Dos and Don’ts of Home Buying in Southwest Florida

Posted on Apr 7, 2015

Do research the neighborhoods and specific communities. Southwest Florida is full of gorgeous and friendly communities, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Don’t limit yourself to a single area. It’s okay to have favorites, but venturing a little ways outside your normal horizons could lead you to a gem you didn’t even know was there.

Do look at a variety of homes before making any decisions. Fortunately, the market is good right now in Southwest Florida and there are plenty of options available.
Don’t settle on one home without at least considering other possibilities. If you fall in love with the first home you see without looking at any others, you could miss out on one that you would like even better.

Do pick a home based around your family’s needs. Certain qualities, like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms a home must have, tend to be non-negotiable and are essential to any buyer’s decision.
Don’t pick a home based around your family’s wants. Any secondary qualities, like whether or not a home has a pool or is close to a golf course, while important, should never be the sole-deciding factor in your decision.

Do consider the layouts and floor plans of each home you look at. Structural modifications can be difficult and impractical, at least at first, so it’s a good idea to find a home for sale in Southwest Florida that’s the right size and shape for your family.
Don’t consider the current homeowner’s taste for decor. Bad style can easily be changed, so try to envision each home’s potential and imagine it the way you would decorate it.

Do consider whether the home needs any repairs or has any ongoing costs (HOA fees, example). If your budget is especially tight or you simply want a home that is move-in-ready, this could be a very important factor in your decision.
Don’t be deterred from a home in need of updates or renovations. Not only can purchasing a home in need of a little work save you money, but it can also leave you with a home that is truly one-of-a-kind and matched perfectly to your style.

For information on real estate in Southwest Florida, contact Kim at (239) 214-1039.