Florida Luxury Real Estate – Buyer’s Guide

Whether you’re looking for an upscale home of your very own or a place where you can spend vacations in comfort and luxury, Florida’s Gulf Coast area is one of the best markets for high-end residences, with plenty of the most sought-after and highly valued homes in the region.

Buying a home need not be a complicated process and here is a simple guide to make the most of your search for these luxury homes.

1. Work with a professional.
Investing in real estate in the Gulf Coast area is a bit different from other areas in the sense that it’s a far from average market, so you’ll need to get help from the right real estate agent.

Keep in mind that not all homes on the market are listed on public search engines; many luxury homes are unlisted in order to protect the owner’s privacy, and can only be revealed through a Realtor’s personal connections. A knowledgeable real estate professional who specializes in Florida luxury homes like Destin Lifestyles will be able to provide you with access to these homes, as well as advise you as to which areas will best suit your needs.

2. Decide what you want.
The Gulf Coast is a large region, so it helps to narrow down your location choices in order to save time when looking for where you want to reside. Decide if waterfront living appeals to you, with close access to the beaches or the bay or if you want to live inland.Or maybe you’d prefer a more family-friendly neighborhood.

Also, choosing which type of home you want early on will save you a lot of hours searching.Asingle-family detached residence with plenty of backyard space or a deluxe unit high above a multi-story condominium complex? And will the house be used to live in, or do you just want a vacation home where you canrelax during holidays?Perhaps you want to rent it out when it’s not in use?

Knowing what you want will make your agents know where to start looking and they can pre-screen properties for you.

3. Experience the property firsthand.
Don’t rely solely on the photos and descriptions of the luxury homes that you see posted on the MLS or from the listings your Realtor gives you; more often than not, many large homes have to be seen in person in order to be fully appreciated. Besides, nothing beats seeing the property for yourself with your own eyes. It also helps to check online maps to see what’s around the property, as sometimes photos crop out things they don’t want you to see.

4. Act early on mortgages and consult with financial planners.
If you’re taking out a mortgage, it’s recommended to get the ball rolling as early as possible. Down payments for luxury homes tend to be larger, and the approval process for larger loans can take longer, not to mention you might need to prepare more documents.

It’s also common for sellers of luxury properties and their brokers to make inquiries about your ability to purchase their property, so be prepared to disclose some of your financial details; they will inquire about your assets or ask to see a bank statement.

Working with financial planners, advisers and lawyers will also ensure that buying your dream luxury home won’t put you close to bankruptcy, and that you’re protected from any legal problems that might arise. Learn to document everything and know what your available options are, while at the same time being open for negotiations.