Seven stages, one point of contact, no surprises at the closing table.
Buying a residence in Naples follows a clear sequence, but the details that matter — particularly on the water and in condominium towers — are specific to this market. This is how a purchase with Alpizar & Company proceeds, from the first conversation to the day the keys change hands.
| 1. Consultation | Define the search, agree on representation |
| 2. Financing | Proof of funds or lender pre-approval in hand before showings |
| 3. Search | Curated selection, private previews, showings on your schedule |
| 4. Offer | Written valuation, then a negotiated contract with the right contingencies |
| 5. Due Diligence | Inspections, waterfront review, condominium documents, survey and title |
| 6. Insurance & Appraisal | Flood, wind and homeowner coverage bound; lender appraisal if financing |
| 7. Closing | Final walk-through, funds wired, documents signed in person or remotely |
| Typical Timeline | Cash: 2 to 4 weeks from contract; financed: 30 to 45 days; new construction: per developer schedule |
1. Consultation and Representation
Every purchase begins with a private conversation — by phone, video or in person — about where you want to be, how you intend to use the residence, budget, timing, and what you have already seen. We explain how buyer representation works, what it costs and who pays, and put the agreement in writing before you tour anything. From this point you have one advisor and one point of contact through closing.
2. Financing or Proof of Funds
Most Naples luxury purchases are cash, and sellers expect proof of funds with any offer. Buyers who finance should have a full pre-approval — not a pre-qualification — from a lender experienced with jumbo loans and Florida condominiums, since some towers do not meet conventional lending criteria. Either way, having this in hand before the search means an offer can be submitted the day the right property appears.
3. Search and Showings
We assemble a curated selection from the MLS, private previews from cooperating brokers, and off-market opportunities, then refine it with you. Showings are scheduled around your calendar; out-of-state and overseas buyers see properties by video walk-through first and visit to confirm. Because we limit the number of buyers we represent, the search moves at your pace rather than ours.
4. Valuation and Offer
Before any offer, we prepare a written valuation from closed, pending and expired comparables in the specific building or street, so the number you offer is grounded in evidence. Florida purchases generally use the FAR/BAR AS IS contract, which gives the buyer an inspection period to walk away for any reason. We negotiate price, escrow deposit, inspection period, closing date, and any financing or appraisal contingencies, and we tell you plainly when to hold firm and when to move.
5. Due Diligence
The inspection period is where a Naples purchase is won or lost. For every property: a licensed general inspection, wind mitigation and four-point inspections for insurance, and a survey and title commitment. For waterfront homes: seawall and dock inspection, lift capacity, bridge clearance to the Gulf, elevation certificate and flood history. For condominiums: the milestone structural inspection report, structural integrity reserve study, budget and financials, pending and recent assessments, insurance program, and the association's rental, pet and approval policies — Florida law provides a three-day rescission window after delivery of condominium documents, and we use it. We coordinate every inspector and read every report before you do.
6. Insurance and Appraisal
Insurance in coastal Collier County must be arranged early, not at the end. We connect you with agents who write flood, wind and homeowner coverage on waterfront property, and we obtain quotes during due diligence so the cost is known before contingencies expire. If you are financing, the lender orders the appraisal in this window; on condominiums, the lender also reviews the association's financials and reserves.
7. Closing
Florida closings are handled by a title company or closing attorney. You receive the settlement statement in advance, wire funds to the closing agent — we verify wire instructions by phone, every time — and sign in person or by mail-away and electronic notary from anywhere in the world. We conduct the final walk-through with you or on your behalf, confirm the property is as contracted, and hand over keys, codes and association contacts the day you close.
New Construction
Developer purchases follow a different path: reservation, contract, a staged deposit schedule of typically 20 to 40 percent before completion, and closing on delivery one to three years later. We represent buyers at Naples' new developments — Rosewood, Naples Beach Club, Epique, The Ritz-Carlton Residences and others — on stack selection, contract terms, deposit structure and delivery value. Developers compensate buyer representation, so independent advice costs you nothing.
Begin the Conversation
A consultation is complimentary, private and without obligation. Call or text (239) 438-1102, or tell us what you are looking for below and we will be in touch the same day.
The Buying Process — Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to buy a home in Naples?
From accepted contract, a cash purchase typically closes in two to four weeks and a financed purchase in 30 to 45 days. The search itself can take a week or a season depending on how specific your requirements are and what is available. New construction closes on the developer's delivery schedule, often one to three years out.
How much is the escrow deposit in Naples?
Ten percent of the purchase price is customary in the luxury market, often split between an initial deposit at contract and a second at the end of the inspection period. Deposits are held by the closing agent and are refundable if you cancel within the inspection period under an AS IS contract.
What is the inspection period in a Florida contract?
A negotiated window, typically 10 to 15 days, during which the buyer may inspect the property and cancel for any reason with the deposit returned. For waterfront and condominium purchases we negotiate enough time to complete seawall, dock, milestone and association document review, not just a general inspection.
What does condominium due diligence involve in Naples?
Review of the milestone structural inspection report, structural integrity reserve study, current budget and reserve balances, pending and recent special assessments, the master insurance policy, meeting minutes, and the rental, pet and approval rules. Florida provides a three-business-day rescission period after these documents are delivered on a resale purchase.
Can I close on a Naples home without being there?
Yes. Mail-away closings and remote online notarization are routine in Florida. Documents are signed electronically or before a notary where you are, funds are wired to the closing agent, and we conduct the final walk-through on your behalf.
What are closing costs for a buyer in Naples?
Buyer costs typically include title insurance and closing agent fees, recording fees, survey, inspections, the first year of insurance, and lender fees if financing. Florida documentary stamp tax on the deed is customarily paid by the seller in Collier County, though it is negotiable. Expect roughly one to two percent of the price for a cash purchase, more with a mortgage.
This overview is general in nature and not legal, tax or lending advice. Contract terms, timelines and costs vary by transaction; consult your closing agent, attorney and lender for specifics.
Meet the Team
Connect with Real Estate Advisors... not Salespeople.
Alpizar & Company is a family-owned independent brokerage specializing in luxury waterfront real estate across Naples' most sought-after neighborhoods. Led by Robert Alpizar (CLHMS, GRI, SRS, PSA) and Marlene Alpizar, our team operates as advisors — not salespeople — guiding buyers and sellers with firsthand local expertise and no corporate quotas.
We offer complimentary, pressure-free consultations without any commitment.
Over 250 closed transactions. $100 million in Naples luxury waterfront sales. Read what our buyers and sellers say about working with an advisor-driven independent brokerage — and why they come back.
What's it like working with Alpizar & Company?