Buyers 1•2•3

Everything you need to know about the process of buying a new home.

Download The Buyer's Guide

"Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for in full, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world."

-Franklin D. Roosevelt

Step One —

Make the Decision

I am sure you’re thinking, thanks, Captain Obvious, but moving from dreaming to doing is part of the process which may be harder than you think.

You’re probably like most of my customers who’ve thought of buying for years. Every time you vacation here you think it would be so nice to have your own place instead of paying for someone else’s. Maybe you’re even ready to make the leap to living here full-time.

Transitioning from the idea of a beach home into the reality of owning one doesn’t start with scrolling online or even looking in person. It starts with commitment and everyone needs to be on board. Whether that’s you, you and your spouse, or you and your kids - whoever gets a say all have to be on board this is the time to purchase.

Once that happens, it’s game on. Finding the four walls to call your home sweet second home - well, that’s the easy part.

Step Two —

Know the Process

Buying out of town can be daunting, but with over a decade experience, we’ve simplified the process. Our priority is for you to have confidence every detail is handled because sometimes you may feel a bit lost when you aren’t physically present. Don’t worry, we are here when you can’t be.

We narrow down your options to find the right home to fit your needs. Using market data to make a sound decision, we negotiate the best possible terms in your offer. Once it’s accepted, we walk you through every step of the closing process, managing all the details.

Any bumps in the road we may encounter, we have creative strategies to overcome. From our list of preferred vendors for inspections, and remodeling quotes, to rental management companies, we have trusted vendors who’ve exceeded our customers’ expectations time and time again to help navigate the process.

As an added bonus, once you own your dream home, you’re in the club - an open invitation to all our signature events, continued market reports to monitor your investment over time, and more. Congratulations!

Step Three —

Understand the Return

We all work hard for our money - well, unless you won the golden ticket as a trust fund baby. You, my friends, are a different animal who can change directions as the wind blows. But for the rest of us who’ve worked hard to get here, we need to know we are making a sound investment.

But buying a beach house is investing in so much more than the four walls. It’s getting a true ROR, a return on the relationship, which yields a much higher rate.

Time slows here. Kids put their phones down - at least for a while. Sun-drenched bodies gather to eat meals together outside of the hurry of sports, work, and laundry. Grandkids grow up with memories of going to Nana’s house at the beach. You are honoring the desire to put family first, prioritizing your most valuable asset of time with those you love most in the world.

Resources For Buyers

Mortage Calculator

Know what you can afford? Estimate your payments using the mortgage calculator.

Market Analysis

Make smart decisions with local market reports. Subscribe today!

Communities

Browse communities in the area. Find the perfect fit for your new home!

Buyer Questionnaire

Please take a moment to answer a few quick questions to help us understand more about your real estate goals.
Thank you and looking forward to talking to you soon!

Form Section 1
Value is missing
Value is missing
Value is missing
Value is missing
Value is missing
Value is missing
Form Section 2
Value is missing
Value is missing
You must select at least one option
Form Section 3
You must select at least one option
You must select at least one option
Value is missing
You must select at least one option
You must select at least one option
Value is missing
Form Section 4
You must select at least one option
You must select at least one option
Value is missing
Form Section 5
Value is missing
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Want to know more about the relocation process?

Download The Buyer's Guide

Things to Consider about Renting

Seasonal Demand and Pricing Strategy
  • Research the market to determine competitive pricing for short-term rentals. Professional management can run as little as 15% of the gross rent or as high as 40%.
  • Factor in additional costs such as property management fees, cleaning services, and maintenance to ownership costs.
  • Establish a financial plan that includes budgeting for seasonal fluctuations and unexpected expenses.
  • Understand the seasonal demand for beach rentals in our area. Most rentals only book 26-28 weeks of the year in our local market.
  • Implement a dynamic pricing strategy to maximize revenue during high-demand periods and attract guests during slower seasons.
Furnishing and Amenities
  • Furnish the beach home appropriately for short-term guests. Provide comfortable furniture, quality bedding, and essential amenities. What it looks like matters. Be prepared to update as needed. Everyone wants it to look like an issue of Coastal Living! Always purchase high quality mattresses and pillows.
  • Consider investing in durable, easy-to-maintain furnishings to minimize wear and tear. Plan on having the property deep cleaned annually; if not twice a year.
  • Consider additional perks such as beach gear, outdoor furniture, and recreational equipment to enhance the guest experience. The rental market has become more competitive in South Walton. How will you stand out and win the guest.
Insurance Coverage
  • Ensure that your homeowners' insurance covers short-term rentals. Some policies may require additional coverage for vacation rentals to protect against potential liabilities and damages caused by guests.
  • Check if the property will require flood insurance. It is recommended to get this coverage even if your mortgage company does not require it.
Property Management
  • Consider how the property will be managed, especially if you don't live nearby. Options include hiring a local property management company or using online platforms for short-term rental management if you’d like to self manage.
  • If the property is currently managed, review their contract terms if you are continuing with their services for opportunities to renegotiate terms.
  • Don’t select a property management company that requires you to list your home for sale with them if you choose to sell at a later date. Owners should be given free choice when it comes to who the best Realtor is to manage that process and that person may not be one in the same. Don’t give up your right to choose so read the fine print.
If Self-Managing, Guest Screening and Other Policies:
  • Develop clear house rules and policies for guests, covering areas such as check-in/check-out times, maximum occupancy, and pet policies.
  • Outline responsibilities for maintenance, cleaning, and handling guest concerns.
  • Consider implementing a guest screening process, such as requiring guest profiles or reviews, to minimize the risk of problematic renters.
  • Develop a strong online presence for the property through professional photos, a well-crafted listing, and positive guest reviews.

Moving Checklist

Two months before your move
  • Start A File: Create a “moving” file to keep track of vendor quotes, receipts and other records associated with your move.
  • Create A Budget: Moving can be expensive! Evaluate your resources and establish a realistic budget for making your move.
  • Request Estimates: Contact reputable moving companies to provide an in-home estimate. If you’re planning a DIY move, compare quotes from truck rental companies in your area.
A month before the move
  • Get Some Help: Select a moving company and reserve your moving date. Some moving companies will even help you pack!
  • Gear Up: Order boxes and other supplies such as tape, bubble wrap, labels and permanent markers.
  • Sort & Purge: It's a great time to get organized! Start sorting your closets, the garage and the attic.
  • Out With The Old: Host a garage sale or donate your unwanted things to charity.
  • Update School Records: If you have kids that are in school, arrange to transfer school records.
  • Change Your Address: Pick up a change of address form from your local post office, or change your address online.
  • Put Out The Word: Notify charge accounts, insurance companies, health-care providers and other organizations of your pending change of address.
Two weeks before your move
  • Box It Up: Begin boxing up your belongings, starting with items you won't need to use for a few weeks.
  • Label Your Life: Make unpacking easier by labeling boxes with the room they belong in.
  • Disconnect: Schedule disconnects for utilities such as gas, electric, water, and telephone service. Arrange any refunds that are due and schedule connections for your new residence.
  • Discontinue: Cancel newspapers, Internet, cable TV, security, pest control, cleaning help, lawn maintenance and any other services you subscribe to.
  • Take A Day: Notify your team that you'll be out of the office.
The week of your move
  • Take Out The Laundry: Empty dresser drawers, cabinets, and other storage spaces and ensure that all furniture is empty.
  • The Survival Kit: Pack a suitcase with items you can't live without until you get moved in and unpacked.
  • Final Scrub: Clean out the refrigerator, wipe down the sink and perform a final cleaning of your home.
  • Book A Sitter: Arrange any moving-day needs for the kids and pets.
  • Double-check The Details: Reconfirm the moving company's arrival time and other details.
The day before your move
  • Emergency Cash: Stash some cash, which may come in handy for a post-move pizza at the end of a long day!
  • Rest Up: Be sure to get a good night's sleep!
  • Say Bye: Don't forget to say goodbye to your neighbors!
Moving Day!
  • Final Walk Through: Do a final walk of your home, turn off the lights and thermostat and lock all the windows and outside doors.
  • Take Inventory: Before the movers leave, be sure to take an inventory of all your belongings to ensure nothing is missing.