With the price of homes today, many shoppers often rush toward the first home they find within their price range. Our real estate agents urge you to tap the brakes and consider several factors other than price to make sure you don't experience buyer's remorse.

• Location 
  We have Pensacola homes for sale in every zip code. Ask yourself which neighborhood is best for you. The benefits of a lower-priced mortgage could vanish with the cost of a long commute. If you have school-aged children or plan to, nearby schools will play a large part in your decision. Consider what topographical features are most important to you, from beachfront properties to downtown.
  
  
• Fulfilling Your Needs
  Don't compromise your needs! If you need a three-bedroom home, don't settle for a two-bedroom with plans to expand later. Before you shop, list the features critical to your needs versus what would be nice to have. Not only will this provide a guideline for you when considering compromises, but it will also assist your agent in finding you the best home. 
  
  
• Community Type
  Pensacola has plenty of communities to choose from, ranging from beach properties to urban condos. Consider whether you prefer managing a lawn or letting someone else take care of it. Do you like to live in a close community or far from your nearest neighbor? Is there an HOA? If so, what are the benefits and restrictions? Sometimes, what we want and what time and resources we have are two different things. Choose wisely. 
  
  
• Age of Construction
  Besides personal taste, several pros and cons demand consideration for older and newer homes. With an older home, you will likely find mature landscaping, established neighborhoods, convenient shopping, schools, and medical care. One downside is that your options for personalization may be minimal. It is also critical that you investigate the condition of the plumbing and electrical components of the house. While these may not be a concern with a new home, making maintenance less of an issue, landscaping in the area may be sparse with a lack of mature trees. Community amenities like parks, schools, and stores may also be lacking. 
  
  
• Resale Value
  Whether or not you look at your new house as a starter or your forever home, the potential for an increase or decrease in value is a critical issue. Urban development plans and protected historical neighborhood restrictions can dramatically affect the value of your home. While you may never plan to leave the house, you may find advantageous refinancing options in the future that will allow you to maintain or refurbish your home as desired. 
  
  
• Energy Efficiency
  From appliances to insulation, the savvy buyer considers all factors that affect energy efficiency. Older homes can be upgraded to include modern appliances that conserve resources. Consider insulation, solar panels, and double-glazed windows. These features decrease your monthly bills and positively impact the environment. 

Before you buy, you may want to revise your list of desired features to share with your real estate agent. But be open to others. When you are ready to shop, contact us. Our experienced professionals are standing by to help you find your perfect space.