Charleston Area Real Estate News 

Welcome to the RE/MAX FullSail blog. We will be posting information on the Charleston, SC real estate market, community events, hottest areas to live, the newest communities, the best restaurant reviews in and finally, we are going to include our Charleston Vlog to give you video content on everything that's happening in our community. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about buying and selling! 

Aug. 16, 2021

How to get listings in a low inventory market

The real estate market is going crazy right now. There are substantially more buyers than sellers and this is leading to a low inventory scenario that some agents have never experienced. A lot of people want to sell their home but they might not be ready to list just yet. Keep your eyes and ears open and listen for those conversations that indicate a future sale. Look for POD’s, moving trucks, yard sales and furniture listings on Facebook Marketplace. When you identify a potential pre-market opportunity send a handwritten note saying “hey, I noticed it looks like you’re moving. The market is hot today and I have a buyer who is interested in this specific area. Have you considered selling?” Explain any benefits to selling sooner rather than later, and explain contingencies that could be put in place if they are afraid of their house selling too quickly. This is a legitimate concern with some people right now. 

 

Here's a few more tips and tricks to help you get these early sellers and score those rare listing opportunities.

 

 

  1. Set a goal for yourself to have 20 conversations a week with people who are not ready to sell yet. Make sure to wear your name tag as you're out and about and encourage people to talk about real estate with you.

  2. If you don’t get a response from your notes go knock on the door after about a week, introduce yourself and remind them of the note. Say something like “I have buyers interested in homes in your area, would you be willing to have a conversation with me about possibly selling your home.” 

  3. Overcoming the knee jerk “NO”

    1. Just have a conversation, ask how long they've been in the neighborhood, if they like it, where else they’ve lived. These conversations can lead to a spark of “well I’m not ready to sell but my neighbor was talking about it the other day” or “my sister is looking into selling her house in a different part of town”. Just be genuine and friendly and see what the conversation turns into. 

    2. If they are afraid that they won’t be able to find a new house because of the very legitimate inventory concerns (that’s why you’re out there) try to ask about features that they want in a new home or some advantages that they are looking for and just tell them that you’ll keep and eye out and circle back if you find anything like that. This presents the opportunity for you to

      1. Get more contact info, at least a phone number or email and

      2. Creates a possible buyer's agent position for yourself if you can find a home they might be interested in. 

Finding homes for sale in this market is certainly difficult but not at all impossible. There are a number of ways that you can identify opportunities in your market. The next step is to get out there and DO IT!

 

Posted in Selling Property
Oct. 10, 2018

Quick Overview Of The Luxury Real Estate Market In Charleston, SC, Part 2

It’s a great time to find beautiful homes for sale in Charleston, SC! We have a healthy luxury real estate market in the area, so if you’re a buyer, you have many options to choose from, and if you’re a seller, you can count on getting a fair price within a reasonable time on the sale of your home.

In Charleston, you will find excellent value in our luxury real estate offerings. Whether you’re searching for the perfect floorplan, a million-dollar view, a secluded yet secure location, or enough room for your family plus frequent out-of-town guests, you’re in luck – our communities have what you’re looking for! 

RE/MAX FullSail is dedicated to helping buyers and sellers alike. Our experienced Realtors know the region well, and if you tell us what you’re looking for, we can immediately start a custom search for you. Once we know what you expect in your dream home, we’ll get to work finding just the right property for sale that you want. Our real estate agents work hard to make buying property in Charleston, SC, a pleasant, rewarding experience for everyone involved!

Let’s Look At Some More Communities In The Area 

In our previous post, we covered these outstanding coastal communities in and around Charleston: Ansonborough, Back Bay Village, Belle Hall, Charleston National, Daniel Island, Dunes West, Edgewater Park, Egret/Pintail, Elliotborough, and Cannonborough. Let’s expand our luxury real estate market overview by exploring more neighborhoods.  

Folly Beach

If taking relaxing strolls along the beach is your thing, along with moonlit nights looking out at the sea from a historic pier that dates back to the 1930s, then take a close look at Folly Beach. Located to the south of Charleston, this island community boasts mild temperatures, even in winter, and offers the perfect spot for ocean enthusiasts of all ages. The beach homes here come in generous sizes, with many offering oceanfront living and unsurpassed views. If you’re ready for casual living with long stretches of sandy beaches to explore and luxurious accommodations to come home to, check out Folly Beach. 

French Quarter

In the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, you’ll find our very own French Quarter. This area is brimming with historic treasures, and the waterfront promenades and graceful magnolia trees add to the district’s charm. Homes here exude that Old World elegance that’s hard to find in newer communities. Purchase a one-of-a-kind property in historic French Quarter and enjoy walking distance to parks, plazas, cultural events, great shopping, and waterfront living at its best!

Hamlin Plantation

Located in the Mount Pleasant vicinity, Hamlin Plantation has the large-scale estates you’re looking for! Exquisite craftsmanship, vast views, quality custom homes, expansive front porches, privacy, and security – you’ll find all this and more at Hamlin Plantation. The residents here feel fortunate to have it all, from natural, tree-filled surroundings to easy access to everything Charleston has to offer. Its location along the Hamlin Sound makes this a sought-after neighborhood. 

Harleston Village

In the historic region of Charleston to the west of the French Quarter, you’ll find quaint Harleston Village, known for its classic Georgian and Italianate architecture. The College of Charleston is located here, boasting beautiful tree-lined sidewalks perfect for leisurely strolls (when you’re not a student hurrying to your next class!). Harleston Village will transport you to a bygone era that stokes your imagination and lets you feel like you’re in the cultural heart of the city. Purchase one of the elegant homes here and own a rare piece of history! 

I’On

Located in Mount Pleasant, this hip community is described as a traditional neighborhood development with all the conveniences that New Urbanism brings. Here you’ll find spectacular custom homes with stunning architectural features located on quiet, tree-lined streets, and you’ll be close to cool shops that make it fun to run errands! Enjoy local concerts, great schools, nature trails, boat ramps, lake views, and much more in this meticulously planned community. 

Kiawah Island

Further southwest of Folly Island, which we discussed above, you’ll find another island community worth exploring. Kiawah Island offers oceanfront masterpieces that define the region’s luxury real estate market. Here you’ll find everything from Mediterranean-style homes with large patios and beautiful swimming pools, to exclusive, multi-room beach houses that come with private boardwalks to the ocean. Be sure to have your real estate agent show you the extraordinary homes here. 

Longpoint

Another great neighborhood in Mount Pleasant, Longpoint offers established communities with mature landscaping and spacious properties. You’ll find a number of waterfront homes here, some next to charming creeks and lagoons. If you’re looking for a comfortable home for your family, complete with a lush yard, and you want a great school district for the kids, consider Longpoint. 

Old Mount Pleasant and Old Village

By the names, you’ve probably already guessed that these communities are located in the heart of Mount Pleasant. Here you’ll find exquisite custom-built homes on properties graced by beautiful, established trees and carefully tended flower gardens. The homes are large, the styles are beautiful, and the perks include just a bike or golf-cart ride away to restaurants, shops, great golfing, and beaches! Old Village is in the heart of Old Mount Pleasant, featuring beautiful historic homes and stunning views. 

Oyster Point

For newer construction, check out Oyster Point in Mount Pleasant. This waterfront community offers tastefully appointed newer homes that families and retirees alike can enjoy. 

RE/MAX FullSail Is Ready To Help With Your Real Estate Needs

Are you ready to search for your dream home? Whether it’s your first home purchase or your fifth, we’re here to help you find what you’re looking for and complete the buying process seamlessly. We’re also available to help you sell your home faster, at a price you want. Contact our expert real estate agents today!

And stay tuned for our next blog, Part 3 of our Overview Of The Luxury Real Estate Market In Charleston series! We’ll have more great communities to share with you. 

 

Sept. 4, 2018

Quick Overview Of The Luxury Real Estate Market In Charleston, SC, Part 1

If you are in the market for a beautiful, luxury home, you’re in luck – Charleston offers exquisite homes with everything you want, from spacious floor plans to inspiring views. Take a look at some of our communities, and get ready to explore your options in luxurious, graceful living! We’ll cover more communities in a future blog post. 

Many Exciting Communities To Choose From 

Partly because of our geographical location, and partly because of the historic and cultural richness of this region, Charleston, SC offers a large number of exciting communities that feature gorgeous, luxury real estate properties. 

Historic Charleston, South Carolina

Most of the homes in the historic district of Ansonborough were built in the mid-1800s; although, a few date as far back as the mid-1700s. In 1960, the Historic Charleston Foundation launched an effort to restore many of the historic homes in this downtown Charleston borough, and today, you can own a property here and experience the grandeur of a charming antebellum home. 

Two other great communities in historic Charleston are Elliotborough and Cannonborough, collectively known as the Gateway to the Peninsula. These thriving communities offer lovely, boutique shops, popular, local restaurants, and a variety of homes, including stylish, refurbished historic houses, all of which are architectural treasures, and one of which you can call your own!  

In Nearby Mount Pleasant

Across the waterway from Charleston, you’ll find the aptly named Mount Pleasant. Located within Charleston County, this attractive suburb offers many different neighborhoods perfect for everyone from young families to active retirees. 

One of the communities here is Back Bay Village, conveniently located close to both the Town Center and our beautiful South Carolina beaches. Another great neighborhood is Belle Hall. Many of the large, luxury homes here offer panoramic river views, and they provide the right combination of coveted seclusion and large, open floor plans that let you enjoy comfortable coastal living at its best!

Also located in Mount Pleasant is Charleston National, home of the renowned Charleston National Golf Club known for its southern hospitality. Overlooking the Copahee Sound, this community provides ample opportunity for nature watching or simply enjoying beautiful sunrises from your front porch or large bay windows. 

You’ll also want to check out Dunes West, where many of the luxury homes offer resort-style, waterfront living. If you’re looking for private gated communities, lush landscaping, and inspiring views of creeks and rivers, this area is for you.

Island Living

For the best in elegant island living close to all the amenities you want, the Charleston region can’t be beat! Daniel Island offers luxurious, one-of-a-kind designer homes recognized by prestigious magazines, including Ocean Home Magazine. Some of the homes here are located right on the banks of the Wando River, giving you easy access to lovely trails and relaxing views. If you’re looking for the right blend of southern charm and sophistication plus waterfront island living, this community will appeal to you.

You’ll find more island living offerings at Kiawah Island, located along the ocean to the south of Charleston. A beautiful subdivision here is Egret/Pintail, where you’ll find large, comfortable homes nestled in private, tree-filled settings. Locate your perfect beach home here! Many offer lagoon, pond, or ocean views and are just a short walk to pristine beaches. 

Additional Communities

To the west of Charleston, situated along the Stono River and Wappoo Creek, you’ll find Edgewater Park. Here you can see lovely properties with boat landings, spacious sunrooms, and community amenities that include sparkling pools and tropical cabanas. 

As wonderful as all of them are, these communities that we’ve covered here aren’t the only ones that offer luxury real estate opportunities for you. In our next blog, we’ll cover more communities that feature gems just waiting for you to find them!

Turn To RE/MAX FullSail For All Your Real Estate Needs

Our real estate agents know and love this beautiful part of the world we call home, and we’re here to help you find what you’re looking for. If you’re a buyer, we’ll help you find homes for sale that meet your expectations, whether you’re searching for the perfect property in the luxury real estate market or you’re more interested in small houses for sale. We’ll help you find the beautiful property you’ll be happy to call home.

If you’re a seller in our region, reach out to us. We’ll be happy to help you, too!

 

Aug. 27, 2018

What To Do When You Find A Property For Sale That You Want

Move Quickly! 

If this is the perfect house for you and your family, or a great property to rent out to tenants, you can bet others will see it as the ideal home or investment property, too. 

Once you’ve found a property that seems right in every way, don’t spend too much time dwelling on it. Move quickly with an offer to make sure another interested buyer doesn’t snatch it away before you’ve even had the chance to jump into the game. Reach out to your real estate agent to let them know you’re interested. They will guide you from there. 

First, Get Pre-approved

Your chances of getting your dream home or investment property increase greatly if you’ve been pre-approved by a lending institution. Pre-approval tells home sellers and their agents that you are, indeed, qualified to purchase a home in the price range the seller wants. It tells them that you will be able to get a mortgage, so the transaction will likely go smoothly and you won’t be wasting the seller’s or the selling agent’s time. If multiple offers come in on the property for sale, the pre-approved buyers will be taken seriously; the others often will not.   

Of course, if you’re planning to pay with cash and have the funds to back you up, you won’t need pre-approval. What you will need in an all-cash transaction is proof of funds. 

If you’re borrowing money, your pre-approval statement needs to be prepared by a lending institution or a mortgage broker.

If you’re paying for the property with cash, your proof of funds letter needs to be prepared and notarized, typically by your bank or a comparable financial institution.

Are You Ready To Negotiate?

There are several stages where you can negotiate with the seller. First, if there are multiple offers on the property you want, and you really have your heart set on it, you can consider increasing your offer to compete with the other offers. Be careful that you don’t go too high, though; consider whether or not you’d be better off with another property at a price that’s more affordable for you rather than fighting for this one at all costs.

Furthermore, you can enter into negotiations if the seller makes a counter-offer to your original offer. If you’re not happy with all of the terms of the counter-offer, you can try to negotiate a lower price or other better terms. 

You can also enter into negotiations after an inspection. If the inspector finds a great deal that needs to be repaired, or something significantly wrong with the house, you as a homebuyer can choose to walk away or to ask for repairs to be made. 

For example, if you find that there are termites in the house, or that it has significant foundation issues, you may decide you no longer want it, and you can choose to terminate the transaction. 

Will I Lose My Deposit?

If you withdraw your offer on a property for sale, whether or not you’ll lose your earnest-money deposit really depends on several factors. Be aware that the rules differ from one state to the next. If you’re wondering how it works here in Charleston, get in touch with us. One of our real estate agents will be happy to talk about the rules and possible scenarios with you.  

Before You Close On The Property

When the seller accepts your offer, a contract is drawn up that both sides need to sign. Review this contract carefully, and go over it thoroughly with your real estate agent. Once everyone has signed, it is a legal document, and you are bound by what it says. So at this stage, proceed with caution. 

Before the sale closes, you will need to have the property inspected, and a home appraisal will be conducted if you’re getting a mortgage. Following the inspection, you can ask for repairs to be done, but the seller may decline. 

At some point, you’ll be getting your loan approval. Your Realtor will guide you through all of these important steps. Don’t hesitate to ask questions along the way, and especially before signing any documents. 

RE/MAX FullSail Is Here To Help

We are here to help you through the entire process, from looking for your perfect property, to making an offer, and on to signing your closing documents. We can explain everything to you including contingencies, contract terms or clauses that are unfamiliar, and what requests you should (and should not) make of the seller following a home inspection. 

For example, if the inspection uncovers minor cosmetic details such as scratches on an interior door, wallpaper that’s peeling in spots, or light fixtures that are chipped, you should likely consider taking care of these repairs yourself once you’ve moved in. However, if something huge is discovered affecting the structural integrity of the home, you need to ask the seller to address this issue before closing. 

Work With One Of Our Agents

Our real estate agents are ready to work with you. Whether you’re just getting started on your search, or you think you’ve found the perfect place to call your own, reach out to us. We’re here to guide you through the process of buying a house and to advocate for you. We’ll be happy to help you find homes for sale in Seabrook Island, West Oak Forest, Rivertowne, Hamlin Corner, Grand Oaks, Whitney Lake, and more Charleston-area communities

Don’t navigate the process alone; reach out to your friendly RE/MAX FullSail Realtors in Charleston, SC today! 

 

Aug. 24, 2018

Do This Before Listing Property For Sale In Charleston, SC

If you’re about to list your property for sale in a community in or around Charleston, SC, know that you can do a number of things to improve your chances of a quicker sale and a higher offer. 

Assess Your Home

When sellers list their homes for sale, they don’t want to list at a price that’s too low, because they’ll lose out on funds they could have made had they priced their property correctly. At the same time, they don’t want to list too high only to have the property sit on the market way too long.

An accurate assessment of your home will help you and your real estate agent come up with an asking price that’s just right, one that both you and your potential buyers are happy with. Pricing correctly for the condition, size, age, style, and location of your home typically translates into more property showings, a quicker offer, and possibly even multiple offers. 

In addition to evaluating your own home, you and your real estate agent will want to consider the prices of homes recently sold in your neighborhood. These comparable listings can serve as a benchmark when determining your asking price.

Get Your Property Ready For Showings

  • You don’t need to finish your basement or redo your whole kitchen, but if you’re like most homeowners, you will need to do a bit of work to get your property ready for listing. At a minimum, here’s what you should take care of:
  • Pack Up Your Personal Items: It’s easier for potential buyers to see themselves turning your property into their home when it isn’t cluttered with personal photos and memorabilia. You’ll have to pack these items up eventually; go ahead and pack them up before listing to create a more inviting environment for your buyers.
  • Fix Whatever’s Unsafe: You don’t want buyers to trip over that broken front step, for example, or hurt themselves trying to open a door or window that’s jammed. If there are any unsafe areas in your home, have these repairs taken care of before listing your property for sale. 
  • Tidy Up The Yard: Are there weeds everywhere? Do you have dead trees or bushes that are taking away from the beauty of your yard? A little bit of yard clean-up will go a long way in creating a favorable impression and increasing the value of your property. 

Organize Your Packing

By organizing your packing, you can get a handle on this job without succumbing to stress. Before you list your home, pack up as many things as possible that you can live without for now, and store all of your boxes in one small area of your house. You can use your garage, basement, attic, or a spare room as a temporary storage place, thus keeping the rest of your home fully accessible and free of clutter. Better yet, store your moving boxes offsite with a professional temporary storage service. 

Give Potential Buyers Privacy

Before you list your home for sale, decide what you’ll do when buyers come by with their Realtors to look at your property. It’s best to give potential buyers privacy so that they feel comfortable taking a close look. The last thing you want to do is make them feel rushed during the showing. These times give you the opportunity to run errands, go for a walk, or visit a neighbor. Whatever you decide to do, the important thing is that you leave your home to let the potential buyers’ real estate agents do a thorough job of showing your home.

What Buyers Look For In Our Region

We are fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the world. Our Charleston area communities offer so much in terms of location. Many buyers looking for real estate in Isle of Palms, Daniel Island, Summerville, Seabrook Island, Oyster Point, Carolina Bay, and so many of our other exciting communities want waterfront access, island living, relaxing water views, and the quality lifestyle that goes along with living by the sea. 

Of course, every buyer is looking for something slightly different. Some want affordability, others seek privacy, and many are looking for that perfect open, flowing floor plan. Whether you’re selling a large estate or a modest bungalow, know that there’s someone out there looking for what you’re offering. Your job is to select the right real estate agency that knows the area well and will create a description of your home that draws buyers in.   

How RE/MAX FullSail Realty Can Help

As a full-service real estate agency serving communities in Charleston and beyond, we can help you prepare your home for sale. We’ll come up with the right asking price, and we’ll create an attractive listing for you. What’s more, we’ll walk you through the whole process to your home-selling success! Contact RE/MAX FullSail Realty today to get started. 

 

Posted in Selling Property
Aug. 1, 2018

Purchasing A Home In Charleston, SC: Tips For First-Time Buyers

Is this your first time buying a house? Congratulations on reaching this important milestone! You’ve chosen a great city that has so much to offer in terms of mild weather, fun things to do, and incredible neighborhoods to live and play in. 

As a first time buyer, you’ll benefit from these helpful tips. If you have any questions, Full Sail Realty is available to help you sail through the process like an expert!

Buying Property in Charleston, SC 

Our vibrant city is a great place to call home. When you’re buying a house here, keep the following in mind:

  • What matters to you now? You’ll want to look at houses for sale that meet your current needs. If a short commute to work is important, find homes for sale near your job.  
  • What will be important to you in a few years? If you have young children or plan to grow your family, you may want to find homes for sale that are walking distance to elementary schools and parks. 
  • What will taxes and insurance cost? In addition to your mortgage, you’ll need to pay for property taxes and homeowners insurance each month. Make sure you have an accurate picture of what your monthly costs will be to avoid sticker shock.

You probably can’t wait to own your home, but be sure to take the time to ask all the right questions and get the information you need to make the right choice. Ideally, this will be your home for years to come, so choose wisely. 

Check If You Qualify for Incentives

Buying a home for the first time in Charleston may qualify you for state-sponsored incentives, such as down payment assistance programs. Find out what incentives are available and determine which ones apply to you. Incentive programs can make it financially easier for you to become a homeowner. 

Follow Up on Inspections

A home inspection will uncover issues the inspector found while checking the house’s plumbing and electrical systems, kitchen appliances, doors, windows, the foundation, and more. Check the report carefully and follow up on any major findings. With a home inspection report backing you up, you can negotiate repairs or even replacements. Stick to major defects; anything that’s purely cosmetic can be taken care of easily once the home is yours.

Have a Plan B

Even if you’ve made an offer on your perfect dream home, understand that in a competitive market, other buyers may win out. While this is understandably heartbreaking, you’ll recover more quickly if you formulate an alternate plan. Instead of getting overly attached to one property, explore neighborhoods and find several homes you like. This way, if someone else ends up purchasing a home you wanted, you can move straight to the other homes on your list and make your next offer. 

Turn to Full Sail Realty for Expert Help

Our real estate agents want you to find the right property you’ll be happy to call home. Contact Full Sail Realty today to get started!

 

June 29, 2018

Selling Property in Charleston? Follow These Tips to Get a Higher Offer

 

Have you ever wondered how some homes get multiple offers above asking price within the first few days of listing? In most cases, it’s about the right combination of value, home features, and location. For example, families with young children may be looking for an affordable three-bedroom home with a large yard that’s within walking distance to neighborhood schools and is less than ten years old; if a well-kept house suddenly appears on the market that meets this set of criteria, multiple competing bids would not be surprising.

 

For everyone selling property, this is the dream: to sell a house as quickly as possible, and to get multiple attractive offers to choose from. Even though not every property for sale will get multiple high offers, there are many things the owner can do to increase the chances of getting a higher offer.  

 

Staging Can Work Wonders

Professional staging is about presenting a house in the best light possible. It involves removing anything that might detract from the aesthetics of the home, as well as moving furniture around for better flow. A stager wants to showcase the best features of a home while downplaying any minor imperfections. Staging may also involve taking down personal photos (which eventually will have to be packed anyways) and replacing them with a few well-placed pieces of art.

 

Clean and Declutter

During a property showing, potential buyers will be turned off by a home that’s cluttered and messy. Before any property showing, you want to make sure to clean things up to create an inviting home environment. If buyers can’t even walk into the spare room, for example, because it’s completely full of your personal belongings, they’ll have a difficult time envisioning how they’d use this space. If attractive features like specialty windows or sophisticated paneling are hidden from view because of clutter, people touring your home may miss these completely. Clean things up prior to showing your home to make a better impression.

Do Minor Repairs

Are there small repairs you’ve been putting off? Whether it’s from a lack of time or because you’ve simply learned to live with the minor inconvenience, it’s easy to put off these repairs indefinitely. But when it comes to selling property, it’s best to take care of them now to better showcase your home. Fixing little things, anything from broken screens to leaky faucets, can make a significant difference on the offers you receive.

 

Paint Touch-ups

Another thing that can make an impressive difference is a little bit of paint. Throughout any house that’s been lived in for a while, you’ll find scuffs, marks, and scratches on the walls, particularly in high-traffic areas. A little bit of touch-up paint can greatly improve the visual appeal of these places. Just be sure to match the paint color and type exactly.

 

 

Let Us Know If You Need Help

Need help getting your home ready for sale? Reach out to us. Our real estate professionals know the Charleston, SC markets and can advise you, whether you’re selling a property or purchasing a home. Contact us today to see how we can help you get the best offer possible!

 

Posted in Selling Property
June 21, 2018

5 Things To Consider When Buying Property In The Charleston Area

The Charleston, SC real estate market is very healthy, in large part because people are drawn to everything this thriving city has to offer, from our mild winters and proximity to the ocean, to our world-class cultural offerings. Each year, Charleston holds the Spoleto Festival USA, a 17-day performing arts festival featuring music, dance, theater, and even original opera. If you’re thinking of buying property in the area, keep the following in mind before making your purchase.

 

Your Home Is Your Castle

If you’re buying a house that you’re planning to live in, then first and foremost, remember that this property is going to be where you sleep, eat, relax, and spend time with loved ones, so it needs to provide the warmth you expect from a home. What house features and neighborhood amenities are most important to you? Which styles are you drawn to? Try to picture how your furniture and other belongings will look in every house you consider. Make sure you feel comfortable inside the house and in the yard, too. While there are some things you can always change, like paint color or landscaping, the basic layout and overall size of the house needs to work for you.  

 

It’s Also An Investment

Even if you feel you’ve found your dream house and you’re ready to spend the rest of your life here, realize that things can change. Five or ten years down the road, you may be looking at a relocation, which makes your purchase an investment as well as a home. Pick a place that will likely appreciate in case you need to sell in the future. Your real estate agent can show you statistics about sale prices in recent years, how many homes are on the market, how quickly they sell, and more to help you make an informed decision.

 

Are There Enough Bedrooms & Bathrooms?

A house that’s too small will have everyone in your household feeling cramped. Figure out beforehand how many bedrooms and bathrooms will work for you and your family. Consider common living spaces, too. Do you need a formal living room and a family room? Are you looking for a separate dining room, or do you prefer an eat-in kitchen (or both)? If your family’s likely to grow in a few years, be sure there are enough bedrooms to accommodate everyone.

 

Consider The Size Of The Yard

What type of yard are you looking for? You may want one large enough for the kids or pets to play in, or to host outdoor celebrations when the weather’s just right. Or you may prefer a smaller yard that takes less time and effort to care for. While the house itself is important, be sure to evaluate the yard, too.

 

Look Beyond The Property

As you compare houses for sale, look beyond the property itself. Ask yourself questions such as, do the neighbors take care of their homes? Are the views from each window pleasant? You may want to consider commute time to your job, or whether there are shops or parks within walking distance.

 

The real estate brokers at RE/MAX FullSail are ready to help you find just the right homes for sale, whether you’re looking for small houses for sale, luxury real estate, or something in between. Take advantage of our advanced search options to start your home search today.

Posted in Buying Property