-buying your home doesn't have to be hard-a SMART move starts here | How to buy a home in Florida or Ohio with Eric and Katelyn Gross, eXp Realty

Buying a home with us

Buying a home with Eric Gross Group takes eight steps: a consultation, pre-approval, touring homes, making an offer, inspections, renegotiating if needed, finalizing your mortgage and the appraisal, then a final walkthrough and closing day. We guide you through each one in Florida (Tampa Bay, Orlando, Sarasota, Bradenton, Ocala) and Ohio (Greater Cincinnati and Dayton).

Think of us as your coach. Our free Buyer Guide is your backup reference, but we're your primary resource and we'll be with you every step of the way.

Transactions closed
400+
Saved for our buyers in 2026
$200K+
In volume sold
$100M+

Home Buying Roadmap

eight steps from start to keys

  1. 1

    Realtor consultation

    We'll talk through your price range, ideal locations, needs and wants, current market conditions, and how making an offer works.

  2. 2

    Get pre-approved

    Work with a loan officer or mortgage broker to find out how much you can afford and borrow. This shows sellers you're ready.

  3. 3

    View properties

    After narrowing down the listings we send you, it's time to schedule showings and see your favorites in person.

    Tip: tour 3-4 homes at a time
  4. 4

    Make an offer

    Found the one? Say "yes to the address" and we'll submit your offer. The sellers can accept, reject or counter it.

  5. 5

    Inspections

    Optional but highly recommended, an inspection confirms the home is in the condition it appears to be.

    Usually 7-10 days after signing
  6. 6

    Renegotiate if necessary

    If the inspection finds dangerous or costly defects, you can walk away, ask the seller to make repairs, or negotiate a lower price and handle repairs yourself.

  7. 7

    Complete your mortgage

    Once the final offer is agreed, finalize your loan application and lock in your interest rate. Your lender may ask for more documents.

  8. 8

    Order an appraisal

    Your lender requires an appraisal to confirm the home is worth the loan amount, based on similar sales, the home's age, location, size and condition.

The finish line

Final walkthrough + closing day

Within 24 hours of closing, we walk through the home together to confirm nothing has been damaged, agreed repairs are done, and nothing in the purchase agreement has been removed. On closing day you sign the final paperwork and pay the remaining down payment and closing costs by cashier's check or arranged wire. Ownership transfers to you, and the keys are yours.

Step 1

Book your buyer consultation

free, friendly, and no strings attached

This is an intro call to see if we're the right fit for your move. If we're not a match, no hard feelings. Here's what we'll cover together:

  • Your price range
  • Ideal locations in Florida or Ohio
  • Your needs and wants in a home
  • Current market conditions
  • How making an offer works

Pick a time that works for you

Choose a day and time on our calendar. You'll get a confirmation right away.

Book My Free Call

Prefer to talk now? Call or text 513-907-4271

Free download

Buying a home? Start here.

Download our FREE Buyer Blueprint and avoid the biggest home buying mistakes.

Our buyer guide is the cornerstone for understanding the whole buying process in today's market. We break down each phase so you know what's happening at every step.

  • Every phase of buying, broken down
  • What to expect at each step
  • The biggest mistakes buyers make, and how to avoid them
Get the Free Guide
The Buyer Blueprint: Buying with Confidence, by Eric and Katelyn Gross

Buying Smarter Starts Here

free tools for your search

AI Home Search Prompt Guide cover

AI Home Search Prompt Guide

50+ prompts to help you use ChatGPT to plan your home search, compare neighborhoods and prep for showings.

Get It Free
Neighborhood Comparison Worksheet cover

Neighborhood Comparison Worksheet

Score the areas you like side by side so the right fit is easy to spot.

Get It Free
Florida Moving Budget Planner cover

Florida Moving Budget Planner

Plan every moving cost before you relocate to the Sunshine State.

Get It Free

Buyer Reads From the Blog

From Our Buyers

★★★★★
Eric and Katelyn make an awesome team! They helped us buy and sell our home and made the process effortless.
Adam + Jillian P.
★★★★★
We couldn't be happier with Eric and Katie as our realtors. Kind, knowledgeable, and always willing to help! They made an otherwise very stressful situation enjoyable and exciting.
Angela G.
★★★★★
Eric and Katelyn were amazing! Highly recommend. They were with me through the entire process and follow up after the sale too.
Chad + Amanda D.

Buyer Questions

straight answers before you start

What are the steps to buying a home?

There are eight: a realtor consultation, getting pre-approved, viewing properties, making an offer, inspections, renegotiating if necessary, completing your mortgage application, and the appraisal. Then comes the final walkthrough and closing day.

Should I get pre-approved before I look at homes?

Yes. Pre-approval is step two, right after our consultation. A loan officer or mortgage broker confirms how much you can afford to borrow, so you shop in the right price range and your offer is taken seriously.

How many homes should I tour at a time?

We suggest 3-4 homes per outing. We filter the listings with you first so every showing is worth your time.

How long do home inspections take?

Inspections are typically completed within 7-10 days after signing the sales agreement. They're optional but highly recommended.

Why does my lender need an appraisal?

The appraisal confirms the home is worth the loan amount. It's based on similar property values and the home's age, location, size and condition.

What happens on closing day?

You review and sign the final paperwork and pay the remaining down payment and closing costs by cashier's check or a previously arranged wire. Ownership then transfers from the seller to you.

Can you help me buy in Florida while I still live in Ohio?

Yes. We work in both states, so we can help you sell in Ohio and buy in Florida, or the other way around. For any other state, we connect you with a trusted agent in the eXp Realty network.

Get your personalized homes list

Tell us a little about what you're looking for and we'll help you narrow down the options. Whether you're ready to move tomorrow or just starting to explore, we're happy to help.

513-907-4271Florida + Ohio · call or text

What happens next

  1. We review your must-havesPrice range, area, bedrooms and timing.
  2. We personally search for youWe hand-pick homes for sale that fit what you want and send you your own list, so you don't have to dig through every website.
  3. We tour your favoritesWhen you're ready, we schedule showings, 3-4 homes at a time.
★★★★★
"The best people to work with. They are passionate and truly care about their clients, and know their stuff!"
Sophorn H.

What are you looking for?

Form not loading? Open the homes list form