Florida Seller Readiness: What to Check Before Going Under Contract

Different properties create different preparation needs. A condominium, a property with solar financing, a home on well and septic, or a property with recent permitted work can each require different records or questions. This is a screening guide, not a statement that a problem exists.

Identify permits and records for major renovations, additions, structural work, major electrical or plumbing work, roofs, pools, docks or seawalls where applicable, and other significant permitted improvements. Not every repair or replacement requires a permit; requirements depend on the work and local rules.

Check whether relevant permits are open, closed, finaled (with required final inspections approved), or unclear. Gather available permit records, invoices, warranties and contractor documentation. If the status is unclear, ask the local permitting authority or appropriate professional to clarify it.

Unresolved or unclear permit status can become relevant to buyers, title professionals, lenders, insurers or local authorities. Identifying questions early gives you more time to gather records and determine the appropriate next step.

Organize information about roof age and condition, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, wind mitigation and other insurance-related property characteristics. These characteristics may become relevant to a buyer's insurance review or due diligence.

Available inspection reports, maintenance records and wind mitigation documentation can help organize the discussion. They do not predict insurability. Direct carrier-specific questions to a licensed insurance professional.

Florida has a separate residential flood disclosure requirement. Organize known flood history, prior flood claims, flood-related assistance, and available elevation or survey information and flood insurance records.

Use the current required disclosure and seek appropriate guidance for questions about your property. The related Florida Seller Disclosure / Flood Readiness resource provides more detail.

Gather applicable governing documents, association disclosures, financial information, restrictions, approval requirements, assessments and reserve-related information. Identify documents that must come from the association and allow time to request them.

Document and delivery requirements can depend on the property and contract-specific timing. Use current information and obtain appropriate professional guidance rather than assuming the same requirements apply to every condominium or HOA sale.

Locate existing surveys and prior title policies. Identify questions involving easements, boundaries, liens, ownership or other title matters so the appropriate professional can review them early.

A title or closing professional handles title and closing mechanics within their role. Legal conclusions belong to an attorney.

Identify whether solar equipment is owned outright, financed or leased, and whether other improvements or equipment carry financing or lease obligations.

PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing is a type of improvement financing that may be repaid through a property-tax assessment.

Review the actual agreements for payoff or transfer requirements and whether a buyer can assume an obligation. Do not assume a loan, assessment or lease is transferable. Involve the appropriate lender, lessor, closing professional or attorney when needed.

For a property with a well or septic system, gather available installation, inspection, testing, maintenance and permit records. Identify any questions about local requirements with the appropriate professional.

Other examples include seawalls, docks, pools, generators, propane equipment, leased equipment and specialized property systems. Organize the records and agreements for the items that actually apply to your property.