.
Do I need a guide for my state and my county?
The state guide covers the rules that apply statewide. A county guide adds the local details. If a county guide exists for where you are buying, the two together give the fullest picture, and the bundle costs less than buying them separately.
Is this legal or financial advice?
Steadwell's buyer guides are researched and written with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy before publication. They are general information, not legal, tax, insurance, financial or real estate advice. Laws, programs and prices change, so confirm details with the responsible agency and licensed professionals before you act.
After you close, keep your home on track.
Steadwell tracks your warranties, maintenance, insurance and documents in one place. The free plan has no time limit.
Get started free →