5 Questions First Time Homebuyers Must Ask

What Questions Should First-Time Homebuyers Ask?

Finding the right neighborhood is of paramount importance when buying a new home in Destin whether you have bought 5 homes in the past or you are a first-time homebuyer. The community that your home will be a part of is often as important to your quality of life as the house itself. By thinking carefully about the neighborhood in which you buy, you can guarantee that you will be happy with your home purchase. Let’s look at three key decision points that can help you choose the best neighborhood.

Is There a Homeowner’s Association?

Depending on what you are looking for in a neighborhood, a homeowner’s association (HOA) can be a plus or a minus.

Generally speaking, if your neighborhood requires membership in a home owner’s association you can be assured that the homes will all look good. HOA’s can apply standards and care practices for the homes in their neighborhood which can be quite a benefit for a Destin first-time homebuyer. This means that you will be far less likely to have a neighbor park cars on their lawn, staying up all night with loud music, or painting their house obnoxiously.

The downside is that if you like expressing your individuality through your home’s appearance or have trouble following strict guidelines, you may run afoul of the operating board. HOA fines add up quickly and dealing with an overzealous board can be tedious.  Although HOA’s are not for everyone they may be a good idea for a first-time home buyer in Destin because homes with HOA’s typically hold their value very well.

How Highly Regarded Are the Area Schools?

If you have children of your own, this determining factor is a no-brainer. Even in Destin, some schools are going to be better than others. You’ll want to ensure your child receives the best education available.

Even if you don’t have children, buying in a good school district makes sense because it is a selling point you can leverage if you choose to move. A good school district can be the difference between a motivated buyer and a lukewarm one.

To find out which school area children go to, check out one of the many websites that make convenient rankings of schools in your area.

Proximity To Amenities and Ease of Commute

Proximity to Destin‘s amenities and length of the drive to work is another factor you need to consider before buying into a neighborhood

If close access to nightlife and an easy commute are important to you, a neighborhood that is close to the Destin Harbor or Sandestin Resort will cut down on wasted time driving for both work and play. You may not mind the increased traffic and noise that comes with these neighborhoods. Neighborhoods closer to these amenities tend to be younger and more hip but may not be as family-friendly.

If peace and quiet are integral to your enjoyment of your home, looking further away from city centers may be your best bet. Homes away from nightlife and business centers tend to attract a crowd who does not appreciate the noise and chaos that can come with a particularly vibrant neighborhood.  Some of the more popular Destin neighborhoods that are more quiet and secluded are Emerald Bay, Kelly Plantation, Emerald Lakes, and Regatta Bay.

The downside to these neighborhoods is that if you work in the more densely populated portions of your town, it may increase your daily commute to work significantly. You need to decide if the inconvenience of a longer commute is worth the benefit of a quieter neighborhood.

Neighborhoods come in all varieties, just like the people who populate them. What is ideal for one individual may be intolerable for another. Finding a perfect fit takes time but if you address these key factors, you are well on your way to finding a neighborhood that suits your needs.

In Conclusion...

It is very important that first-time homebuyers ask questions that will help them find the best possible living situation.  With so many different neighborhoods and communities in Destin and Miramar Beach Florida, it can become overwhelming very quickly.  It is difficult enough for people that have purchased homes before but first-time homebuyers must ask plenty of questions.  We hope that these few questions and answers have helped.  If you have any other questions about buying real estate in the Destin area feel free to send us an email through the contact button at the top of the page or call The Laurie Hollowell Team directly at 850-269-1369.

The Laurie Hollowell Team is one of the top producing teams at Keller Williams Emerald Coast.  The team loves helping first-time homebuyers achieve their dream of homeownership.