Buyer’s Guide to Purchasing a Home in Miami

Buying a home or condo in the Miami area is an important decision that deserves experienced representation. At The Light Group, we guide you through every step with a focus on your goals, your lifestyle and your long-term investment strategy.

This guide outlines the buying process and explains how representation and commissions work under the new NAR requirements.

1. Define Your Needs and Lifestyle

Before touring properties, we work with you to clarify what you want and what will fit your life. We’ll help you consider:

• What type of property you’re seeking
• Whether the purchase is for investment, vacation use or full-time living
• Your preferred price range
• Neighborhoods that match your lifestyle
• Property size, style and layout
• Financing strategy if you are not purchasing with cash

Understanding these factors early ensures your search is efficient and tailored to your priorities.

2. Our Buyer Representation Services

When you engage us for buyer representation, we provide comprehensive guidance throughout the transaction. Our services include:

• Identifying properties that meet your criteria
• Evaluating property value within current market conditions
• Structuring and negotiating offers
• Coordinating with title agents, attorneys and lenders
• Managing inspections and reviewing reports
• Guiding you through appraisal, contingencies and final closing steps
• Providing post-closing support, including contractor recommendations or assistance with investment and leasing strategy

We focus on protecting your interests at every stage.

3. Searching for Your Home

We source properties from a wide range of channels including:

• Listings from Douglas Elliman’s Global Network
• Properties listed by other agents through the MLS
• Off-market opportunities not formally listed
• “Pocket” Listings
• For-sale-by-owner homes

Our goal is to ensure you have access to all viable options in the Miami market.

4. Making the Offer and Moving to Closing

Once you find the right property:

1. We help you determine a strategic offer price
2. We draft and structure the offer to support your goals
3. We negotiate on your behalf
4. After acceptance, we manage deadlines, inspections and all follow-up
5. We assist with the walkthrough and attend closing with you

Even after the transaction is complete, we remain available as an ongoing resource.

5. Home Buying Tips for the Miami Market

• Miami and Miami Beach are separate cities with different neighborhoods, zoning and amenities
• Work with one buyer’s agent to ensure clear, consistent representation
• If purchasing from a developer, representation is still recommended because contract terms differ from resale properties
• Always verify association dues, special assessments, insurance costs and taxes directly with the association or county

6. Commissions, Representation Agreements and the New NAR Rules

The real estate industry has shifted toward more transparency and upfront clarity. Here’s what you need to know as a buyer:

Written Representation Is Now Required

Under the NAR settlement:

• A buyer’s agent must have a written Buyer Broker Agreement or Showing Agreement in place before showing any property or providing full representation
• The agreement must outline the scope of services
• It must state how the buyer’s agent is compensated
• Compensation is fully negotiable and not set by law or by any association
• Offers of compensation can no longer be displayed in the MLS

What This Means for Buyers

• You will review and sign a representation agreement before touring homes
• The agreement will outline how compensation works, including how any buyer-agent fee may be handled
• Some sellers may offer compensation to buyer agents, some may not
• You and your agent will decide how to structure compensation based on your goals and the properties you are considering
• Transparency is now built into the process from day one

Our Commitment

At The Light Group, we discuss representation and compensation clearly and professionally at the start of the relationship. You’ll know exactly what services we provide, how we are compensated and how we protect your interests throughout the transaction.

7. Why Choose The Light Group?

If you’re purchasing in a city as dynamic as Miami, you need a team with deep local knowledge and strong negotiation experience. When you work with us:

• You receive guidance informed by real-time market expertise
• You gain a strategic partner who is focused on your best outcome
• You benefit from a high-touch, detail-oriented process aligned with your lifestyle and financial goals

We value trust, communication, creativity and long-term relationships. Our mission is to help you make confident decisions in one of the country’s most exciting real estate markets.

 

WE APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EARN YOUR BUSINESS!