Condos in Gulf Shores Blog » 2008 » November

Choosing the right real estate agent to sell your home is a big decision. You need a professional who you trust to help you get top dollar for your home. Not only will you will work closely with your agent for anywhere from several weeks or several months, but you will also pay them for their work. Here’s what you can expect from your Gulf Shores real estate agent while selling your home:

1. A comparative market analysis. Your agent should complete a comparative market analysis (CMA) to determine a price range for your home. The CMA compares your home with similar homes that have recently sold. This report gives you an idea of what other people were willing to pay for a home like yours so you can set a realistic asking price.
2. Suggestions for improving your home. Your agent is a Gulf Shores real estate specialist who knows what buyers look for in homes. You should expect them to offer suggestions to make your home more appealing to buyer. This may involve repainting rooms, installing new carpet, or completing minor repairs to make your home look as good as possible.
3. A marketing plan. Your agent’s primary responsibility is to market your home, and you should know beforehand exactly how they plan to do that. This should include a “for sale” sign in your front yard, a listing in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS), advertising in newspapers and home magazines, professionally designed fliers and brochures and internet exposure on multiple web sites.
4. Negotiation assistance. Your agent should deal directly with buyers and their Gulf Shores real estate agents to discuss the sale price and terms of the sale. They should also coordinate the closing for you by working directly with the title company to process the necessary documents.

Don’t let an amateur sell your most valuable asset. Work with me to sell your home faster and easier. Call me today at 251-978-7118 or email me at John@JohnRicks.com.

A vacation home is a great way to create lasting memories with your family. It gives you the chance to have your own dream vacation each year with all the comforts of home. However, a vacation home can also quickly become a nightmare. Here are some important ideas to consider before you buy a Gulf Shores vacation home.

• DO buy a home in one of your favorite vacation spots. If you like to spend time in a certain location, it is probably a good place for you to buy a vacation home because you already know the community.
• DO make sure you buy a Gulf Shores home you like. Keep in mind that your vacation home is more than an investment. It is a retreat for your family.
• DO hire a property management team to help you rent your vacation home. Renting a vacation home requires a lot of work. Keeping track of a calendar, maintaining the property, and collecting rent can quickly become overwhelming. Leave the details to professionals so you can enjoy your home.
• DON’T buy a vacation home thinking you’ll make money from it. Many people think they can cover the costs of their vacation home by renting it to others. While renting your vacation home is usually a good idea, you cannot count on that income or expect the home to pay for itself.
• DON’T buy a vacation home you cannot afford. Loans for second homes tend to be more costly. Add this to common maintenance costs, management fees, and insurance premiums to determine if you can truly afford the property.
• DON’T buy a vacation home if you won’t be able to spend time in it. The reason you own a vacation home is to ensure you will take regular vacations. Make sure you will be able to enjoy your new Gulf Shores home.

Start creating vacation memories with your family. Let me help you find your new Gulf Shores home. Call me today at 251-978-7118 or email me at John@JohnRicks.com.

Imagine owning a vacation home where you can relax and unwind. Sales of second homes are on the rise because prices for Gulf Shores real estate are lower than they’ve been for years. If you’re thinking of joining the group of happy second home owners, you need to do a little planning to make sure your new home is an enjoyable purchase.

1. Think about how far you’re willing to travel.  Make a few drives to the area before you purchase, to see how long it takes to get there and if you’re comfortable with the drive. Most people choose their second home within a distance of about 100 to 200 miles.
2. Spend time in the area where you’re thinking of purchasing your vacation property.  Keep in mind that you won’t spend your entire vacation in the home.  Find out if the area has what you’re looking for.  For instance, if you like being able to go to the store at nine o’clock in the evening, areas where all the stores close at eight may not work for you.
3. When you find Gulf Shores real estate that you like, be sure to get a home inspection.  Just because the property looks good to the eye doesn’t mean it will be good for your wallet.  Some issues, such as bowing walls, may not be visible without close inspection.
4. Look for a reasonably sized home. Don’t choose one that may be too large to maintain.  Though you might dream of a big, rambling ranch house, this may not be possible for your budget.  The bigger the home, the more maintenance it takes.  Remember, this is your second home to maintain, so be aware of how much it will take, in time and money, to keep up.

A vacation home makes a great weekend and family spot, and in today’s Gulf Shores real estate market you can get a great home at a great price.

If you need help locating or selling a vacation home, call me today at 251-978-7118 or email me at John@JohnRicks.com.