Relocating to Sarasota: A 90-Day Move Plan

January 1, 2026

Thinking about moving to Sarasota in just 90 days? You can do it with a clear plan and the right local guidance. If you are buying from out of state, you might be juggling timing, inspections, insurance, and remote logistics. This guide gives you a week-by-week checklist tailored to Sarasota, so you can focus on the fun part of relocating while avoiding common delays. Let’s dive in.

Sarasota timing and what to expect

Seasonality matters in Sarasota. Buyer activity and inventory often rise from November through April, which can affect pricing, competition, and the availability of short-term rentals. Plan ahead if your timeline overlaps with high season.

Expect a typical 30 to 60 days from contract to closing for conventional loans. VA, FHA, or complex transactions can take longer. Condos and properties with associations may require extra documents from the association, which can extend timelines.

Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Plan for wind and flood insurance early, confirm mitigation features, and discuss shutters or impact windows with your inspector and insurer. Many properties fall within FEMA flood zones, and separate flood insurance may be required by your lender if the home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area.

Your 90-day Sarasota move plan

Below is a simple framework for a smooth relocation. It follows a three-phase timeline with weekly action steps.

Phase A: Weeks 1–4 — Planning and search

Week 1: Financing and team setup

Get mortgage pre-approval or gather proof of funds if paying cash. Ask your lender about typical Florida timelines and required documents.
Hire a local Sarasota buyer’s agent who is experienced with out-of-state relocations. Ask for neighborhood comparisons, HOA and condo processes, and a vetted vendor list for inspectors, insurers, title, and movers.
Create your relocation checklist. Note must-have features, accessibility needs, work-from-home priorities, flood zone comfort level, and proximity to services that matter to you.

Week 2: Virtual touring and utilities research

Begin virtual showings. Request live video walk-throughs, detailed room measurements, and any 3D or drone footage available.
Ask for seller disclosures, recent utility bills, and any available floor plans or surveys. Begin reviewing HOA or condo bylaws if you are considering those options.
Research electric, water, internet, and trash providers at the address level. Large parts of the county are served by Florida Power & Light, but confirm for each property.
If you plan to spend time locally before closing, book short-term housing early, especially during high season.

Week 3: Narrow the list and set strategy

Schedule in-depth virtual tours for your top contenders. Request high-resolution videos and Q&A sessions with your agent.
Set your offer strategy. Discuss contingencies, inspection lengths, appraisal timing, and closing date options based on current market conditions.
Ask for any available surveys and confirm association details for condos or HOA communities.

Week 4: In-person visit or decision point

If possible, plan a brief visit to tour your final shortlist. If travel is not feasible, rely on deeper virtual due diligence and your agent’s local expertise.
Prepare earnest money logistics. Verify how funds will be sent, and plan for secure wiring when you go under contract.

Phase B: Weeks 5–8 — Under contract and due diligence

Week 5: Offer and inspections

Submit your offer. In competitive situations, consider options like a shorter inspection period or an escalation clause. Weigh your risk tolerance before shortening contingencies.
Once accepted, immediately schedule inspections: general home, termite/WDO, roof, and HVAC. For older homes, plan on wind mitigation and four-point inspections, since insurers commonly request them.

Week 6: Insurance and association documents

Review inspection reports and request a video recap with your inspector if you are remote.
If the property is in a flood zone or you are unsure, confirm flood status and consider ordering an elevation certificate. This can affect flood insurance availability and price.
For condos or HOA properties, order required resale documents and estoppel letters right away. Turnaround times vary by association and can delay closing if you wait.
Start insurance quotes and provide inspection reports to insurers. Many insurers will not bind coverage without these.

Week 7: Repair negotiations and appraisal

Negotiate repairs or credits based on inspection findings. If you cannot be present, consider authorizing your agent within the scope allowed or consult about a limited power of attorney.
If your lender requires certain repairs before closing, get bids and a realistic timeline.
Order the appraisal through your lender and ensure the appraiser has recent local comparable sales.

Week 8: Clear contingencies and finalize insurance

Work with your agent and lender to resolve inspection, appraisal, and financing contingencies.
Confirm title work is underway and that you understand next steps for a clear-to-close.
Select your insurance provider and aim to have a binder ready for your closing date.

Phase C: Weeks 9–12 — Final prep, closing, and move-in

Week 9: Closing logistics and utilities

Coordinate with the title company on how you will sign: in person, mobile notary, or e-closing. Florida permits remote online notarization, but your lender and title company must approve.
Schedule utility transfers and internet activation to line up with your move-in date. Some providers need a few business days.
Book your movers and vehicle transport. Seasonal spikes can limit availability.

Week 10: Walkthrough and funding prep

Schedule the final walkthrough. If you cannot attend, have your agent confirm that agreed repairs are complete and the property is in expected condition.
Clear lender conditions. Verify wire instructions by phone using a known good number. Plan the timing for your final funds.

Week 11: Closing

Close remotely or in person. The title company will record the deed and issue your title insurance policy.
Coordinate key handoff with your agent. Start mail forwarding and update your address with banks and service providers.

Week 12: Move-in and first-month tasks

Move in and test all utilities, HVAC, appliances, and internet. Set up your home office if you work remotely.
If the home is your primary residence, file for the Florida homestead exemption with the Sarasota County Property Appraiser by the March 1 deadline.
Register for county services and update your driver’s license and vehicle registration with the state’s motor vehicle agency. Review current document requirements before your appointment.
If you are retired, transfer medical records, confirm Medicare or insurance network details, and set first appointments with new providers.

Sarasota-specific inspections and insurance

General home inspection. Covers structure, electrical, and plumbing and often surfaces repair negotiations.
Roof condition. Roof age and material can impact insurance eligibility and premiums.
Termite/WDO inspection. Common in Florida and often required by lenders.
Four-point and wind mitigation inspections. Insurers frequently require these for older homes. Results can reduce premiums if the home has qualifying features.
Flood risk and elevation. Flood insurance is separate from standard homeowner policies and may be required by lenders in Special Flood Hazard Areas. An elevation certificate can inform pricing.
Septic and well. If the property is not on municipal services, have these inspected.

Utilities, internet, and services setup

Electricity, water, sewer, and trash are provided by city or county agencies or regional utilities. Confirm your providers and learn what they need to start service, such as deposits or ID.
Internet options vary by address and can include cable, DSL, or fiber. Remote workers should verify speed and consider a backup hotspot.
Set your start dates early so activation aligns with move-in. Some services require several business days to schedule.

Moving logistics and temporary housing

Book movers and auto shipping early. Winter and spring often bring higher demand.
If closing timing is uncertain, plan a short-term rental to bridge the gap. This takes pressure off possession dates and furniture delivery.
Keep a separate essentials box for remote work: router, cables, monitor, surge protectors, and any required VPN gear.

For retirees and remote professionals

Accessibility and maintenance. If you prefer low maintenance living, consider single-level homes, elevators in condos, and smaller yards. Ask for maintenance histories for HVAC and major systems.
Health care planning. Map hospitals and specialists relevant to your needs and confirm plan networks. Move prescriptions and records in advance.
Broadband reliability. Confirm speed and reliability at the exact address. Ask about fiber availability and service appointment lead times.

Avoid common delays and risks

Request association documents early. Estoppel letters and resale certificates can take days or weeks. Build this into your timeline.
Plan for insurance early. Insurers may require wind mitigation and four-point inspections. Bind coverage as soon as allowable.
Protect your closing funds. Always verify wire instructions by phone using a trusted number. Do not rely on email links.
Understand closing options. Many title companies support e-signatures and remote online notarization, but verify what your lender will accept.
Ask early about power of attorney. Florida has specific rules for real estate documents. Confirm with your title company or attorney before relying on a POA.

Relocating to Sarasota should feel exciting, not stressful. With a clear timeline, the right inspections and insurance, and early coordination on title and utilities, you can land smoothly and start enjoying Gulf Coast living. If you want a trusted local guide to manage the moving parts, schedule a friendly consult with Lori Madden for concierge-level support from search to keys.

FAQs

How long does it take to close on a home in Sarasota?

For most conventional loans, plan on 30 to 60 days from contract to closing, depending on appraisal timing, lender conditions, and association documents.

Can I complete a Sarasota closing from out of state?

Many title companies and lenders support partial or full remote closings with electronic signatures and remote online notarization. Confirm details early.

What inspections can affect my insurance in Florida?

Wind mitigation and four-point inspections are commonly requested by insurers, especially for older homes. Roof condition and termite/WDO also matter.

Do I need flood insurance in Sarasota?

If the home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, lenders typically require flood insurance. Even outside these zones, some buyers choose to carry it.

What condo or HOA documents should I request first?

Ask for the resale certificate or estoppel letter, bylaws, budget, master insurance summary, recent meeting minutes, and any special assessment notices.