Gerald's Take on South Florida Oceanfront Properties

Top 5 Strategies for Buying a Property

While the media devotes a lot of space and time to highlighting the negative aspects of today's real estate market, there are actually many great opportunities that exist for savvy buyers who have been patient. For example, this may be your once-in-a-lifetime chance to purchase an ocean front property that was formerly out of reach due to the escalated prices of the real estate boom. In today's market, however, such lots and homes are for now within your price range.

Be advised that buying a high-end property requires a different approach, though. As a real estate broker, I am well versed on the important nuances of oceanfront and luxury, vacation or investment property purchases. Here are five important tactics to keep in mind when navigating the south Florida real estate market:

      Typical search avenues don't always work. Many high-end properties can't be found through the usual routes -- i.e., national listing sites or homes-for-sale publications, or it out of date. Luxury properties often won't have a yard sign either. Make sure you're working with a real estate professional like me who is well-networked with other real estate professionals and knowledgeable about certain properties because many of the best luxury listings are found by word-of-mouth and some sales are what we call pocket listings.  Those that are for sale but not on the market for everyone to see.

      Carefully assess the neighborhood. Many of today's high-end properties are the result of over-zealous building and pricing  in the boom years. We've all seen them -- those "McMansions" that tower over the other homes on the street. Make sure the property you are considering is in sync with other home values in the neighborhood and can maintain its resale value.  The trend is definitely toward smaller homes with more amenities.  And the prices are definitely attractive today.

      Be aware of zoning. When buying a luxury property, your surroundings are usually as important as the home itself. Make sure you're not in danger of another property or commercial building being built too close to yours.  I will do this for for you, I want you completely satisfied with your purchase for a long time.

      Visit communities and homes in person. While it's usually easy to filter out homes you're not interested in online, when it comes to most luxury properties, photos don't always provide an accurate rendering of the homes. The sheer size and level of detail often involved in such homes can be hard to capture in photos, so make sure to see them live before ruling them out.  Many possibilities are in gated communities, this is where I can help you the most.

      Assess your goals. Let a professional real estate broker represent you in the transaction, the seller has representation, you should too.  Together we can find the right property at the right price to match the goal you have set. Together we will take into consideration the costs involved in owning a property, from landscaping to heating and cooling, taxes, insurance and HOA assessments. We want to make sure you have a clear picture of the ongoing financial commitment before jumping in so there are no surprises later on.

I have helped many clients take advantage of today's favorable buying conditions, especially in Watersong and on Hutchinson Island and south to Jupiter Island.  Please contact me for accurate information on what's available in our area that is of interest to you.  It is truly the opportune time to buy real estate in south Florida.  And don’t forget the seller is represented by a broker in the transaction, you as the buyer should be too.

Regards,

G. Gerald Quickel,

Exclusive Buyers Broker

Golf and Waterfront Communities  561-723-5136