Top 9 Ways to Find Your Dream Beach Home | Sussex County Delaware

Determine your budget: Establish a realistic budget for your beach home and stick to it.

Your first step should be to make a list of all your monthly expenses, including mortgage payments, utilities, taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs.  Determine the amount you can realistically afford to put down on a beach home.  Factor in additional expenses such as home insurance, property taxes, and maintenance costs.

The next step is to consider your current income and any expected changes to determine how much you can afford to spend on a beach home.

It’s imperative that you speak with a lender to get pre-approved for a mortgage and get a clear understanding of your budget.  Factor in additional expenses that may arise, such as home repairs or upgrades.

Based on all the factors listed above, set a budget for your beach home purchase, and stick to it.

Always be open to adjusting your budget if needed and be prepared to compromise on certain features if necessary.

Consider your long-term goals, such as retirement, and ensure that your beach home purchase aligns with those goals.

Research areas: Explore different coastal areas and determine which location best fits your lifestyle and budget.

The best way to go about deciding where you should buy is to first make a list of the most important factors in your beach home search, such as proximity to amenities, quiet surroundings, or a vibrant nightlife.  After you have a solid list, use online resources such as websites, blogs, and forums to learn more about different coastal areas.

Once you have completed basic research, consult with Christine McCoy of The Real McCoy Group, Coldwell Banker Realty. Christine is an award-winning local real estate agent and can provide valuable information about the area and help you find properties that meet your criteria.

Next step - visit the area. Plan a trip to visit each area you're interested in and spend time exploring the local community, beaches, and attractions.  Research local amenities, such as restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, to determine if they fit your lifestyle.

Consider the climate: Evaluate the local climate and consider factors such as temperature, humidity, and weather patterns.

Assess the local economy: Research the local economy, including employment opportunities, cost of living, and quality of life.

Get a feel for the community: Get a feel for the community by speaking with local residents, visiting community events, and exploring the neighborhood.

Consider the long-term outlook: Consider factors such as population growth, property values, and development plans for each area to determine the long-term outlook for each location.

Hire a real estate agent: Christine and her team at The Real McCoy Group (www.therealmccoygroup.com) can provide valuable information about the area and help you find properties that meet your criteria.

Look at online listings: Use online real estate websites to search for properties in your desired area and price range.

Here are some suggested online real estate websites:

• Zillow
• Redfin
• Realtor.com
• Trulia
• Homes.com
• Therealmccoygoup.com

These websites allow you to search for properties for sale, view photos, and access property details such as price, location, square footage, and number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Some of these websites also offer tools for estimating mortgage payments, tracking home value changes, and connecting with real estate agents.

Consider rental income potential: If you plan to rent out your beach home, research rental income potential for different properties.

Here are some steps that you may take with researching rental income potential for different beach properties:

1. Look at similar properties: Research rental prices for similar properties in the area to get an idea of what you can expect to earn.
2. Check local market trends: Look at trends in the local market, including average rental prices, demand, and occupancy rates.
3. Consult with a real estate agent: A local real estate agent can provide valuable information about the rental market in the area and help you estimate rental income potential.
4. Research online: Look for rental market reports or property management companies that specialize in the area you're interested in.
5. Consider seasonal factors: Consider factors such as weather, local events, and peak tourist season when researching rental income potential.
6. Look at past rental history: If available, look at past rental history for the property you're interested in to determine the average monthly rent and occupancy rate.
7. Factor in expenses: Factor in expenses such as property management fees, advertising costs, and maintenance when estimating rental income potential.
8. Seek professional advice: Consult with a financial advisor or accountant to get a better understanding of the rental income potential and any tax implications.

Check for zoning regulations: Make sure the property you're interested in complies with local zoning laws and regulations.

Listed below are some steps you can take to research local zoning laws and regulations:

1. Visit the local government website: Look for the planning or zoning department on the local government website and check for any information on zoning laws and regulations.
2. Contact the planning department: Contact the planning department and ask for information on local zoning laws and regulations.
3. Research online: Look for online resources, such as local newspapers, online forums, and real estate blogs, to learn more about the local zoning laws and regulations.
4. Check for any recent changes: Be sure to research any recent changes to the local zoning laws and regulations to ensure that your plans are up-to-date.
5. Consider the zoning for the property: Consider the zoning for the property you're interested in and research any restrictions or limitations that may affect your plans.
6. Consult with an attorney: Consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in real estate law to get a better understanding of the local zoning laws and regulations.
7. Attend local government meetings: Attend local government meetings to stay up-to-date on any changes to the local zoning laws and regulations.

Inspect the property: Hire a home inspector to thoroughly evaluate the property and check for any potential issues.

Visit the area during different seasons: Visit the area during both peak and off-season to get a better understanding of the weather, traffic, and local activities.

Make an offer: Once you've found your dream beach home, work with The Real McCoy Group of Coldwell Banker Realty (www.therealmccoygroup.com) to make an offer and negotiate the terms of the sale.

CONTACT THE REAL McCOY GROUP for listings of available beach property