Shari Gross\'s Blog

How to find a Condo for Sale in Destin Florida

sharigross — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:12:24 +0000

Find a Realtor who is familiar with the area and various condominium buildings. One Realtor, your buyer™s agent, can show you many condos in one day. This is sometimes tricky because many units are rented and the only time to see the unit is during the œturnover. But this is good because the condos are generating income through rentals for the owners!
Ask to see more than one unit in each building if possible, that way you can compare the views, and location to the beach, swimming pool, tennis courts, fitness room, coffee shop, elevator, garbage chute, and stairs!
Ask your Realtor for an œAgency agreement. This will explain if the Realtor is working as a single agent or transaction broker.
Plan on taking notes on the print-out sheet of each unit listing! After seeing about 3-4 condos, it is very difficult to remember which unit had the best view, granite counter tops, or that bright paint color!
Talk with your agent ahead of time to determine what factors are most important to you such as: direct Gulf or Bay view, proximity to the Gulf, location of building, floor level, floor plan, ceiling height, number of bedrooms, number of baths, updated kitchen, elegant furnishings, and price.

Of course all buyers want the best unit at a great bargain but sometimes if a buyer is willing to compromise a little, he or she can get a great condo at a great price. If you would like to explore these areas in more detail simply contact me .

An investment and a Paradise Vacation- Condos in Destin

sharigross — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:50:31 +0000

Is Your Condo A Primary Residence, Second Home, or as an Investment? Because It Matters.

One factor to consider before buying a condo is how do you plan on purchasing it – as a primary residence, second home, or as an investment? 1. If you plan on obtaining financing for your condo be sure to ask your lender if he or she offers different mortgage rates for primary residence, second home or investment properties. Some lenders will finance condos although others will not finance condos at all. Be sure to ask your lender for details on rates, down payments, and loan products.

2. If you plan to purchase a condo as an investment property, you may want to consider placing the unit on a local rental program. Ask to meet with a rental agent who can guide you in what a Resort Guest wants to see in a condo. Short term resort rental agencies offer pricing for different seasons and different level units. A œplatinum rated condo during Memorial Day week will certainly rent out for more than an average unit on a non holiday week.

3. Ask your rental agent how you can decorate your condo to have the œluxury hotel feeling. It may seem like extra money upfront to decorate to high standards but remember that if guests enjoyed their stay in your condo, they will want to book year after year with you!

4. If you plan to only use your condo for your family and friends you may choose to decorate in a manner which suits you, in other words, more personalized dÃ©cor. There are numerous stores and shops in Destin with a wide range of pricing for condo furniture, linens, electronices, kitchen equipment, appliances, and decorative items.

5. Consult with your accountant on how the IRS views a second home versus an investment property. Consider the fact that there is a homestead property tax exemption available in the state of Florida for primary homes.

Now may be your chance to have that dream home on the water when a few years back this dream may have seemed unobtainable. Contact me for more info.

Welcome to Shari Gross’s Blog!

sharigross — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:07:37 +0000

Welcome to Shari Gross’s Blog! This blog will provide you with valuable information, tips, and general insight into the real estate market in Destin.