Tips for Buyers: Choosing the Right Home
ORLANDO, Fla. – In today’s Florida real estate market, buyers can choose from a wide selection of homes. That makes it easier to find suitable single-family homes, townhouses or condominiums. But the knowledgeable advice of a Realtor® in Florida is more important than ever in determining which one offers the best fit.
“Buyers need to set reasonable expectations and have done their homework,” says Suzanne Sherer, a sales associate with RE/MAX Realty Team in Cape Coral. “A Realtor can advise you on what home is right both for today and tomorrow.”
Florida’s Realtors understand that a home is more than just a collection of bedrooms and bathrooms. Two homes with similar bedrooms, baths and prices, for instance, may offer very different designs, commuting distances, lot sizes, tax costs, interior dimensions, and exterior finishes.
Therefore, it’s important for buyers to identify the features that are most important for their current lifestyle and for their potential needs in the future. A couple in their 20s, for instance, might prefer a three- or four-bedroom home so they don’t have to relocate if they start a family.
Here are some questions to consider:
• How many bedrooms do you want?
• How many bathrooms?
• Do you prefer a clean, modern design or something with a more traditional ambiance?
• Would you prefer a yard for children and pets or a lower-maintenance condominium?
• Do you want a formal dining room?
• Do you prefer an open floor plan?
• Would you want a two-story home?
• Do you want energy-saving appliances and systems?
• Do you want to have a pool, whirlpool spa or outdoor patio?
• Do you need space for a home office?
• Are there any other special features you need, such as an elevator or ramps for wheelchair access?
“Buyers need to be clear as to the features and amenities their new home has to have versus would be nice to have, and be able to prioritize them,” Scherer says. “That will help you narrow your choices until you find the home that’s just right for you.”
Tips for Buyers: Finding the Right Neighborhood
ORLANDO, Fla. – Every city, village or town in Florida has its own unique character and personality. That’s one of the reasons why so many homebuyers seek out a Florida community that’s a good match for their desired lifestyle.
Wherever you might be considering buying a home – from Key West to Pensacola – it’s important to find the right neighborhood for yourself and your loved ones.
“Speaking to an experienced Realtor® in Florida, one who knows the area well, can save you a ton of hours and even more-frustration,” says Vladimir F. Golik, a broker with Keller Williams Realty Premier Properties in Miami.
Most buyers today begin their search online, taking advantage of the wealth of information now available on thousands of websites. Others use their social networks like Facebook or Twitter to gather other people’s opinions.
But as you search for the right neighborhood, many of the key questions can’t be answered by online sources. For instance, it’s difficult to get a sense of the neighborhood’s character, and the availability and pricing of current listings without talking to a Realtor who is familiar with the local market.
The same holds true if you’re looking for a condominium or townhome, as buildings and communities can differ widely from each other. For example, one building might be occupied primarily by owners in their 60s and 70s, while another might be filled with renters in their 20s or 30s. That’s an important difference for buyers that might not be evident from online sources.
“A Realtor® can help you narrow your search to the right neighborhood before you start hunting for a specific property,” says Golik.
To help you find a good neighborhood, here are some questions to discuss with your Realtor®:
• What type of neighborhood do you want?
• What is your desired lifestyle?
• How do you picture your life in five years?
• Do you want a home of condominium?
• What is your price range?
• Do you want to live close to work?
• Do you want to live near a beach, golf course, shopping or other amenities?
• Are security and privacy important considerations?
• Would you prefer to live in a more social community, such as a condominium complex?
As you search for a neighborhood with the right home prices, amenities and location, you may need to make tradeoffs. A Realtor who knows the community can help you discuss these issues and find a Florida location with the ideal characteristics for your individual or family lifestyle.
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