How to Research a South Florida Property Before You Buy

A listing tells you what is being marketed. Due diligence tells you what you are buying. Before you rely on a property description, compare the address with the county property appraiser, current flood mapping, available permit records, the applicable association documents, and any other public or transaction documents relevant to the property.

The right checklist changes by property type. A waterfront home may call for dock and seawall research. A condo may require close review of association finances, reserves, assessments, inspections, insurance, restrictions, and building documents. An older single-family home may make permit history, roof information, electrical systems, plumbing, additions, and prior renovations especially important.

Use specialists for specialist questions. Inspectors, engineers, insurance professionals, attorneys, accountants, surveyors, contractors, lenders, and association managers each answer different parts of the puzzle. A broker's job includes helping you recognize the questions and manage the transaction, not pretending one person can replace every expert.