How to open up new possibilities in your home search

Here in Jupiter, and in most all of Palm Beach county, home prices continue to go up, and buyers are having to compete with multiple offers before finally "winning." Sometimes, just a slight change or two in your criteria will open up plenty of new possibilities.

Start with your ideal list, and review the sold listings from the past 30 days using your criteria (we are happy to send you this list). Unless there are only a few sales, don't look back further than 90 days. If none or very few of the homes on that list appeal to you, then you know your search criteria is unrealistic and needs to be changed. Remember, the more criteria you use, the narrower your search will be, and fewer home options will result.

Here are some ways you may opt to tweak your search criteria:

1 - Price. This one is obvious. Most people start by trying to stay under a certain monthly payment, but if nothing is available in that price range, and you are not willing to change anything about your criteria, then price is the only thing left to change. In this case, you need to make sure you qualify for more. You may combine this with a review of your monthly household budget. Perhaps there is something you can trim from your budget to make room for a slightly higher mortgage payment.

2 - Community. Sit down with your agent and discuss what you like most about your favorite neighborhoods. There may be other areas with equally nice amenities. Most people start their search with a few top choices in mind; if the prices there just aren't working for you, you'll know it's time to open up to some new possibilities.

3 - Size. If you were hoping for 4 bedrooms, see if 3 bedrooms and a den or bonus area might work. Also, there is less competition for homes that have only 1 or 1 1/2 baths, and many times adding another bathroom can be accomplished easily if your budget and floor plan allow it.

4 - Garages. They are great for cars and all your stuff, but homes without garages could still be an option. You can turn a converted garage back into a garage, or build a carport, or make plans to add a garage in the future. This is Florida, at least it doesn't snow here!

5 - Washer/Dryer in unit. When it comes to condos this convenience is high on pretty much everyone's list. Some buildings have common laundries only, but check with the condo association, it might be possible to install a stackable combo in the unit.

6 - Consider a Duplex. The purchase price might be a little higher, but living in one side of a duplex is a great way to have somebody else pay your mortgage.

7 - Downsize your Furniture. "This house would be perfect, if only our giant sectional would fit..." Really? You'd give up the perfect house over not replacing a couch?

8 - Condition and repairs. Repairs and renovations cost money, but does everything really have to be done right away? Could you do it a little at a time, or do some of it yourself and save big on the purchase price?

If you are not the only decision maker, make sure you and any other buyers are on the same page regarding "must have's" and "dealbreakers." There is nothing more frustrating than standing inside a potential home and realizing in that moment you have very different pictures of what house you are going to buy.

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Peggy Berkoff & Andrea DiRico
North County Properties & Investments
19510 US Highway 1, Tequesta, FL 33469
561-427-0470 office, 561-427-0522 fax
Peggy 561-301-2243 cell/text, PBerkoff@NCPflorida.com
Andrea 561-543-8715 cell/text, ADiRico@NCPflorida.com

Search MLS in real time just like we do right from your iPhone,  no registration necessary...Visit http://www.NCPflorida.com for details or scan our free MLS search app to your mobile device right off this screen: 

Enter Code 9575 

Featured Community: Ocean Trail, Jupiter FL

Jupiter Ocean Trail is a gorgeous waterfront condo community consisting of 5 direct oceanfront buildings. Set in the only tall oceanfront residential buildings in Jupiter (16 stories), units are spacious and all boast spectacular views of Jupiter, the Atlantic Ocean and the Jupiter Inlet. Amenities include a private sandy stretch of beach, guard gate, security, garage parking, pool, spa, and tennis courts. Condo association fees include cable, management, water, sewer, trash, exterior maintenance and pest control.

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Peggy Berkoff & Andrea DiRico
North County Properties & Investments
19510 US Highway 1, Tequesta, FL 33469
561-427-0470 office, 561-427-0522 fax
Peggy 561-301-2243 cell/text, PBerkoff@NCPflorida.com
Andrea 561-543-8715 cell/text, ADiRico@NCPflorida.com

Search MLS in real time just like we do right from your iPhone,  no registration necessary...Visit http://www.NCPflorida.com for details or scan our free MLS search app to your mobile device right off this screen: 

Enter Code 9575