June Sarasota Housing Trends

The latest June Sarasota housing trends showed real estate is thriving with 975 properties sold for a total of over $641 Million in the county, including North Port, Sarasota, and Bradenton areas.

Sarasota remains a top destination for those looking to relocate, as evidenced by its population growth, which now exceeds 23 million residents. Projections show a robust annual growth of 319,109 people over the next four years, underscoring the city’s appeal.

In CNBC’s latest annual report on The Best States to Buy and Sell a Home, Florida ranks at the top, highlighting the state’s dynamic real estate market. The Greater Sarasota area, in particular, attracts those seeking luxurious living combined with a wide array of activities. From world-class golfing and beautiful beaches to cultural attractions and a vibrant arts scene, Sarasota has something for everyone.

Moreover, Sarasota boasts some of the finest healthcare in Southwest Florida. US News & World Report recently placed Sarasota National Hospital as the fifth-best hospital in the state. With accolades like this, it’s no wonder people are choosing Sarasota as their home.

Talis Park Corsica Home Under Contract

Another Talis Park Corsica home under contract! Working with the Naples Golf Guy, our clients are buying this spacious coach home in Talis Park, a world-class golf community in North Naples.

16346 Corsica Way S. Unit 102 Naples, FL 34110 – List Price $1,699,900

Learn More About This Talis Park Corsica Home:

This 1st floor unit with volume ceilings has a wide open floorplan. This first-floor coach home lives like a single family home. Best of all, you can lock it and leave the unit and all the exterior maintenance is included.

A CHEF’s DREAM KITCHEN with oversized island, KitchenAid stainless steel appliances including a NATURAL GAS stove. The oversized kitchen island leads to the dining and living area providing plenty of room for entertaining..

Finally, the lanai’s outdoor kitchen includes a natural gas grill, with a private lanai overlooking a serene lake and offers plenty of privacy.

• 3 Bedrooms
• 3.5 Bathrooms
• 2,532 Square feet under air
• Built in 2019

Call us today for a private tour at 239.370.0892.

More about Talis Park:

Greg Norman and Pete Dye designed Talis Park’s AWARD WINNING golf course. Additionally, those with a golf membership will enjoy world-class practice facilities including a full grass driving range, two short game areas and putting green. Recently, the club added an indoor Trackman Golf Simulator.

Further, the golf course features 133 acres of manicured turf and is just over 7,000 yards from the tips.

Also, all residents have access to multiple dining options, clubhouse, Har-Tru tennis courts, Pickleball courts, bocce ball, fitness center, full-service spa, basketball court, dog park, walking trails, and private beach shuttle to Vanderbilt Beach.

Learn more about Talis Park…

Are you considering selling your home in Talis Park? Let’s connect to discuss how the market has changed and what your home is worth in today’s market – 239.370.0892.

June Real Estate Activity for Naples Florida

The most recent June real estate activity reports revealed a total of 710 properties were sold, amounting to just over $800 Million in sales for the month. Notably, the highest-priced sale was a Gulf-Front estate in Port Royal which fetched $18,000,000.

Furthermore, the Naples luxury real estate market saw a notable number of high-value transactions, with 186 properties sold at or above $1 million.

The overall inventory at the end of the month stood at 4,680 properties for sale, marking a substantial 59 percent increase compared to the same period last year. However, it fell 6.8 percent from the previous month. The decline in inventory is typical for this time of year as many Sellers will remove their properties from the market and wait until the fall.

Florida remains a leading destination for those looking to relocate, with the population now exceeding 23 Million residents, according to state officials. Additionally, projections show a strong annual growth of 319,109 people over the next four years.

In CNBC’s latest annual report on The Best States to Buy and Sell a Home, Florida ranks at the top, highlighting the state’s dynamic real estate market.

It’s not just individual buyers who are eyeing Florida; home builders are making significant investments, purchasing multi-million dollar parcels of land in anticipation of the state’s continued expansion. The future looks promising for Florida’s thriving communities and growing opportunities.

June Real Estate Activity

June 2024 versus June 2023 Highlights

• Closed sales decreased 17 percent compared to June of last year.
• Overall pending sales decreased 11 percent versus the same time in 2023.
• Inventory increased 59 percent up from 2,943 homes up to 4,680 homes for sale.
• Average days on market increased 56 percent up to 78 days compared to June of 2023.

In the month of May, a total of 710 properties were sold in the real estate market, consisting of 361 single-family homes and 349 condos. This marked a 17 percent decrease in sales compared to the previous year.

Year-over-year, the median price for single-family homes fell to $730,000 from $752,500. On the flip side, the median sales price for condominiums rose from $481,500 last June up to $485,000 in June of this year.

Additionally, the average number of days it took for a property to go to contract saw a notable increase from 67 to 78 days between May and June. However, this figure still falls short of the typical 120 days seen in a normal market.

Sales activity during the off-season summer months are historically lower than sales activity during season. Thus, sellers must set the right prices to stay competitive in today’s market. In fact, we saw 1,351 price reductions during the month as sellers aligned with the current pricing levels in their neighborhoods.

When it comes to navigating the intricate real estate market, whether you are buying or selling, the Naples Golf Guy team is here to assist you. Our team consists of dedicated REALTOR® professionals who possess the knowledge and experience to offer you precise and up-to-date market information.

Feel free to reach out to us via phone, email, or text at 239.370.0892 to fulfill all your real estate requirements.

Top 10 Luxury Naples Golf Home Sales in June

• $6,930,000 – 6439 Dunberry Ln. in Quail West with 7,390 sq. ft. (91% of list price)
• $6,300,000 – 5967 Sunnyslope Dr. in Quail West with 4,855 sq. ft. (97% of list price)
• $6,250,000 – 8231 Bay Colony Dr. Unit 1401 in Pelican Bay with 3,380 sq. ft. (90% of list price)
• $4,950,000 – 2351 Alexander Palm Dr. in Grey Oaks with 5,302 sq. ft. (100% of list price)
• $4,875,000 – 2064 Isla Vista Ln. in Grey Oaks with 3,700 sq. ft. (95% of list price)
• $4,850,000 – 10842 Est Cortile Ct. in Mediterra with 5,579 sq. ft. (92% of list price)
• $4,195,000 – 1560 Marsh Wren Ln. in Grey Oaks with 3,477 sq. ft. (100% of list price)
• $4,000,000 – 705 6597 Nicholas Blvd. Unit 1501 in Pelican Bay with 3,275 sq. ft. (95% of list price)
• $3,600,000 – 7932 Grand Bay Dr. Unit 26 in Pelican Bay with 3,284 sq. ft. (92% of list price)
• $3,600,000 – 6368 Burnham Rd. in Quail West with 3,518 sq. ft. (92% of list price)

New Listings in Golf Communities

So, if you just want to keep an eye on the market, we can set up a custom property search that is fully automated or sign up for automatic property alerts.  Please feel free to call us at any time to set up the alerts for you based on your criteria.

Lee County June Housing Market Report

The Lee County June Housing Market reports showed 1,563 properties sold for just over $803 Million during the month in Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Captiva, Estero, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Miromar Lakes, Sanibel, and surrounding areas.

The luxury market saw 106 properties sold at or above $1 Million in May, down from 179 in May. The highest-priced sale was a single-family home in Miromar Lakes for $5,600,000.

While golf home sales experienced a slight dip compared to the previous month, they still accounted for an impressive 50% of the top ten highest-priced homes in Lee County. Notably, these golf home sales continued to lead the real estate market, particularly in the Mediterra, Miromar Lakes and Bonita Bay areas. In these coveted locales, five of the most expensive homes sold ranged from $2,800,000 to $5,600,000.

These figures highlight the enduring allure of golf communities among luxury homebuyers and the sustained demand for high-end properties in desirable locations. The continued prominence of golf home sales in the market underscores their significant appeal and the ongoing interest in premium real estate within these prestigious areas.

Florida continues to be a top destination for those looking to relocate, and the numbers speak for themselves. State officials have proudly announced that the population has exceeded 23 Million residents. Moreover, projections indicate a robust annual growth of 319,109 people over the next four years.

Excitingly, CNBC’s latest annual report on The Best States to Buy and Sell a Home ranks Florida at the very top! This recognition underscores the state’s dynamic real estate market.

It’s not just individual buyers who are eyeing Florida; home builders are making substantial investments, purchasing multi-million dollar parcels of land in anticipation of the state’s continued expansion. The future is bright for Florida’s thriving communities and burgeoning opportunities.

Lee County June Housing Market Report – Single-Family Homes

June 2024 versus June 2023 Single Family Home Highlights:

• Closed sales decreased 9 percent going from 1,311 transactions down to 1,193 sales.
• Pending sales decreased 10.5 percent down from 1,376 last June to 1,232 this June.
• Inventory increased 83.1 percent up to 8,243 properties for sale compared to this same time last year when 4,501 homes were for sale.
• New listings decreased from 1,622 up to 1,566 which was a 3.5 percent decline.
• Median days on market increased to 53 days, a 51.4 percent increase, versus June of 2023.
• Single-family home inventory ended June with a 7.2 months supply of homes available for sale, up from a 4.1 months supply during June of 2023.

While inventory of single-family homes was up significantly over last year, it only increased 1.1 percent over the previous month. Ultimately, the month ended with a 7.2 month supply of homes for sale, which was up from a 7 months supply in May.

For the second month in a row, the median sales price decreased over the same time last year. In the same way, the price decreased from $415,000 in May down to $400,000 in June. Thus, from a buyer’s perspective, there continued to be more options to choose from than in the prior month.

Additionally, prices vary by neighborhood. A key factor is the available inventory within the neighborhood. As inventory increases, prices tend to go down presenting buyers with more opportunities.

The number of days from listing a home to contract increased slightly from 50 days during the previous month up to 53 days in June. Once again, it was still a notable increase over the prior year when it was just 35 days. So, if you are considering selling, it’s critical to price your home competitively from day one. Not sure what your home is worth? Call, email, or text us for a FREE market analysis – 239.370.0892.

Or, if you are planning to buy a property, now is a good time to start watching the communities you are most interested in using our automatic property alerts. Not sure which communities fit your lifestyle? Contact us and we’ll help you target the neighborhoods that offer the amenities and lifestyle you would like to enjoy.

Lee County June Housing Market Report – Condos and Townhomes

June 2024 versus June 2023 Condo Highlights:

• Condo sales decreased 25.7 percent going from 498 real estate transactions down to 370 sales.
• Pending sales decreased 30.9 percent down from 608 last June down to 515 this June.
• Inventory increased 119.2 percent up to 4,351 condos for sale compared to last June when there were only 1,985 units for sale.
• New listings decreased from 771 down to 783 which was a 15.3 percent drop.
• Median days to contract was 66 days which represented a 94.1 percent increase versus June of 2023.
• Condo inventory ended June with a 10.3 months supply of properties available for sale or a 139.5 percent increase over last year.

Ultimately, Lee County finished the month with a 10.3-month supply of condos for sale, up from a 10-month supply during the prior month. So, it is a buyers’ market if you plan to purchase a condo in Lee County.

 

Interestingly, inventory remained the same as the prior month. Yet, the month’s supply of inventory increased due to a decline in pending sales. If you’re a buyer, the increased condo supply is good news as there are more options available. If you are a seller, you should assess the other properties available to ensure you are in line with the current market value.

 

Once again, days on market increased month-over-month from 55 days in May up to 66 days in June. Similarly, it was still well above last year when it only took 34 days for a property to go to contract.

 

Also, the median condo price ended the month at $348,500 which was up from the prior year when it was $325,999. It was also up from the prior month when it was $340,000.

 

Finally, 60 percent of condo transactions were cash sales which was the same percentage during the previous month. Therefore, if you plan on leveraging a loan for your condo purchase, be aware you’re still competing with cash buyers.

 

Regardless of when you plan to purchase now or sometime in the future if you are a buyer, it may be time to take a closer look at homes for sale in neighborhoods that might fit your criteria. To stay up to date sign up for automatic property alerts.

Not sure if you should sell? We will provide you with the latest market data for your neighborhood. Additionally, we will help you decide if it makes sense to list your property. If you decide to move forward, together we will determine the optimum selling price.

Southwest Florida May Housing Market Report

2024 Lee County June Housing Market Report – Single Family Homes

2024 Lee County June Housing Market Report Condos

Naples Golf Guy Monthly Newsletter

Recently Listed Golf Properties

Ready for a Florida Vacation Home or Second Home?

If you’re ready to find your dream home or condominium in Southwest Florida, we invite you to explore our website for comprehensive information about the local communities. For golf enthusiasts, we specialize in real estate within golf communities.

With over 200 different golf communities in the area, navigating the various membership options, golf course designs, and amenities can be overwhelming. We will provide you with a curated list of the top private golf communities that align with your lifestyle.

Considering new construction? Keep in mind that the contractor’s real estate agent represents the builder’s interests, not yours. Our representation can help you save money and negotiate for extras.

We also handle all contract negotiations through paperless transactions, ensuring a smooth process from offer to close.

Results You Can Count On

The Naples Golf Guy Team, as seen on Forbes, will provide extraordinary customer service with an emphasis on detail. Professionalism, integrity and discretion are not goals, they are standards. We collaborate with our sellers to design and implement a customized marketing campaign to present your property to the world. Or, for buyers, we will help you find the community that will offer the ultimate Florida lifestyle in Paradise.

About Naples Golf Guy

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Contact Matt:  Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

or at 239-370-0892

July 26th, 2024 Posted by Matt

 Southwest Florida Golf Properties Just Listed

Preview Southwest Florida golf properties just listed for sale in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Bradenton, and Sarasota! Are you ready to buy or sell a luxury golf home in Southwest Florida?

There are more than 200 golf courses in southwest Florida. Over 90% of these golf courses require you to be a resident or purchase a social or golf membership. From private equity golf clubs to bundled golf communities, we have a home or condo that will fit your lifestyle.

Also, if you’re wondering why you should choose Southwest Florida, in addition to significant tax advantages (did I mention there is no state income tax, low property taxes, and no inheritance tax?), we have perfect weather and an abundance of outdoor activities, shopping, and dining to suit everyone’s lifestyle.

So, whether you are considering relocating to our area or you are looking to buy your dream home, a second, third, or fourth home, check out some of the Top Private Golf Clubs and golf homes for sale in Southwest Florida Golf Communities on the market today!

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA GOLF COMMUNITY PROPERTIES FOR SALE

NAPLES Golf Community Properties for Sale

BONITA SPRINGS Golf Community Properties for Sale

ESTERO Recently Golf Community Properties for Sale

FORT MYERS Golf Community Properties for Sale

BRADENTON Golf Community Properties for Sale

SARASOTA Golf Community Properties for Sale

Which Golf Community is Right for You?

With more than 200 golf communities in Southwest Florida, finding the perfect one to call home doesn’t just feel intimidating, it is. Different golf clubs offer different amenities, courses, and lifestyles. So, to discover what truly feels right for you requires an insider’s perspective.

From private equity golf clubs to bundled golf communities, we have a home or condo that will fit your lifestyle. With more than 20 years of experience, we can help narrow down the list of communities to those that fit your lifestyle and housing options. We will help turn the process into an easy and enjoyable one.

Our vast relationships with all the golf communities from Naples to Sarasota allow us to serve our clients by providing relevant and current information about various golf communities in Southwest Florida. We’ll help you understand the difference between our bundled golf communities and our equity/non-equity golf communities. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of membership and community.

Once we know how often you play, other desired club amenities, property type, and a desired price range we can help you narrow the list of clubs down to a handful that will potentially offer you the Florida golf lifestyle you are looking for. Let’s get started, call 239.370.0892 or email us today.

Why Fixing Up Your House Can Help It Sell Faster

If you’re thinking about selling your house, you should know there are buyers who are ready and able to pay today’s high prices. But they want a home that’s move-in ready. A recent press release from Redfin explains:

“Buyers are still out there and they’re willing to pay today’s high prices, but only if the house is in really good shape. They don’t want to spend extra money on paint or new appliances.”

It makes sense when you think about it. They’re having to pay a lot of money for a house in today’s market. That means they may not be able to easily afford upgrades after they move in. So, if your home is outdated or needs some work, buyers might pass it by or offer a lower price than you were hoping for.

And there are a lot of homes that need upgrades right now. Millions are entering their prime remodel years, meaning they’re between 20 and 39 years old. Maybe yours is one of them. According to John Burns Research and Consulting (JBRC), the number of homes in their prime remodel years is high and growing (see graph below):

If your house falls into this category, it’s important to consider making selective updates to help it appeal to buyers, so it sells faster. But how do you know where to spend your time and money?

Why You Need a Real Estate Agent

By working with a local real estate agent to be strategic about the improvements you make, you can be sure you’re making a smart investment. Put simply, not all upgrades are worth the cost. As Bankrate says:

“Before you spend money on costly upgrades, be sure the changes you make will have a high return on investment. It doesn’t make sense to install new granite countertops, for example, if you only stand to break even on them, or even lose money.”

And, as that same Bankrate article goes on to say, that’s where a local real estate agent comes in:

“. . . a good real estate agent will know what local buyers expect and can help you decide what needs doing and what doesn’t.”

Your agent will know what buyers in your area are looking for and what they’re willing to pay for it. By working together, you can avoid spending money on upgrades that won’t pay off. Instead, they’ll fill you in on which changes will make your house more appealing and valuable.

Bottom Line

Selling a house right now requires more than just putting up a For Sale sign. You need to make sure it’s in good condition to attract buyers who are willing to pay today’s high prices.

The way to do that is by making smart improvements that will give you the best return on your investment. Let’s work together so you know what buyers are looking for and what your house needs before selling.

Why Working with a Real Estate Professional Is Crucial Right Now

Navigating the housing market can be tricky, especially these days. That’s why having an experienced guide when buying or selling a home is so important. The market isn’t exactly straightforward right now, and working with a real estate expert can offer insights and advice that make all the difference.

While today’s market conditions might seem confusing or overwhelming, you don’t have to handle them alone. With a trusted expert leading you through every step, you can navigate the process with the clarity and confidence you deserve.

Here are just a few of the ways a real estate expert is invaluable:

Contracts – Agents help with the disclosures and contracts necessary in today’s heavily regulated environment.

Experience – In today’s market, experience is crucial. Real estate professionals know the entire sales process, including how it’s changing right now.

Negotiations – Your real estate advisor acts as a buffer in negotiations with all parties, and advocates for your best interests throughout the entire transaction.

Industry Expertise– Knowledge is power in today’s market, and your advisor will simply and effectively explain processes, market conditions, and key terms, translating what they mean for you along the way along the way­.

Pricing – A real estate professional understands current real estate values when setting the price of your home or helping you make an offer to purchase one. Pricing matters more than ever right now, so having expert advice will help ensure you’re set up for success.

A real estate agent is a crucial guide through this challenging market, but not all agents are created equal. A true expert can carefully walk you through the whole real estate process, look out for your unique needs, and advise you on the best ways to achieve success.

Finding an expert real estate advisor – not just any agent – should be your top priority if you want to buy or sell a home. As Bankrate says:

“Real estate is very localized, and you want someone who’s extremely knowledgeable about the market in your specific area. You should also look for someone with a successful track record of negotiating and closing deals, preferably for homes similar to the kind you want to buy.”

What’s the Key To Choosing the Right Expert?

Like any relationship, it starts with trust. You’ll want to know you can depend on that person to always put you and your best interests first. That means hiring a true professional. As Business Insider explains:

“As long as you’ve properly vetted the agents you’re considering and ensured they have the necessary expertise, it’s ok to go with your gut when making your final decision on which real estate agent you want to work with. You’re going to be working closely with this person, so it’s important to choose an agent you’re comfortable with.”

Bottom Line

It’s critical to have an expert on your side who’s well-versed in navigating today’s housing market dynamics. If you’re planning to buy or sell a home this year, let’s connect so you have a real estate professional to give you the best advice and guide you along the way.

Why a Vacation Home Is the Ultimate Summer Upgrade

Summer is officially here and that means it’s the perfect time to start planning where you want to vacation and unwind this season. If you’re excited about getting away and having some fun in the sun, it might make sense to consider if owning your own vacation home is right for you.

An Ameriprise Financial survey sheds light on why people buy a second, or vacation, home (see below): 

• Vacation destination or a place to get away from the stresses of everyday life (81%) – Having a second home to use as a vacation spot can be a special place where you go to relax and take a break from your daily routines and stressors. It also means you won’t have to worry about finding somewhere to stay when you go there.
• Better weather (49%) – Buying in a place where there may be nicer weather can be a great escape, especially if it’s cold or rainy where you usually live. It lets you enjoy sunny days and warm temperatures, even when it’s not so nice back home.
• Rental income (41%) – You can rent it out to other people when you’re not using it, which can help you make some extra money.
• Primary residence in the future (33%) – You can eventually move into the home full-time during retirement. That means you can enjoy vacations there now and have a getaway ready for your future.
• Having a venue for gatherings with family and friends (25%) – It would be a special spot where you can have parties, regular family trips, and create fun memories.

Ways To Buy Your Vacation Home

And you don’t have to be wealthy to buy a vacation home. Bankrate shares two tips for how to make this dream more achievable for anyone who’s interested:

• Buy with loved ones or friends: If you’re okay with sharing the vacation home, you can go in on the purchase price together and pool your resources to make it more affordable.
• Put a savings plan in place: This will require patience and persistence but consider adding a vacation home savings plan to your budget and contributing to it monthly.

Finding Your Dream Spot with a Little Help from an Agent

If the idea of basking in the sun at your very own vacation home sounds appealing, you might want to start looking now. Summer’s when everyone’s trying to buy their slice of paradise, so it’s best to start early.

Your first move is to team up with a real estate agent. They know all the ins and outs of the area you want to be in, and which homes you should look at. Plus, they can give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about having a second home and how it can benefit you. The same article from Bankrate says:

“Buying real estate in a new area — or even one you’ve vacationed in for many years — requires expert guidance. That makes it a good idea to work with an experienced local lender who specializes in loans for vacation homes and a local real estate professional. Local lenders and Realtors will understand the required rules and specifics for the area you are buying, and a local Realtor will know what properties are available.”

Bottom Line

If the idea of owning your own vacation home appeals to you, let’s chat.

Why Moving to a Smaller Home After Retirement Makes Life Easier

Are you considering moving to a smaller home? Retirement is a time for relaxation, adventure, and enjoying the things you love. As you imagine this exciting new chapter in your life, it’s important to think about whether your current home still fits your needs.

If it’s too big, too costly, or just not convenient anymore, downsizing might help you make the most of your retirement years. To find out if a smaller, more manageable home might be the perfect fit for your new lifestyle, ask yourself these questions:

• Do the original reasons I bought my current house still stand, or have my needs changed since then?
• Do I really need and want the space I have right now, or could somewhere smaller be a better fit?
• What are my housing expenses right now, and how much do I want to try to save by downsizing?

If you answered yes to any of these, consider the benefits that come with downsizing.

The Benefits of Moving into a Smaller Home

There are many reasons why you should downsize. Here are just a few from Bankrate:

Your Equity Can Help Make Downsizing Possible

If those perks sound like something you’d want, you may already have what you need to make it happen. A recent article from Seniors Guide shares:

“And at a time when homeowners age 62 and older have more than $12 trillion in home equity, downsizing makes sense . . .”

If you’ve been in your house for a while, odds are you’re one of those homeowners who’s built up a considerable amount of equity. And that equity is something you can use to help you buy a home that better fits your needs today. Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrate, explains:

“Downsizing can mean taking that equity when the home is sold and using it to pay cash or make a large down payment on a lower-priced home, reducing your monthly living expenses.”

When you’re ready to use all that equity to fuel your next move, your real estate agent will be your guide through every step of the process. That includes setting the right price for your current house when you sell, finding the home that best fits your evolving needs, and understanding what you can afford at today’s mortgage rate.

Bottom Line

Starting your retirement journey? Think about downsizing – it could really help. When you’re ready, let’s connect.

The Price of Perfection: Don’t Wait for the Perfect Home

In life, patience is a virtue – but in the world of homebuying, waiting too long in hopes of finding the perfect home actually isn’t wise. That’s because the pursuit of perfection comes at a cost. And in this case, that cost may be delaying your dream of homeownership. As Bankrate explains:

“One of the most common first-time homebuyer mistakes is looking for a home that checks each of your boxes. Looking for perfection can narrow your choices and lead you to pass over good, suitable options for starter homes in the hopes that something better will come along.”

The Cost of Holding Out for Perfection

Nothing in life is ever perfect – and that’s true when you search for a home too. Unless you’re building a brand-new home from the ground up, chances are there are going to be some features or finishes you wouldn’t have picked yourself. It may be as simple as paint colors, a light fixture, or the tile in the bathrooms or kitchen. Or even that the backyard isn’t fenced in. It could also be that the home itself is great, but it’s not the ideal location you were hoping for.

But here’s the trade-off you’d be making without even realizing it. In all that time you’d spend searching for the perfect place, you’d overlook a lot of homes that would’ve worked for you. U.S. News explains:

“. . . you may miss opportunities if you enter the process with blinders on and aren’t open-minded . . . Countless potential buyers never buy because of this, and thus miss great investments or never move on to the next chapter of their lives.”

It’s Time To Redefine Perfection

Especially with affordability and inventory where they are today, buying a home that needs some updates, is a few neighborhoods away from your ideal location, or doesn’t have all your desired features can be a smart move. Here’s why.

For starters, these homes are usually more affordable, which is important at a time when some buyers are struggling to find options in their budget.

And they give you a chance to make the space your own or discover a whole new area of town. You may find out you actually love that neighborhood. Or, swapping out a feature here or there after move-in isn’t such a big deal. So, look past the green shag carpet and see the bones of the house. With a little vision and creativity, you can turn a good house into a fantastic home.

How an Agent Helps You Explore Your Options

If you’re open to a home that needs a little elbow grease or is a bit further out, let your agent know. They’ll be happy to show you how this can really open up your pool of homes to pick from. They’ll also help coach you through this process by:

1. Prioritizing Your Must-Haves: Your agent will want to revisit your wish list and separate your non-negotiables from your nice-to-haves. From there, they’ll focus on what’s really most important to you as they come up with a bigger list of options for you to choose from.

2. Coaching You To See the Potential: As you tour these added options, your agent will help you look beyond cosmetic flaws and imagine what the home could be with a little work. Simple updates like a fresh coat of paint or new flooring can make a big difference.

3. Connecting You with Local Pros: And an agent’s support goes one step further. If they know what you’re hoping to change after you move in, they can connect you with local pros who can get the job done. That way it’s less work for you, and you don’t have to worry about tracking down contractors.

Bottom Line

Remember, there is no perfect home. But with expert help and an open mind, we can find you the right home – even in today’s market. Let’s connect to see what’s out there.