Now is the time, before you go out looking, to make a list of everything you want when finding the right house in Florida. Write it all down.
A bit of organization and you’ll be able to see what’s really important on your list – two bedrooms or three, for example, or a detached versus a semi-detached house – and what would be nice to have but isn’t written in stone. Put essentials on an “A” list and then separate the rest into “B” and “C” lists.
For example, you may like the way an open contemporary floor plan lets you keep an eye on the grandkids in the family room while you prepare dinner in the kitchen. Or, let’s say the grandchildren are teenagers who like to blast the CD player. Well, for your sanity’s sake, you may prefer the style of older homes, which feature rooms that are generally closed off from one another or have finished attics or basements.
Once you have a clear picture of what you want and what you can afford, a real estate agent will help you find a place that fulfills both qualifying factors. Advises Anne Roe, a real estate agent with Turner and Bustle Real Estate, “Stay in touch with an agent even if you don’t see anything you like right away. New places are always coming on the market, and if you call regularly, the agent is going to realize you’re seriously interested and will let you know when something appropriate is listed.”
If you’re lucky enough to find a house that suits you perfectly the first time you go out with an agent to look, don’t shout “We’ll take it!” immediately.
Marla Hasbro, a real estate agent with Steven Foster Real Estate says, ‘’Even if you absolutely love the first place you see, you still owe it to yourself to look at others.”
Actually, if you were frank and thorough in your qualifying interview with the real estate agent about what you want and what you can afford, it won’t take long before you’ll get a good idea of property values and how much you can expect to get for your money in any given area.
Finally, don’t judge a book by its cover. “Don’t be swayed by the cosmetics,” warns Anne Roe. “If you’re going to be a canny buyer, concentrate on the major systems and the structure, which are the most expensive items to repair or replace.”
Now’s the time to bring out your lists and compare. Ask yourself, honestly, how well does the property you are considering match up against your needs? Remember, you don’t want to discover after you’ve moved into a house that the 30-minute drive to the supermarket takes too much valuable time.
