Your guide to buying real estate on FLORIDA’S EMERALD COAST
BEACH LUXURY EXPERTS
The Premier Property Group is the largest locally owned and independent real estate brokerage firm in Northwest Florida. A consistent leader of sales in the region, Premier Property Group was named as one of two Walton County brokerages featured in USA Today’s Top Florida Real Estate Agencies.
Premier spans the breadth of the real estate industry and is home to experienced and knowledgeable agents in residential, commercial, and new developments across Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay counties. In addition, as a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, Premier is the only real estate company in Northwest Florida to be invited to become a member of Luxury Portfolio International®, the global leader in luxury real estate sales.
Premier has two Gulf Coast offices servicing South Walton, Scenic Highway 30A, Destin, and Panama City Beach.
THE PREMIER PROCESS
& the agents who help you every step of the way to prepare, your agent will...
• Clearly understand your goals and objectives
• Outline the home-buying process and educate you on the market
• Develop a plan and timeline to meet your needs to support you, your agent will...
• Communicate often and respond quickly
• Support you in making an informed decision
• Advise you for your long-term best interest to close correctly, your agent will...
• Review all real estate forms in advance
• Negotiate aggressively on your behalf
• Close all deals on time without unforeseen surprises
• Work discreetly, remain loyal, and protect your privacy
• Make the process convenient and stress-free
THE BUYING TIMELINE
Though the timeline length may vary by transaction, you can trust that I’ll guide you through every step of the buying process to ensure you receive the best outcome possible.
PREPARATION
Choose an Agent Decide your Criteria Get Loan Pre-Approval Identify Potential Properties Make an Offer Offer is Accepted Deposit Earnest Money Apply for Mortgage
INSPECTION PERIOD
Inspections, Surveys, and Appraisals
Post-Inspection Repair Requests
Home Insurance Quotes Inspection Period Ends
CLOSURE
Mortgage Commitment & Approval
Bind Insurance
Transfer Utilities & Other Prep-work
Final Walk-through
Closing
MAKING AN OFFER
PREPARE TO MAKE AN OFFER
We have found your perfect beach home and are ready to make it yours! Here’s a quick checklist to prepare for your offer:
If financing, obtain pre-approval for a mortgage
Gather necessary documents like pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements for lender
Discuss with your agent the offer price and terms that best fit your situation
Provide proof of funds (cash offer only)
WRITE A CONTRACT
We will first need to finalize the offer details and terms, including price, deposit, contingencies, and timelines. I will then prepare the purchase agreement into an official contract and ask for your signatureelectronic signing is available.
PRESENT CONTRACT
I will present the contract on your behalf to the listing agent, along with any details that strengthen your position. The listing agent will then present this to the property owner for review.
POSSIBLE NEGOTIATIONS & COUNTER OFFERS
If your offer is not initially accepted, I will present you with the seller’s counter offer (if applicable). We can then discuss if we want to accept their counter, reply with our own counter, or move onto another opportunity. I will work with you to determine what opportunities are available to ensure that your situation is optimized!
MUTUAL ACCEPTANCE
Once the terms of the contract are agreed upon by both sides, the offer will be signed and you will be under contract with the property owner. This begins the inspection period, and all parties will begin fulfilling any remaining contingencies. I will take care of any additional paperwork and guide you through any steps necessary.
INSPECTIONS + CLOSING
INSPECTION & REPAIR REQUESTS
I will coordinate the inspections, where selected vendors will take an in depth review of the property. I will review the inspection reports with you and we will come up with a list of items that you would like the seller to address, which I will document and communicate. The sellers can opt to fulfill repairs or provide a credit in lieu of repairs.
APPRAISAL
The lender will hire an appraiser to independently evaluate the property’s value for the loan. If the property appraises at or above the offered price, we will move forward with the purchase. If it appraises lower, the seller can lower the price of the home, you can make up the difference, or we can explore other available options.
COORDINATING THE CLOSING
Once inspections are complete and the appraisal is satisfactory, I will begin coordinating the closing process. I will work with the title company on a timely closing that suits everyone’s needs. There will be a walk-through before the closing, during which you can inspect the property one last time before it is yours.
FINANCES AT A GLANCE
Estimated Expenses
EARNEST MONEY
A deposit made to the seller to show the buyer’s good faith. This means you are serious about purchasing this home.
DOWN PAYMENT
A percentage of the home’s purchase price paid upfront.
INSPECTION FEES
Cost of having the home inspected for structural and mechanical issues.
APPRAISAL FEES
Cost for a professional appraisal of the home’s value.
SURVEY FEE
1% Typically of purchase price
Close to
20%
$500 to $1,000
Approximately
$500
Fee for a surveyor to confirm the property’s boundaries. $300 to $600
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All professional real estate rates are negotiable. There is no mandated compensation structure or amount for real estate sales, but different agents or offices may have minimum fees that they require as compensation for their services.
THE BUYER’S AGENT AGREEMENT
The Buyer’s Agent Agreement is a contract between a home buyer and their real estate agent that defines how the two agree to work together. This is the first required step before showing properties. This document establishes conditions around services, compensation, term length, exclusivity, and termination rights. No services or showings should be provided until this is signed.
Many sellers will offer to pay a cooperating compensation. In these situations, my compensation will come out of the closing costs paid by the seller. This is typically a percentage of the sale price.
Some sellers will not offer to pay a buyer’s agent compensation. In these situations, you will pay me at closing based on what we agree to and establish in the Buyer’s Agency Agreement. If the seller’s agent is not offering compensation, our first course of action will be to reach out to that agent. If after our attempts they are still unwilling to offer compensation, then and only then will it become your responsibility.
WHAT YOU NEED TO GET PRE-APPROVED
Social security number
Two most recent pay stubs
Last year’s tax return
Two most recent bank statements
Last year’s W2
Investment Property Considerations
Investing in beach front property presents a unique set of opportunities and considerations. Unlike purchasing for personal use, the focus shifts towards maximizing returns, understanding local market dynamics, and ensuring the property’s long-term value. For astute investors considering a beachside investment, here are some considerations to reflect upon:
MARKET ANALYSIS
RENTAL DEMAND
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
LOCAL REGULATIONS
Second Home Considerations
MAINTENANCE COSTS
TAX IMPLICATIONS
GROWTH POTENTIAL
AMENITIES
Purchasing a second home, especially in a luxurious beach setting, is a significant investment that requires careful deliberation. A range of factors come into play when deciding which location and residence are the best fit for you. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind when looking at homes.
LOCATION AND PROXIMITY
LOCAL REAL ESTATE MARKET
RESILIENCE TO NATURAL DISASTERS
MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP
PRIVACY AND SECURITY
COMMUNITY
NEIGHBORHOOD DYNAMICS
TAX IMPLICATIONS
AMENITIES
LONG-TERM RESALE POTENTIAL
Primary Residence Considerations
Choosing a primary residence on the beach or within a beach community is both an exciting and significant decision. Beyond the allure of the coastline, one must consider the practicalities of daily life, local amenities, and the long-term implications of such a location. For individuals and families considering making the beachside shift, here are items to consider:
DAILY LIFESTYLE AND AMENITIES
TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUTE
SAFETY AND SECURITY
CLIMATE AND WEATHER PATTERNS
LOCAL CULTURE AND SOCIAL SCENE
INSURANCE/PROPERTY PROTECTION
LONG TERM VALUE STABILITY
LOCAL REGULATIONS AND BYLAWS
OUR LOCATIONS
MIRAMAR BEACH OFFICE
90 Seascape Drive, Suite 102 Miramar Beach, FL 32550
30A OFFICE 10343 County Hwy 30A, Suite 105 Seacrest Beach, FL 32461
Local. Local. Luxury.
Owned, operated, and managed from the Emerald Coast, Premier is an independent brokerage that makes decisions on a truly local level. We support our community and work everyday to continue to help it grow and thrive. Luxury beach property is an experience as much as it is an investment, and an understanding of the market cannot come without a tangible connection.
With offices conveniently located in Miramar Beach and 30A, our service area covers from Destin and Niceville to Panama City Beach, including all of 30A.
SANDESTIN
