Finding your perfect St. Augustine home is no easy feat! There are a lot of factors to consider when shopping around. Not only do you need to think about what it is you desire in a home, but you also have to think about the area itself and what the current climate of the local housing market is. If you’re looking for a home in the St. Augustine area, here are some of my top tips to get you started.
Are you relocating to the St. Augustine area? If so, be sure you know the ins and outs of the city before committing to calling it your home. There’s a lot to love about this beachside gem. Here are some highlights to consider.
There’s no denying that St. Augustine weather is absolutely wonderful. With a fairly temperate climate, you can comfortably enjoy some time soaking up the sun regardless of the season. If you enjoy warm temperatures and humidity, you’ll love St. Augustine. The only shift in weather that you may notice is during hurricane season from around August through early October. There will be a lot more rain. Luckily, the hurricane weather isn’t as severe in this region of Florida.
Those seeking a beachside paradise with a small-town feel can look no further than St. Augustine. Boasting 42 miles of pristine beaches, you can certainly enjoy the best of Florida’s natural beauty. There are countless recreation opportunities from skimboarding to fishing to kayaking. You can also take a stroll through historic Downtown St. Augustine to take in the depth of the local culture. From shopping to restaurants to historic sites, there’s so much to see and experience.
Family life is idyllic in St. Augustine. We have some of the best schools in Florida. St. Johns County is one of the top districts in the state for elementary school, middle school, and high school. There’s also so much to do as a family in this city. You can visit our world-class attractions on the weekends and enjoy community-centric events and gatherings with kids of all ages.
The market is red hot in St. Augustine. Competition and prices are high throughout the area. The average home prices jumped up an astonishing 23.1% compared to 2021. The median price is currently $451K. It can be a bit tricky to buy right now but if you can manage to land a home in the area, you’re looking at a fantastic investment.
Now that you’re settled on calling this city home, it’s time to hone in on your budget. Before you even start your house hunt you’ll need pre-approval for a home loan. In order to secure a pre-approval from a lender, you’ll need proof of assets and income, good credit, and employment verification among other documents. Once you have a figure that the lender is willing to offer you, be sure to factor in other monthly bills as well as your potential monthly mortgage payment. You don’t want to go with the full amount if you can’t actually afford all of your bills.
There are so many wonderful neighborhoods in the St. Augustine area. Just about anywhere you land in this city will be lovely. But there are certain distinctions to keep in mind when selecting a neighborhood in order to truly gain the best quality of life in your new home. Here are some of the best neighborhoods to choose from:
It’s vital to get an idea of what your wants versus your needs are when selecting a home. Sure, we may want a large backyard and a hot tub but is that really a necessity? What are some features that are an absolute non-negotiable when it comes to your day-to-day needs? Maybe you cook a lot and need ample countertop space. Or perhaps you need a one-level home due to mobility issues. Whatever the case may be, nail down these needs and make a separate list of your wants. You can start by fulfilling these needs and narrow down your list based on which homes feature your wants.
Real estate can be a confusing industry to wrap your head around – especially if you’re a first-time home buyer. Don’t go in alone! Be sure to secure a top-tier real estate agent to help you navigate the process from start to finish. If you’re looking to purchase a home in the St. Augustine area, I would love to be of service. I am an experienced, customer-focused Realtor with my finger on the pulse of St. Augustine real estate. Get in touch with me today for more information!
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