Buy a home

Buy your Orlando home with an engineer’s eye

From the first conversation to closing day, Fabiola helps you choose the right neighborhood, read the home beyond the photos and negotiate a price that makes sense, in English or Spanish.

Aerial view of homes in an Orlando neighborhood
Fabiola Meneses, Orlando REALTOR®

Your Orlando REALTOR®

Fabiola Meneses

The Pozek Group · Real Broker, LLC

FIU civil engineering graduate · English & Español

100+Homes sold
$60M+In sales
2014Licensed
Why buy with Fabiola

What changes when your agent studied civil engineering

01

Construction quality

She looks at structure, roof, systems and finishes during showings and inspections, and helps you understand what a repair really involves before you commit.

02

The real monthly cost

Taxes, HOA and CDD fees, insurance and, if you are investing, rental potential, laid out clearly before you write an offer.

03

New construction, from the inside

She works with builders and knows how new homes are built, so you can compare communities, incentives and contracts with confidence.

04

Bilingual, fast and firm

Clear answers in English or Spanish, quick replies and steady negotiation from the first showing to closing day.

The buying process

Seven steps from the first call to your keys

Every purchase is different, but this is what you can expect when you buy with Fabiola.

  1. 01

    Consultation

    You talk about your goals, budget, timeline and the areas that fit your life: commute, schools, HOA or CDD, and the type of home you want.

  2. 02

    Pre-approval

    A lender’s pre-approval shows your real budget and makes your offer stronger. Paying cash? You will need proof of funds instead.

  3. 03

    Search and showings

    Fabiola searches the MLS for homes that match your criteria and tours them with you, in person or by video call if you are out of town.

  4. 04

    Offer and negotiation

    She reviews comparable sales, prepares a competitive offer and negotiates price, terms and credits on your behalf.

  5. 05

    Inspections

    During the inspection period she helps you read the reports with an engineer’s eye and decide what to ask for, renegotiate or walk away from.

  6. 06

    Appraisal, loan and insurance

    She keeps the lender, the title company and your insurance agent on schedule so the appraisal, loan approval and policy are ready on time.

  7. 07

    Closing and beyond

    Most financed purchases close in about 30 to 60 days; cash can be faster. After closing, she is still a call away for the questions that come with a new home.

Plan your budget

Costs to plan for beyond the price

A pre-approval tells you what you can borrow. These are the other costs Fabiola reviews with you before you make an offer, so there are no surprises at the closing table.

First-time buyer? You may qualify for Florida Housing programs or local assistance, depending on eligibility and income. Guidelines change, so confirm them with an approved lender.

  • Down payment. It depends on your loan program; some programs allow lower down payments.
  • Closing costs. Lender, title and government fees, plus prepaid property taxes and insurance.
  • Inspections and appraisal. Paid during the contract period, before closing.
  • Homeowners insurance. In Florida it can vary a lot with the age of the roof, the location and the flood zone. Get quotes early.
  • HOA and CDD fees. Many Orlando communities have them. A CDD is billed with your property taxes, so it is part of your real monthly payment.
  • Property taxes. They are reassessed after a sale, so plan with the new amount, not the seller’s current bill.
Find my home

Tell me what you’re looking for

I’ll send you homes that match, including new listings as they come up.

  1. Areas and budget
  2. A personalized home search
  3. Tours when you’re ready
Fabiola Meneses, REALTOR®Lives in Lake Nona
Find my home (EN)

Where would you like to live?


What’s your budget?


Timing and financing


Where should I send your homes?


Reviews

What buyers say

5.0
★★★★★
11 reviews on Zillow
★★★★★
“I met Fabiola at my kids school and was wondering to myself why is there a Real Estate Company here at my kids Open House, but thank God she was. I was only interested in renting a property, but she gave me the confidence that I needed to go through the lending process and now we own our own newly built home. She stood by me the whole time through the good, ugly, stressful, and anxious periods of the process. Her knowledge in her field was spot on. I would recommend Fabiola for anyone looking for a Realtor.”
Arlene PetersonBought a new townhouse in Winter Garden · Zillow
★★★★★
“She was a great help helping us buy a house. It was stressful because of reasons outside of our control but we made it. Very professional and responsive! Highly recommend her!”
Ana GoesBought a home in St. Cloud · Zillow
★★★★★
“Working with my realtor Fabiola was an amazing experience from start to finish. They made buying my home in Orlando feel so much easier by always being available to answer my questions, explaining every step of the process, and making sure I felt confident with every decision.”
Norma RosalesBought a home in Kissimmee · Zillow
Free guide

The Orlando Buyer’s Guide

A clear, step-by-step guide to buying a home in Orlando: budget, neighborhoods, offers, inspections and closing.

Get the free guide
Buying a Home in Orlando, free buyer’s guide by Fabiola Meneses
FAQ

Buying questions

See all FAQs →
How much do I need to buy a house in Orlando?

The amount you need depends on the home price, loan type, credit profile, and down payment. Some mortgage programs allow lower down payments, but you should also plan for closing costs, inspections, appraisal fees, prepaid taxes and insurance, and other purchasing expenses. A pre-approval can help you understand your realistic budget before you start shopping.

What programs are available for first-time homebuyers?

First-time buyers may qualify for Florida Housing programs and local assistance depending on eligibility, income, and other requirements. Because program availability and guidelines can change, it’s important to confirm current requirements with an approved lender or program administrator.

Do I have to pay to work with a buyer’s agent?

Since August 2024, buyers sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes. It explains how the agent is paid. That compensation is negotiable and is sometimes covered by the seller as part of the deal. Fabiola walks you through it at your first meeting.

Can I buy property in Orlando while living outside the U.S.?

Yes, many international buyers purchase Orlando property while living abroad. Financing, tax, documentation, and legal requirements can vary, and Florida has specific restrictions affecting certain foreign buyers and properties. International buyers should work with an experienced Realtor plus qualified legal and tax professionals.

How long do closings take in Orlando?

Most financed purchases take roughly 30–60 days from contract to closing, although the timeline depends on the lender, appraisal, title work, inspections, financing, and contract terms. Cash purchases can often close faster.

What is the due diligence or inspection period in Florida?

The inspection period is determined by the purchase contract and can be negotiated. Under the commonly used Florida AS-IS residential contract, the standard inspection period is generally 15 days unless the parties agree to a different period. Your Realtor can explain the contract terms and help coordinate inspections.