When buying a Destin, FL home , it’s important to keep your eyes open and shop smart. Florida’s Gulf Coast offers many excellent opportunities for both residential and investment home buyers, but even great deals require that the buyer do his due diligence. When buying a home in the Destin and South Walton area, follow these smart home buyer tips:
Choose a Destin Realtor with long-term experience buying and selling homes on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Dealing with a real estate agent who is intimately familiar with the many specific neighborhoods that line the Gulf Coast will ensure that you spend your shopping time productively. A top Destin Realtor can immediately steer you to properties and communities that meet your personal preferences.
Personally inspect a property before you buy. Online photographs and walk-through videos are great for narrowing your housing choices, but they don’t always tell the whole story. There is no substitute for a personal physical inspection of the property.
Research the community where the home is located to make sure the neighborhood is a good fit for your personal needs and lifestyle. An experienced Destin Realtor can provide a wealth of information about individual neighborhoods that can be otherwise difficult to obtain.
Beyond your personal preferences, give some consideration to factors that may affect the home’s future resale value, such as school district ranking, proximity to shopping and churches, and availability of community services (police, fire, refuse collection, parks, etc.).
Obtain reliable real estate legal, financial and insurance advice before negotiating a purchase. Experienced Destin real estate agents can recommend local firms with proven expertise in Destin home sales. Pay attention if your Realtor or an advisor raises a red flag.
Obtain a home inspection from a qualified home inspector who is knowledgeable about housing structures and local building codes. Rely on your Destin Realtor for a list of competent inspectors.
