Everyone dreams about opening their eyes to an unending visual of blue seas. Waking up to the coastal breeze, listening to the splash of waves against the shore and experiencing tranquillity is widely desired. Most of us imagine this to be our ideal vacation; but what if you could live this on a daily basis!
Gulf breeze Florida, which is nestled in Pensacola, Santa Rosa County offers just what you dream of. There are innumerable amazing things about buying a property here. For instance, the beach within a walking distance, the sound of the waves lulling you to sleep every night, amazing parties, and most importantly, endless beautiful views on a regular basis.
The Gulf breeze has tropical weather, plenty of scenic waterfront vistas, a low crime index, job opportunities, quality schools and a lot more, making it one of the best places to live and raise a family. This also leads to immense competition in the realty market. Therefore, finding and buying a house in the Gulf breeze becomes an ordeal. But with the right support you are sure to get the home of your dreams.
Here we have compiled 8 tips which will guide you and help you find the right house for you:
1] Know what you want
Knowing what you want might seem like very generic advice but it is often overlooked when focusing on greater aspects. You can’t find the perfect property unless you know your needs and exactly what you want. Figure out what house reflects your personality. Are you okay buying an existing home or do you need a brand new one? Do you favour a ranch or a multi storey home? Find out if the location of the house serves your best interests like commute, proximity to the workplace and educational institute etc. Once you know what you truly want; you can look for specifics and hence, save on time, effort and money, and get your desired house with ease.
2] Get your finances in order
Getting your finances in order is the most crucial step when buying a new home. Gather your financial records, fix a budget and stick to it. Make sure when you are looking for a house; you consider the additional costs associated with the property so you are saved from any financial surprises. If you are going to get a mortgage, we recommend you get pre-approved since that makes you stand out as a really interested and authentic buyer.
3] Taxes
Taxes are something you must consider when buying a property. The amount should not stagger you or put you under financial strain. Research thoroughly and take a careful look at the taxes in the area where you’re planning to buy. As you move closer to the beach; taxes usually tend to be higher. Taxes can impact your annual expenditure greatly, therefore, make sure you enquire about the taxes without fail.
4] Work with a realtor
Homebuying can be a tedious task if you proceed without a professional by your side. Realtors know everything about the market. They know the ongoing market prices, they know when a house is listed, they know the area and most importantly, they can differentiate between a good and bad deal. Home buying is a complex process, but when you put forth your demands before the realtor; they will fetch you the perfect house and help you throughout.
5] Get acquainted with the HOA restrictions
History is proof that humans can’t maintain nature’s beauty unless they have a set of laws to follow. The Gulf Breeze population is aware of this fact, and to conserve the aesthetic and cleanliness of the area, they have associations that make sure the locations are untampered. Before you choose a neighbourhood at Gulf Breeze; do not forget to go through the restrictions and guidelines so that you’re aware of and adhere to the policies.
HOA restrictions incorporate stuff like – House colour requirements that keep the neighbourhood stunning, the number of pets allowed, whether you can rent your house, where to park vehicles, including boats and so on. All of this creates a discipline that keeps the neighbourhoods in a superior condition.
6] Think long term
Your future plans can greatly dictate and determine the home you want. Think of yourself in the coming 5 years and buy a house that suits your needs then and now. Also, consider the return on investment of the property; so, you face no losses.
7] Be realistic
You can always be choosy when picking a house but make sure you set up realistic standards. Don’t be close-minded or focus on minor imperfections otherwise, you may miss out on great homes.
8] Don’t skip the home inspection
If you go for an existing house; you must inspect it. Appliances can be expensive to replace and some issues might not be visible superficially. A professional inspection can ensure you will have no problems in the near future.
All in all, make sure you take all the potential advantages and drawbacks into consideration and do not impulse buy. Living on the Gulf Breeze is like living a dream! Beautiful beaches, blue skies, and a thriving community; everything is beckoning to you! Go plan your visit!