BUYER’S GUIDE
WHY HERE? The Florida Panhandle and coastal Alabama are uniquely captivating areas that combine natural beauty, rich history, and a vibrant cultural scene to create an unforgettable destination. The beautiful towns and cities here are places where history, culture, and family come together to create an extraordinary experience. Museums & Attractions
Family Attractions
Historic Pensacola Village National Naval Aviation Museum Pensacola Lighthouse & Museum Pensacola Children’s Museum Quina House Museum Pensacola MESS Hall UWF Archaeology Program
The Blue Wahoos Gulf State Park Gallery Night Palafox Market The Pensacola Ice Flyers Owa Parks & Resort The Wharf Festivals
Theatres The Saenger Theatre Pensacola Little Theatre
Hangout Fest The Crawfish Festival The Seafood Festival Foo Foo Festival Jazz Fest Fiesta Pensacola Mardi Gras
Accolades Southern Living’s #1 Most Beautiful White Sand Beach in Florida Southern Living’s Favorite Fall Beach Destination #19 Southern Living’s The South’s Best Family Getaways #6 Southern Living’s Best Beaches in America #11 Southern Living’s Best Florida Beaches for Families #8 Southern Living’s The South’s Best Beach Towns #8 TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice #20 Best Beaches in the US Resonance Consultancy’s America’s Best Cities #81 Scholar’s Best Cities to Live In #33 U.S. News & World Report’s #3 Best Place to Retire in the Nation Forbes Best Place to Live in Florida (2023, #10) U.S. News & World #28 Best Place to Live in the U.S.
THE VALUE OF BUYER REPRESENTATION Your Home Buying Advocate And Trusted Advisor
Negotiation With Market Expertise
Having representation from a Buyer’s Agent is the only way that you can be confident that you have someone looking out for your best interests and allowing you to make informed real estate decisions.
Successful negotiation begins with a clear understanding of your goals, desires, and concerns and is strengthened by a deep knowledge of current market trends. Your Buyer’s Agent is committed to working on your behalf, ensuring the negotiation of the best possible price and terms for your home purchase.
Alignment With a Professional Our high quality reputation is backed by our affiliation with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, an exclusive, global community spanning over 70 countries. Membership is awarded to firms based on rigorous standards who are market leaders in both service and performance. Unparalleled Market Knowledge Our brokerage is rooted in the Emerald Coast. We have a deep understanding of local housing regulations and trends so that we can help you make smarter, informed decisions. As a local company, we bring an authentic perspective and southern hospitality to real estate that many of our competitors cannot claim.
Services Tailored to Your Needs Our distinguished services are comprehensive and personalized exclusively for you. With over 30 years in the industry, our reputation has been built on the consistent delivery of high-performance results for each client. Our strong local culture is well-aligned with your market-specific needs. A Streamlined Process Your dedicated Buyer’s Agent is here to streamline the entire process, ensuring a smooth journey while optimizing your time efficiency. From navigating your home search and negotiating terms to managing the intricacies of contracts and facilitating a seamless closing, your Buyer’s Agent is with you every step of the way.
SERVICES PROVIDED BY A BUYERS AGENT Property Search
Strategic Offer Structuring
Legal Document Guidance
Leveraging multiple sources including the MLS, for sale by owners, and builders to identify properties that match the buyer’s specifications.
Assist the buyer in crafting a strategically sound Offer to Purchase with terms and conditions that align with the property’s value, marketing conditions, and the buyer’s best interests.
Explain all legal documents related to the purchase, ensuring the buyers are fully informed and comfortable with the transaction.
Efficient Property Viewings Accompanying buyers on property showings or previewing properties on their behalf to guarantee they meet their criteria. Property Research Research selected properties to uncover any potential problems or concerns that the buyer should be aware of. Insight on List Price Provide a comprehensive comparable market analysis, enabling your buyer to make a well-informed purchasing decision.
Offer Presentation Presentation of the buyer’s offer to either the seller’s agent or the seller directly, ensuring that the buyer’s interests are represented effectively. Skilled Negotiations Working diligently on the buyer’s behalf to secure the best possible terms for their purchase, always keeping their interests at the forefront.
Streamlined Inspections Coordinate property inspections to guarantee a thorough assessment, providing buyers with accurate insights into the property’s condition. Mortgage Financing Provide recommendations for securing appropriate financing, helping the buyer navigate the financial aspects of the purchase with confidence.
ABOUT LEVIN RINKE REALTY Since 1991, Levin Rinke Realty has been committed to empowering our clients. We simplify the buying and selling process through expert knowledge, dynamic marketing, and the gold standard of customer service. Timing is crucial in real estate and we’re here to guide you through a successful buying experience. Our strategy includes providing well-informed market information and personalized pricing approaches, designed to meet the needs of buyers in our local market and around the world.
2023 VOTED PENSACOLA’S BEST RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE COMPANY 2014-2023
When buying or selling a home, you need a trusted advisor to guide you through every step of the process. Working with a Levin Rinke agent will give you just that. As the local real estate market leaders, we are committed to providing you with the highest level of service and expertise, and we look forward to partnering with you to achieve your real estate goals.
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
CONNECTING BUYERS AND SELLERS Buying a home can be a monumental decision. At Levin Rinke our agents are dedicated to ensuring professional representation for our clients. Our wealth of local market knowledge, global network, and ability to tailor property matches to your unique specifications solidifies us as the competitive edge in your home buying process. As the true market leaders we specialize in the art of connecting buyers and sellers in a way that not only meets their criteria, but exceeds their expectations.
In a competitive market working with a company that has a proven track record of bridging the gap between buyers and sellers is cruicial. In 2023 we represented both sides of the transaction more than other company in our area. Levin Rinke Realty is synonymous with unlocking the doors to the most coveted properties in the region. And our commitment to excellence extends beyond transactions; it’s our promise to you of a personalized, efficient and well-informed buying experience.
We connect more buyers and sellers than our closest competitor...
103% More *ALL INFO FROM PAR MLS AS OF 1/05/2024
FINDING YOUR IDEAL HOME Searching for your new home is convenient and insightful on our website, levinrinkerealty.com. This platform not only showcases available listings but also offers valuable information about neighborhood details and local real estate market trends. On the home search page, property can be efficiently narrowed down based on preferences, location, and budget. We aim to provide you with a seamless and enjoyable browsing experience. Beyond being a viewing platform, the website serves as a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in the local real estate market. Different neighborhoods can be explored through community guides, and market conditions are laid out in easy-to-understand statistics.
The website houses powerful and user-friendly tools for the property search, such as the Market Watch Report feature that generates detailed and up-to-date lists tailored to specific criteria, including area, region, and price. If you are contemplating a move, our website offers a free home valuation tool to determine the current market value of a property. Additionally, tools are available to help you calculate a mortgage, assess purchasing power, compare different types of loans, and more. At Levin Rinke Realty, we feel the commitment to exceptional online resources distinguishes us from other brokerages and gives you a distinct advantage in your home search.
Here are more features and tools that our website can provide to our visitors: • Weekly Property Alerts
• Drive TIme Calculator
• Weekly Market Watch Reports
• Home Services Assistance
• Detailed Community Information
• Virtual Open House Meetings
www.LevinRinkeRealty.com
WE’RE LOCAL. WE’RE GLOBAL.
1.2
million annual global transactions
$586
billion total annual home sales volume
550
companies
LEADING REAL ESTATE COMPANIES OF THE WORLD We are proud to be a hand-selected affiliate of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, a global network of more than 550 top-tier real estate firms in over 70 countries, spanning six continents. As a buyer, this global network of brokerages means that we can help you relocate anywhere. By working with us, you have access to listings from all corners of the world, which increases the chances of finding your new property quickly and at the best possible price. Our network is comprised of the very best real estate companies and the most talented professionals in the world, so you can trust that you are in good hands and your transaction will be handled with the utmost professionalism and expertise. At Levin Rinke Realty, we are committed to providing our clients with warm, friendly, and professional service. We believe that every client deserves the best possible experience, no matter where they are in the world. So, when you’re looking to purchase a new home, we are here to help you navigate the global real estate market with confidence and ease.
4,900 offices
138,000
sales associates
70+
countries
RELOCATION ACROSS TOWN OR ACROSS THE GLOBE Whether you are buying or selling a home, moving across town or around the world, our relocation program through LeadingRE is your single source for relocation help. Our Relocation Services Division has assisted many home buyers and sellers with the entire relocation process. With dedicated relocation associates just for our clients, we have exclusive opportunities to connect you with exceptional agents virtually anywhere in the world. Our inhouse relocation professionals will assist you and follow your progress from beginning to end. Having this type of service takes the stress out of any type of moving situation and Levin Rinke Realty has one of the highest conversion rates throughout the network, so you can’t go wrong!
PERDIDO KEY OFFICE 14112 PERDIDO KEY DR PENSACOLA, FL 32507 30°17’46.64” N 87°26’18.15” W
PACE OFFICE 5631 WOODBINE RD PACE, FL 32571 30°38’30.82” N 87°10’52.96” W
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS TO BETTER SERVE YOU.
NAVARE OFFICE
DOWNTOWN OFFICE
8247 NAVARRE PKWY NAVARRE, FL 32566
220 W GARDEN ST PENSACOLA, FL 32502
30°24’04.5” N 86°52’42.4” W
30°24’46.19” N 87°13’06.59” W
PORTOFINO OFFICE 10 PORTOFINO DR PENSACOLA BEACH, FL 32561 30°20’38.10” N 87°04’50” W
EMERALD ISLE OFFICE BEACH CLUB OFFICE 18 VIA DE LUNA DR PENSACOLA BEACH, FL 32561 30°20’01.54” N 87°08’01.68” W
22 VIA DE LUNA DR PENSACOLA BEACH, FL 32561 30°20’03.07” N 87°07’57.3” W
THE HOMEOWNERSHIP PROCESS Understanding Your Goals
Preparing Your Best Offer
To ensure a successful search process, it is crucial to begin by defining your goals, timelines, and ideal lifestyle. This step allows us to tailor the experience and exceed your expectations. We understand that a home is more than just a place to live; it’s where lasting memories are made.
When you find the perfect home and are ready to make an offer, it’s important to understand the property’s value and other terms for a successful outcome. We provide our agents with access to unique resources that offer clear knowledge of a home’s current and future value.
Loan Pre-Approval
With You Every Step of the Way
Our associates can connect you with our partners at Reliance Mortgage to complete the pre-approval process and identify the right mortgage for you. We can also offer guidance in finding the right lender for you regardless of our affiliation. Being pre-approved for your loan expedites the closing process and helps get you in your new home quickly.
Our agents are local market experts who possess the skills to negotiate effectively, leverage technology, and guide you through every step of the buying process. We identify opportunities, counsel you, and provide information until you’re 100% confident in finding your perfect home. We are committed to being by your side, supporting you throughout the entire journey.
We know the value of education, so it is our goal to inform our clients every step of the way during the home buying process. We want to empower you to make confident decisions as you invest in your future! Take a look at this list of mile markers, and check on them throughout the process to see where you’re at on your homebuying journey.
1. Prequalification
4. Make an Offer
8. Deadlines
13. Appraisal
The prequalification process gives you an amount you are likely to be approved for if you were to apply for a loan. This is an initial step in the mortgage transaction that benefits you as a borrower. Getting prequalified is a simple and quick process, and can even be done over the phone.
Making an offer is more than just the purchase price. Terms and conditions as well as differing opinions of market value will come into play. I can honestly explain to you how strong of an offer you are bringing to the table when bidding on a home.
Deadlines are important! You are responsible for providing the deposit, and all other items needed to the mortgage and title company based on the contract timelines. I assist
An appraiser will give their opinion of the home’s value to make sure it is in line with the agreed upon sales price. This will be required when financing is involved.
to ensure all inspections,
14. Loan Commitment
2. Look at Homes
If the initial offer is not accepted, the seller has the right to counter or decline the offer altogether. More often than not, the seller will counter, at which time I will communicate with you the terms in which the seller will agree to. Buyers and sellers may go back and forth several times to achieve a win-win for all parties.
Looking at homes is and should be FUN! I know this and prioritize my clients’ needs and wants before hitting the road to look at homes. At this stage in the process, it’s important to discuss the intricate details of each micro market you’re considering and cull down to a modest list of homes you’re ready to tour.
3. Evaluate the Options After you’ve toured properties, it’s important to evaluate several details regarding the home.
• Location • Current Price • Features • Cost of ownership on each _ individual property • Goals for current purchase Discussing your thoughts on why you do and do not want to purchase a particular property will help me write the best offer and terms for your situation OR find another property more suitable for your needs.
5. Negotiate
6. Offer Accepted You and the seller have now come to terms on the purchase of their property and it is time to get to work to ensure both parties end up at the closing table!
7. Escrow Deposit The earnest money deposit is agreed to in the terms written in the contract. This amount is often a low percentage of the agreed purchase price, but can sometimes be more depending on terms. You are responsible for getting the deposit to the closing company within the amount of time determined by the contract.
appraisals, and other items are scheduled and completed within the time frame listed in the contract.
9. Title The title of the property will be checked to ensure ownership can convey to you without any issues. Generally title insurance is issued as well, protecting you from issues that could arise from the past.
10. Inspection Inspections are an important step in the process. You will want to have a professional look at all of your major systems to determine the condition.
11. Home Insurance Insurance is an important component of your purchase. You will want to insure one of your largest assets is protected.
12. Survey A survey will show the property lines and allow you to make sure your property is not encroaching on another’s property and that no one is encroaching on your property.
At this point your lender has decided that all conditions of making your loan are satisfied, time to move forward to closing.
15. Walkthrough The pre-closing walkthrough is to confirm the property is in the correct condition for you to take possession. It is important to ensure items that are supposed to convey with the property are there and that items that were to be removed have been removed.
16. Transfer Utilities Your agent can provide a list of the utility vendors for your specific location. Ask about our Elite Home Services!
17. Closing Paperwork will be signed transferring the property to you. If a loan is involved, loan documents will be signed as well.
18. Possession Time to realize your real estate dreams and move in and enjoy your new home!
GIVING BACK TO THE HEROES OF OUR COMMUNITY The LeadingRE Heroes Program is offered by participating brokerages of Leading Real Estate Companies Of The World®. We aim to give back to our military and other community heroes by offering a reward on a home sale or purchase to eligible consumers. The program allows you to earn a rebate or credit when you buy or sell a home, based on the actual sales price rather than a fixed amount within a range of values. Receiving a reward is a great benefit, but choosing the right agent is even more important. Leading RE Heroes promises quality agents and quality service from top independent brokers who live and work in your local market. The network behind the program, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, comprises over 550 premier independent real estate
firms, whose members consistently dominate the market. You can be sure that our agents have the experience and reputation to deliver superior real estate services to the frontline heroes who are serving the community and beyond. So, how does it work? To be eligible, you must register on the Leading RE Heroes website. You can also use the website to find an experienced real estate agent with area and military-based search options. There is no required mortgage lender, and you have the freedom to work with any lender you choose. There is no dollar limit on the reward, and the reward is paid upon settlement. Heroes deserve to be rewarded. Let us help you when you are ready to buy or sell your home.
ELIGIBLE PUBLIC SERVICE PROFESSIONALS Military
Healthcare
First Responders
Educators
Active Duty Retired Military Honorably Discharged
Doctors Nurses CNA’s Health Professionals
Police Firefighters Paramedics Health Care Transportation
Teachers Teacher Aids Administrators Custodial Staff
A PHILOSOPHY OF PHILANTHROPY At Levin Rinke Realty, we believe that giving back to our community is not only important, but essential. We understand that supporting local businesses and organizations is a key factor in shaping the identity of our city and surrounding areas. That’s why we are proud to be actively involved in a diverse array of philanthropies, aimed at helping our neighbors and contributing to the development of our coastal society.
We are invested in creating meaningful connections that promote a flourishing atmosphere for our community. Our commitment to integrity is reflected in our internal beliefs and external actions, and we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us.
Levin Rinke Realty proudly supports these organizations and many others.
Our Elite Home Services (powered by Live Easy®) offers top-notch support and assistance to our clients. Moving, often considered a daunting task, can be made significantly easier with our collaboration. Our all-in-one home moving and management dashboard, complemented by the expertise of a dedicated concierge, ensures a seamless experience for homeowners. The best part? Elite services are provided free of charge for a lifetime, relieving homeowners of any financial burden.
Their mission is to simplify the overwhelming and stressful aspects of homeownership through the use of technology and personalized assistance. With a vision to empower and support every homeowner, Elite guarantees a sense of belonging throughout the moving experience. We take great pride in partnering with Elite, a company that shares our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service and support to homeowners. Their comprehensive solutions and dedication will undoubtedly result in smoother, more manageable transitions for our clients, providing them with the reassurance of having a caring partner by their side.
Your personal concierge can assist you with essential home services such as: • Getting home insurance quotes
• Transferring utilities
• Getting exclusive discounts
• Finding top-rated moving companies
• Scheduling internet cable & TV
• Helping with driver’s license
• Getting car shipping quotes
• Staging your home for sale
• Forwarding your mail
• Reserving self-storage units
• Finding the best energy options
• And many more
Protect Your Investment We understand the importance of protecting your investment and providing peace of mind to homeowners. That’s why we’ve partnered with American Home Shield®, the pioneering company that revolutionized the home warranty industry in 1971. With comprehensive plans designed to keep your home systems and appliances in excellent working order, American Home Shield® empowers you to take control of your home.
• Comprehensive coverage for home systems and appliances, regardless of age or condition.
• Additional protection for electronics and select maintenance services available.
• Gain peace of mind and budget protection with coverage for unexpected breakdowns.
• Industry-leading expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction.
• Access to a vast network of thousands of local, qualified contractors for timely and professional service.
• Partnership ensures access to the best resources for protecting your home and investment.
With American Home Shield® by your side, you can feel confident and in control of your home. Protect your most valuable asset with our attention to detail, commitment to customer satisfaction, and comprehensive coverage.
MORE THAN
300K
MORE THAN
$2B
MORE THAN
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS PER YEAR
HOME SERVICE CLAIMS PAID IN THE LAST 5 YEARS
MEMBERS (HOMEOWNERS)
2M
ahs.com | 888.682.1043
EST.
1971 HOME WARRANTY INDUSTRY FOUNDRY
Experience Seamless Real Estate Transactions with Pure Title Are you searching for a trusted title company that goes above and beyond for their clients? Look no further! We are excited to announce our partnership with Pure Title, the goto local title company that delivers seamless and efficient experiences. Why choose Pure Title? • Renowned Expertise • Attention to Detail • Unmatched Responsiveness • Convenient Options • Trust and Relationships
Partnering for Your Success While we highly recommend Pure Title, utilizing their services is not mandatory. We strive to provide you with the best options available, and Pure Title aligns perfectly with our commitment to exceptional service and client satisfaction. Experience the synergy of our services and the dedication of Pure Title. Trust us to make your real estate transactions seamless and stress-free. Contact us today to learn more about how Pure Title can elevate your real estate journey.
850.696.1331 puretitlecompany.com 2779 GULF BREEZE PKWY GULF BREEZE, FL, 32563
Your Path to Homeownership Made Easy with Reliance Mortgage At Reliance Mortgage, we understand that your homeownership journey is just beginning, and we are here to support you every step of the way. We are thrilled to offer a wide range of mortgage options tailored to your unique needs and we are proud of the reputation we hold with our past clients for making the mortgage process easy and pain-free. If you are searching for the opportunity to access funds for any financial goals, both big and small, short and long term, look no further than your trusted partners at Reliance.
The Benefits of Partnering with Reliance Mortgage • Extensive Mortgage Selection • Stability and Security • Savings and Flexibility • Exclusive Benefits for Service Members • Unlocking Your Home’s Equity • And many more!
Contact us today to get started on your journey towards financial security and the home of your dreams!
O: 850.806.1562 C: 850.480.9670 jputney@cmghomeloans.com 220 West Garden St, Suite #150 Pensacola, FL 32502
WE ARE HERE TO HELP There can be a lot of questions for first time buyers and even experienced investors. We are here to point you in the right direction and help you every step of the way. Common queries like “How do we begin?”, “When is the right time to buy?”, and “Where is a good area to start looking” can be dependent on your personal situation. Get personalized assistance by starting a conversation with a REALTOR® from Levin Rinke Realty. Reach out if you have any questions about the following topics.
• Prequalification process • Pre-approval process • Appraisal • Closing costs • Credit score
• Appointment coordination • Negotiation • Writing offers • Down payment • Interest rates
levinrinkerealty.com
|
• Local housing market • Property valuation • Home appreciation • Home inspection • Post-purchase responsibilities
850.916.5050