The holiday home/investment home purchase most definitely requires experienced input so that an educated purchasing decision can be made. The more informed the buyer is with correct information, the better chance of a successful end result.
How can a Licensed Realtor help?
If he/she has the right experience and approach, advice and assistance can include:
- Which areas allow for short term rentals (these areas are regulated by the government)
- Who are the good builders (and builders with a poor reputation)
- How to make your home stand out in the rental market e.g. furniture, appliances, pool, finishing touches, etc.
- Carrying out the "walk through" prior to closing, which can eliminate the necessity of the client returning to Florida simply for that event
- Confirming in the client's absence that all of the contracted items and planned extras have been supplied
- Ensuring services (e.g. water, electricity, cable TV) are turned on
- Coordinating delivery of the furniture package
- Confirming that the property is fully completed and ready for occupation
Why use a Realtor?
The assistance of a Licensed Realtor costs you nothing - but it will save you thousands of dollars and many headaches:
- Buyers are often from other parts of the country or world and are not able to track the build out of a new home.
- They do not know the local entities pertinent to a successful purchase of this nature.
- They are also without proper representation.
- By enlisting the assistance of a Buyers Agent you will have the benefit of that agent representing your interests in the initial transaction, throughout the build out of your home, and during the set up of your home by the management company.
How to choose the right Realtor
Make your choice by reviewing answers to the following questions:
- Which Realtor takes the time to find out your specific desires regarding this purchase and asks you questions to determine your needs?
- Which Realtor seems knowledgeable about the short term rental market (or which tells you that they will have to look into it and will get back)?
- Which Agent gets back to you promptly when you call or leave a message?
- Which Realtor ducks certain issues or seems to be telling you something that seems too good to be true about the return on your investment (if it seems to good to be true, it probably is)?
- Which Realtor will tell you honestly if this type of investment is unlikely to fit your investment goals?
