3 Tips For Buying A Home in Florida
Are you looking for a new home? Does a view of the water or easy access to the beach to you? If so, purchasing a new house in Florida may be something to consider. Florida has a surface area of 65,755 square miles and a total population of 21.31 million. Florida itself attracts more than 100 million visitors each year and 36% of vacation buyers purchased property in a beach area. There are 1,200 miles of sandy beaches and 1,800 miles of coastline in Florida. That’s just one reason that 1,000 people move to Florida every day.
There are 7.42 million homes and apartments available in Florida today. According to Neighborhoodscout, the median home value in Florida is $209,623. Only 1.5% of the homes in Florida cost more than $1.42 million, according to Neighborhood Scout. IF you are in the market for a new home in Florida, here are a few things to consider before moving in.
Pick A Location You Can See Yourself In For A While
When you buy a home, you typically plan on spending a lot of time there. With many millennials buying homes and starting families, it’s important to think about where you’ll be living, the schools, emergency services, nightlife and tourist attractions. According to the National Association of Realtors, 52% of home buyers cited finding the right property as the most difficult part of buying a home. If an apartment, condo or oceanfront house appeals to you, do your research before deciding on a new house.
Ninety-Two percent of people now use the Internet in their home search. Among buyers who used the Internet during their home search, 87% of buyers found photos and 84% found detailed information about properties for sale very useful. No two homes are exactly the same. Also, determine if the house meets all your needs. Does it have a backyard for the dog? Is the area a popular tourist location? Is the home close to emergency services like the police and fire department? There are a series of things to consider for each individual. What appeals to you visually may not be a dream come true when you move.
Partner with an Expert Agent
Find a realtor that you can work with throughout the buying process. If they’re any good, they’ll provide you with all the information you need on new homes for sale, what to look for in a new home and what to expect in the process. According to the National Association of Realtors, 34% of recent buyers who purchased new homes were looking to avoid renovations and problems with plumbing or electricity. If you’re visiting, research the top agents in the area, look for FOR SALE signs with realtors names, and ask around. A real estate agent that specializes in waterfront homes and land will know which questions to ask, who to involve in the transaction, and how to help you achieve your dream of homeownership on the water.
Start the Loan Process Early
Purchasing a new house can be a complicated process with all the documentation and verification processes. With that said, you’ll want to start the loan process early. If you’re considering a waterfront home, you’ll most likely need a jumbo loan, which is considered “jumbo” because of how much money you’ll be requesting. Any loans that exceed $417,000 in most communities in the United States qualify as a jumbo loan. Some areas have higher limits up to about $625,000.
Home buying can be a stressful but rewarding process. If you’re looking to workout on the beach, watch the sunrise with a cup of coffee, fish, boat, or party, then consider a new house in Florida. The area is diversified with luxurious homes, condominiums, and apartments for sale near the water that is sure to keep you comfortable and entertained.