Have you been thinking about a peaceful summer getaway? Have you been dreaming of your very own beach property? You could make that dream a reality by looking for beach real estate for sale and working with realtors to procure your dream vacation home. If you’ve been envious of the outer banks lifestyle and want a laidback, beautiful vacation home with gentle seabreezes, looking into beach real estate for sale might be just the thing for you! Many of these homes are part of little communities; families who routinely summer there. Amenities and other attractions are also often nearby and it can be a great place to bring kids and simply unwind, away from the hubbub of the city or sprawling spaces of the country. These areas are also often very kid-friendly and your children may even make new friends during their summer time away at your new house. But how can you find the right home that will fit your vision and match your needs? Let a real estate agent help you find the perfect beach real estate for sale.
Why Should I Hire a Real Estate Agent?
For one thing, your realtor can easily and quickly provide you with a wealth of homes to view. Instead of having to do all the legwork, set up visits, and obtain keys or ways to be let into the property, a realtor can do all of that for you, and tell you where to show up once he or she knows your specifications and budgets. They’re also knowledgeable about key selling facts, such as schools, local attractions, the safety/crime rate in the area, and more. Indeed, almost 100% of buyers who used a real estate agent during their house hunt said that they viewed their real estate agent as a useful source of information.
Additionally, in 2014, almost 90% of buyers obtained their home using either a real estate agent or a broker. This went up from 69% in 2001.
A real estate agent can also help negotiate on your behalf, which is often useful if you don’t have a lot of time to spare or are new to the home buying process. They may often have exclusive access to certain properties, which cuts down on the competition, and can alert you to new properties up for sale in their area.
What Does a Realtor Do?
Think of your realtor as the intermediary between you and the seller. When you’re looking for that hot new beach real estate for sale, a realtor can help you find the newest listings. Ideally, they should be up to date with the market activity at a local and regional level and keeping track of listings in all stages. They help submit real estate documents, agreements, and any other necessary paperwork with the right state facilities. Naturally, they assist you in setting up viewings, open houses, and other meetings. They’ll also field whatever necessary phone calls and extraneous paperwork comes their way. They wear many hats and work to find you the best property available.
How Do I Find a Good Realtor?
One of the most common ways to find a realtor is to ask friends or family members who they recommend. Around 40% of home buyers find their agent from a referral. Make sure your realtor is a part of the National Association of Realtors — that means they’re legitimate and have been approved by the NAR. Being in the NAR also forces them to stick to a strict code of ethics to give you fair treatment.
Look up their track record online as well — what’s their success rate been like? Are their testimonials or reviews that can back up the numbers? You should also speak to them beforehand to get a sense of what it might be like to work with them and how knowledgeable they really are.
So if you’re looking for your dream vacation home by the beach or a new apartment or home somewhere new, consider asking a real estate agent for help. Their guidance and wisdom will certainly be invaluable to your search.