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Pre Construction Housing Opportunities on 30a

Karen January 27, 2014

New Construction Homes for Sale on 30a

With existing home inventory at their lowest levels in several years, there is a good chance you might be looking at Pre-Construction housing opportunities on 30a. Builders have rebounded and been able to purchase quite a bit of vacant land over the past 18 months and new spec homes are popping up everywhere. It is very important that you have a competent real estate agent assisting you because there are many things that need to be addressed in the contracts.. These contracts are a lot more complicated due to the uncertainty of finishes and completion date expectations.. Remember these are not designed to be custom homes so it is important that if you have changes you would like to make then it will probably be considered a “Change Order”.

Writing a contract on a pre-construction home requires a lot more details and very specific wording to make sure there is no confusion.. Even though you try to cover all issues, rest assured that there will be things that arise unexpectedly. This is when it is imperative that you maintain a great line of communication with the builder and your real estate agent.

Here is some advice to buyers looking to purchase a “spec” home currently under construction. Do not assume the “completion date(s) will be met. Materials are being back ordered due to the spike in building. Weather delays are common. There are certain changes that can be made to suit your specific tastes but many changes will cost additional money. A good real estate agent will do a better job than most in communicating between a new buyer and the builder. It is critical that you use a real estate agent that possesses good communication skills and is experienced in what to expect as construction moves forward. Failure to do this can result in unexpected costs, surprises in delays and an unpleasant buying experience.

As an experienced real estate broker/owner I am happy to share with prospective buyers the advantages and disadvantages to buying an existing property versus contracting to building a new home. The differences will always enable you to make the right decision.

Want to know about some pre-construction home opportunities on 30a then check out some of the links below
Search Real Estate Listings in The Retreat
Search Real Estate Listings in Draper Lake
Search Real Estate Listings in Forest Lakes
Search Real Estate Listings in Lakeside at Blue Mtn
Search Real Estate Listings in Highland Parks at Blue Mtn Beach
Search Real Estate Listings in Village of Blue Mtn Beach

Karen Holder
Broker / Owner
Homes on 30a
850.687.1064

What Questions Should You Ask When Buying a Condo on 30A

Karen December 19, 2013

What do you need to know about buying a condo on 30a

One of the very first questions a Homes On 30A agent will ask a prospective buyer is ” are you interested in a home or a condo’? Most people are quick to answer this question. Seems that most people either like the idea of owning a condominium here at the beach or they don’t. Condominium ownership is not as popular as it was over the past few decades but there is still a significant amount of buyers looking to purchase a condominium . As with any decision a buyer might make in a purchase, there are pluses and minuses to buying a condo vs. a single family dwelling ( house ). Here are a few very important points to remember.

One of the first issues to consider is financing. There were many condominium associations ( homeowner/management associations) that found themselves in financial trouble when the market crashed back in 2005. Owners who became delinquent in paying dues or fees plunged these associations into financial difficulty and this has had a direct effect on whether or not a lender would lend money on a purchase or not. Personal bankruptcy’s and subsequent litigation that can arise is also a red flag to lenders. Many condominium associations have re established strong reserves and the financial conditions have improved. There still remains, however, “lists” of condominiums here along 30A where financing is not possible. As agents, we are always quick to recommend that buyers use local lenders here when financing a purchase and especially so when purchasing a condominium. Local lenders are far more in touch with the financial strengths and weaknesses that exist and can anticipate possible problems far better than out of state lenders.

The HOA dues that come with owning a condo here seem especially high to first time condo buyers. However, these fees include all maintenance and upkeep to the buildings and common areas and include comprehensive insurance coverage on everything except the interior of a unit. Many condo HOA’s also include basic cable, water/sewer, trash pick up etc. There are also “on property” amenities available in most condominiums such as swimming pools, health spa facilities, meeting and special event areas and great beach access just to name a few. When owning a free standing house, you are responsible for your own maintenance and insurance coverage as well as these other miscellaneous fees. Always ask about what specifically is included in the HOA fees as they vary from one condo to the next.

Condominium ownership allows for a “lower maintenance” commitment from owners, especially out of state owners who like the security of knowing there is someone always around to handle these matters. This is a private choice that only you can make when deciding what to buy. As always, your Home On 30A agent is expert in helping you make the right decision.

Homeowners Insurance tips on 30A

Karen December 14, 2013

Need Homeowners Insurance for your 30a Home?

I have just finished attending a meeting called by one of the top insurance carriers here on the beach reviewing homeowner’s insurance issues as we end this year and look forward to 2014. Here are a few things to ALWAYS remember about your homeowners coverage here on 30A:

Our area is on what all insurance carriers consider a barrier island. As agents here at Homes On 30A, we ALWAYS recommend to our clients that property owners purchase flood insurance whether it is required or not. Here is the proper HURRICANE INSURANCE EQUATION as preached by our insurance experts…

HOMEOWNERS + WIND + FLOOD = HURRICANE INSURANCE

The primary flood zone classifications found here along 30A are…

A ZONE – found in lower lying areas and near creeks and lakes.

V ZONES – beach front homes or close proximity to beach front. Lenders will require flood insurance for both A and V zone classifications.

X ZONE – low to moderate risk of flooding .2% chance. Coverage is not required in the X zone class but, as stated above, we strongly recommend that you purchase it anyway. Always remember that you do NOT have a truly comprehensive insurance coverage package without flood insurance, regardless of your flood zone classification.

Homeowners insurance is a critical part of the buying process in any part of the country but especially important here at the beach. A Homes On 30A agent will answer any questions you may have and, more importantly, refer to one of our expert insurance agents to answer questions as well.

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Looking Ahead to 30-A Real Estate in 2014

Karen December 11, 2013

30a Real Estate in 2014

At about this time every year, we begin to see projections and predictions about the coming year in the real estate market. Some of the typical economic indicators that drive the real estate market do not necessarily apply to our market here on the beach. We have an exceptionally high level of second home purchases, a market that is not affected by the ups and downs of household income or even the rise and fall of interest rates.

The typical demographic of the property buyer here on 30A has an age of between 35 and 75; a professional, executive or business owner with a higher asset level than average and a hefty level of disposable income. This buyer typically is looking for something he/she can enjoy with their families and perhaps subsidize some of the expense with short term rental income. However we are seeing an increase in end use buyers who are not interested in placing their property in the rental market.

2014 will see a continuation of hopefully slow recovery. It is not sustainable to see property appreciations of much more than 3 to 4 percent yearly. We have experienced a spike in property values during 2013 primarily due to the extremely low levels we reached during the collapse of 2005/2006. Inventories are expected to level off and begin to increase some this coming year which will halt the slide in inventories we have experienced over the last 2 years. It is very clear as we approach 2014 that it is no longer just a buyer’s market and we will see more non-distressed properties hit the market due to higher prices. These are pretty much simple economic supply and demand factors in play; nothing complicated.

The Fed is expected to begin tapering the cash stimulus infusion into the market and interest rates will probably creep to and maybe a little above 5% sometime during the coming year. Because of the up-scale market we have to sell here on 30A, this should not impact the level of demand we are enjoying. Most buyers will weigh the advantages of borrowing (expense) vs the return they might get from other investments and determine that it is still a good bet to borrow at around 5%.

We are excited to now know that the worst of the real estate market collapse is behind us and we look forward to an active and successful year in 2014. Contact Homes on 30a for all of your 30a real estate needs

Interested in Selling Your 30a Property

Karen December 10, 2013

We Offer the Latest and Most Innovative Marketing Techniques to Market and Sell Your Home.

If you are interested in selling your 30a property, Homes on 30a is now offering the latest and most innovative way to help market and sell your home. The fact is that most buyers are now finding properties online so it is critical to showcase your home in as many high end areas as possible, so we are always searching for the best way to offer this . We think we have found the best solution.We are now offering a Luxury & Digital Media Placement Package. The package includes a custom website of your home with a Luxury Google Earth Aerial Video, High resolution photography, a Mobile Website for iphone or android phones, and Ipad & Tablet Website and a High Definition You Tube Video

This Luxury Marketing Package offers Placement ads in The Wall Street Journal, The Robb Report Exceptional Properties, JetSet Magazine and the New York Times International Herald Tribune, as well as Facebook Targeted ads and Placement with Google’s Vast International Network Partners. If You are serious about selling your home then call Homes on 30a today 850.687.1064 to discuss this Latest Marketing Strategy.

Click the Link below to preview one of our Luxury Marketing Packages. Some Companies Might promise top notch marketing but we guarantee it!

Media Kit – 360 Spartina Circle

We also offer top placement on all of the top real estate sites like Zillow, Realtor.com and Trulia to name a few.

Fall on Scenic Highway 30A

Karen August 21, 2013

End of Summer on 30a

Even though the weather is still hot and Labor Day is not quite here yet, the Fall season has begun on 30A. Most school sessions begin now during the second and third weeks of August and that’s when the summer crowds begin to rapidly disappear. We encourage you to come for a long weekend if possible for many reasons. The water temperatures are still very comfortable through October and the seagrasses that show up during hot weather are almost always gone and the water in the Gulf is a brilliant emerald green. The traffic along Scenic Highway 30A is much easier to deal with and our restaurants do not have the long waits you experience during peak times. Seaside, which is always a fun day during your stay, is far less crowded and all of the shops, restaurants, art galleries, etc. are open for business. As a matter of fact, most of the locals that call 30A home will tell you that their time at the beach is best spent during April and late September/October. The water and sand are beautiful, the fishing is still great and the heat is less oppressive. For the golfers, the Fall here is a great time to take advantage of a quicker pace of play and at reduced green fees. The Tom Fazio designed Camp Creek Golf Club is an outstanding 18 hole championship course featuring full service food and beverage, complete pro shop and excellent practice facilities. This course is open to the public and at reduced rates during the off season.

There are many events that take place along 30A in the Fall. From the Seaside Repertory Theater productions, various outdoor concerts that can be found at Watercolor, Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach, wine festivals, Seaside and Gulf Place farmers markets each Saturday, live music at the Red Bar in Grayton Beach. There are outdoor movies for children as well as classical music concerts at the Amphitheater in Seaside throughout the fall. Many musical concerts featuring live entertainment at venues all along Scenic Highway 30A to be enjoyed by the entire family with music that appeals to all tastes.

An excellent source for viewing all Fall events that take place here at the beach can be found by googling sowal. This is a comprehensive website used by many people both locals and visitors alike where you can find events, live music, photos, videos, beach news, featured restaurants and even an interactive blog used by those who want to make a comment, post an event and share it with others or just read for the entertainment of some of the funny/crazy things that are said.

Less people, all the fun is the catch-phrase for the Fall here on Scenic Highway 30A. See more about Scenic hwy 30a and 30a Real Estate