Local Buying Tips

Here are a few common things to consider when buying property in florida.

  1. Get a Notebook. Take notes, keep a homebase for all your questions, contacts, etc.  
  2. Work with a Local Lender.  I have lending partners that I do business with  because they have consistently proven they are capable of meeting closing day deadlines.  Not all banks are created equal and although Kevin@ AcmeMortgages.com may seem like your best friend on the phone, He has no idea where "Back Beach Road" is.  Go local and thank me later.
  3. Get Insurance.  Cannot stress this one enough!,  GET INSURANCE as soon as you are under contract.  Anytime a named storm enters the Gulf of Mexico, incurance companies will suspend writing any new policies until after the storm has passed which could mean days or weeks in delays for your closing.  Repeat after me, GET INSURANCE!  
  4. Terms & Negotiation. Make sure you know what your contract says,  it may sound absurd but I have seen folks just sign away not even really knowing what they are signing.  Partner with an agent that puts your interests above theirs. 
  5. Expect Multiple Offers.  When inventory is this low more buyers are competing for the same home.   Get the right midset by expecting that every property you look at will have at least one more offer. 
  6. Schools- Research schools here.  www.bay.k12.fl.us or www.niche.com/k12/search/best-school-districts/s/florida
  7. Homeowner's Associations. Talk to the management company, call the HOA president, make sure you know what you are getting into rather than just taking your agents word for it.  
  8. Learn The Community.  Walk through the neighborhood on a friday night at 7pm.  After all,  when you are at work is not when you will be enjoying your new home.  Last thing you want is that shadetree mechanic who wants to "take the restrictor plate off the red dragon" at 10pm 
  9. Trust your Gut. Choose people that you want to do businesss with, Nothing stinks more than when your supposed to be excited about this new chapter in your life and you cant' stand the Realtor or Lender your working with.  Take your time choosing partners that you look forward to talking to.