If you are thinking of buying a new home in Florida, Palm Coast is a city worth considering. Nestled amid the wooded beauty and natural wetlands of Florida's East coast, Palm Coast is a growing city of more than 50,000 residents. Palm Coast offers all the amenities of city life with a small town feel. Our welcoming community and careful city planning give you a sense of Old Florida without sacrificing convenience.
Beautiful weather, numerous amenities and activities such as golf, tennis, boating, fishing, and more, pristine beaches, proximity to state and local parks, and exciting Florida cities; Palm coast has something for everyone.
Tips for the new home buyer
Just as you would in any other city, it pays to do plenty of research before you buy your new Palm Coast home. Explore the city, visit the Chamber of Commerce, and read the local papers. Decide which Palm Coast neighborhood provides the amenities you desire, including proximity to work, schools, medical care, shopping, parks and other recreational activities.
Buying an existing home
Carefully consider whether you would like to purchase an existing home or if you would like to have a custom home built. If you decide to purchase an existing home, and there are homes for sale in your desired neighborhood, either call the listing realtors, or find a realtor you would like to work with exclusively. Make sure you find a realtor you are comfortable with and who inspires your confidence. This is the person who will be guiding you through your home buying process, especially if you purchase an existing home, so choose carefully.
Potential pitfalls of an existing home purchase
When buying an existing home in Palm Coast, or anywhere else in Florida, there are several things you need to look out for. First, carefully consider the age of the home you are looking to purchase. Was it built before lead paint restrictions were put into place? Does it have an old (and often unsafe) furnace that will need to be removed? Does the home have solid electrical wiring and plumbing, or will you have to make expensive repairs?
Take advantage of the inspection process. Hire a quality inspector who will thoroughly inspect all major systems in the home, and who will be able to tell you more about the structural integrity of the home. Some homes are built below hurricane code, and if you are buying a new home in Florida, the last thing you want is a below-code home. The inspection process is crucial! You need to ask if there has been any termite damage, flood damage, wood rot, roof damage or leaks in the home.
Considering a newly constructed Palm Coast home
Although it can be more expensive to have a custom home built, the new home buyer would be well served to research and consider this option. If you decide on a custom home, you immediately alleviate several new home buying worries. Everything is new, so you don't have to worry about expensive repairs. In a newly constructed home, there are no termites, no wood rot, leaks or flood damage, and you know what materials that are being used to build your home. Not to mention, with a custom home you have the opportunity to build a home that reflects your personality, with exactly the colors and features that you have always wanted.
Finding the right builder
It is best to research several home builders in the Palm Coast area. Homes built by reputable builders are often more expensive, but quality construction is well worth the extra expense. Cheaper tract homes may be easier on the wallet initially, but in the Florida climate you will end up paying more for repairs in the long run if you buy a cheaply build home.
When interviewing a prospective builder, begin by asking about the types of materials they use. Quality builders use quality materials. Do they build the walls and foundations with wood, concrete block, or solid poured concrete? Do they build their homes above hurricane code? If so, how far above code do they go? Find out about upgrade packages and whether it costs more for high quality materials and comfort upgrades. Ask for references and check them.
Educated buyers have the best home buying experience
Do your homework, shop around, and find quality professionals you can trust to assist you with everything from finding or building your ideal Palm Coast home, to financing that home. The extra time you put in now will pay dividends in the long run, and will ensure that you have a positive experience when finding the Palm Coast home of your dreams.
If so, then there are several things that you need to consider. The tropical climate is one of the benefits of living in Florida, but it does present unique challenges when it comes to buying or building a new home. Also, older homes may have hidden repair and remodeling costs that the buyer has not considered. The educated buyer would do well to take all of these factors into consideration when deciding on whether to purchase an existing home or have a new home built.
Purchasing an existing Florida home
At this time, there are a flood of existing houses for sale in Florida. Market conditions now heavily favor the buyer, and many Florida home buyers are looking to take advantage of these conditions by finding a great deal on an existing home. However, buyers must take into consideration some of the repair and remodeling costs that may come with an existing home.
The buyer may think that they are getting a new home at a great price, but in reality, they could end up spending a great deal of additional money before the home is ready for occupancy. Older homes are especially prone to needing costly repairs. On average, a Florida home begins to require major repair and remodeling after twenty years. Electrical and plumbing systems age, wood frame homes are often susceptible to wood rot and insect infestation, and appliances wear out after years of use.
Many older homes were built before lead paint restrictions were put into place, or were built without central air conditioning and heat. Older furnaces are often unsafe and are expensive to remove, and it is difficult (not to mention costly) to install central heat and air in homes with out-dated electrical systems.
Building a new Florida home can save you money
Building a brand-new custom home may be more affordable than you think, and will alleviate several of the home buying worries that come with an existing home. If you consider the fact that you will not have to spend a penny on repairs or remodeling, a brand-new home will likely end up saving you money in the long run. There is no need to worry about replacing outdated electrical, plumbing, air conditioning and heating systems. There is no fear of wood rot, water damage or insect infestation. Everything is brand-new, and often under warranty.
Hurricane protection is another area where you can save money by having a new home built. Many existing Florida homes were built before stricter hurricane building codes were put into effect, and even newer homes may not be built to withstand a strong hurricane.
Today there are home builders in Florida who are offering homes built to withstand a Category 4 hurricane. These builders use solid concrete construction, additional roof truss straps, and impact resistant glass to provide the highest level of hurricane protection for your home. In addition, these above code homes can save you money on homeowner's insurance premiums. Many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who purchase homes with these protective features.
No need to spend time and money on messy remodeling projects
When you decide to have a custom Florida home built, your builder should provide a wide array of style and d'cor options. You choose the floor plan, interior and exterior colors, flooring, cabinetry, and lighting for your custom home. This means that you get the home you want: a home that reflects your personal taste and style.
In a brand-new home, floor plans are often more airy and spacious than those found in older existing homes. Appliances are up-to-date and top of the line. The homes are usually pre-wired for ceiling fans, cable and internet, and there is an increased number of electrical outlets in every room. These are all features that you would likely have to pay to add to an older existing home
Purchasing a new home from a builder saves on commission costs
Finally, you can save money on a brand-new custom built home by purchasing your home directly from the home builder rather than acquiring a realtor to negotiate your purchase. If a home builder does not have to pay a 3-6% commission to a realtor, they will often pass these savings on to you by reducing the price of the home or adding additional features and upgrades free of charge.
In the long run, purchasing an older existing home, even in the current buyer's market, may cost you more money than you think. It may be much more affordable, not to mention less stressful, to build a high-quality custom home instead.
Tom Beaty has sinced written about articles on various topics from Buying and Selling Home, Sell Home and Buying and Selling Home. Tom Beaty is a homebuilder and real estate broker for over 25 years. For free good advice and information visit; . Tom Beaty's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.