When is an earnest money deposit refundable on a Viera home?
Understand a Viera home purchase deposit through contract protections, notice deadlines, escrow holders, builder agreements and closing credits before sending funds.
Costs and taxes
Build this Viera home-cost workbook before you make an offer.
The most useful budget is not a generic monthly estimate. It is a dated file for one address, with sources, quote assumptions, open questions, and a range for costs that are not yet final.
By Carrie Liotta, Space Coast Realtor with Real Broker. Published September 25, 2026.
Waterfront certified, Best of Zillow, Zillow Premier Agent.
Worksheet A: cash needed
- Deposit schedule
- Down payment
- Lender and title estimates
- Inspections and specialist reviews
- Survey and appraisal where applicable
- Association application or transfer charges
- Moving and temporary housing
- Immediate repairs or purchases
Separate amounts paid before closing, funds needed at closing, and reserves kept after closing. Your lender and closing professional should confirm official figures.
Worksheet B: recurring monthly equivalent
| Line | Source | Record the assumption |
|---|---|---|
| Loan payment | Current loan estimate | Rate, term, points, mortgage insurance, lock status |
| Property tax | Official parcel data + post-sale estimate | Expected assessed-value scenario and exemptions |
| Insurance | Written quotes | Coverage, deductibles, inspections, flood decision |
| Associations | Current budgets and estoppel/owner records | Every layer, frequency, included services, pending changes |
| District | Tax bill and official district records | Debt and operations/maintenance components |
| Utilities + care | Provider research and condition | Electric, water, internet, lawn, pool, pest, filters |
Worksheet C: irregular ownership costs
Create annual reserves for the roof, HVAC, water heater, appliances, paint, landscaping, pest or termite work, pool equipment if present, and the deductible exposure you choose. A new home is not maintenance-free; a resale home is not automatically expensive. Use age, condition, warranty terms, inspection findings, and contractor input.
Worksheet D: uncertainty log
For every unknown, record an owner and a deadline: lender for financing, insurer for coverage, association for governing records, district for assessments, inspector for condition, title professional for title matters, and attorney for legal advice. Mark each item as confirmed, estimated, or unresolved.
Final stress test
- What changes if the insurance quote requires work?
- What changes if taxes reset above the seller’s current bill?
- Can the budget absorb an association increase or special assessment?
- Is cash still available after closing for moving and repairs?
- Does the cost remain comfortable without relying on a hoped-for refinance?
For a deeper explanation, use the Viera costs, insurance, HOA, and CDD guide.
Keep reading
How should Viera buyers document funds from a sale, gift, or transfer?
A Viera relocation buyer guide to documenting closing funds from account transfers, home-sale proceeds, gifts, earnest money and asset sales without disrupting underwriting.
What happens if a Viera home appraises below the contract price?
Learn how a low appraisal can affect Viera financing, contract options, appraisal review, renegotiation, cash needs and deadlines without assuming one automatic outcome.
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