Location, Location, Location

Picture2You have heard it so much that it’s become a cliche, when it comes to real estate in Orange Beach, Alabama (or even Pensacola, Perdido Key or Gulf Shores) its location, location, location. This one though, is based on truth. Location is a powerful factor in your home or condo selection process. You can build the perfect place, have the perfect floor plan or even view, but if it’s in an undesirable location, it will be worth far less than something similar in a “desirable” part of town.

So, what makes a location desirable? Here are some factors to consider:

(1) Walkability – in most places, the “hottest” properties are within walking distance of some body of water, and of course, restaurants, movie theaters, galleries and shops.

(2) Top-Rated School Districts – if you’re not buying a Gulf Coast vacation rental, this is something to consider for resale value or long-term rental potential. Parents will often pay more for a home that is located in a highly rated school district.

(3) Neighborhood – when it comes to single family home purchases, buyer do their homework when they are looking for a neighborhood. More often than not, they look for stability of ownership and a sense of community. Low crime rates with little noise are two things to keep in mind.

Looking for a great home in a great location? Contact one of our realtors in Pensacola, Perdido Key or Orange Beach for help in finding that perfect place to call home.

Buyer Mistakes to Avoid

ARI713-BeachSo you are shopping condos for sale in Pensacola Beach and found one that you think has it all. Now it is just a matter of negotiating the terms. More often than not, people overestimate their skills in this department. Negotiating is an art, which is usually why we recommend you work with someone who is well versed in this trade… ahem, a Southern Real Estate Sales agent.

Before you write the idea of hiring an agent off entirely, you should know that they bring a wealth of knowledge to the table that can make all the difference when rounding third and heading for home. Typically, a real estate agent will provide you with a detailed price analysis of local market conditions, comparable homes and recommendations so that you can decide on the best possible price.

Speaking of price, keep in mind that the end goal is to purchase your ideal home at an ideal price. You don’t want to get so caught up in the negotiation game that you lose out on a great deal. That is actually another reason to hire an agent – they can offer you an unbiased perspective based off the numbers alone.

Still thinking about buying or selling? Contact one of our Pensacola Beach real estate agents today to go over the details of your transaction. They will be more than happy to help you find the right deal at the right price!