Purchasing a home, especially if it’s the first time, can be an intimidating process, so it’s not surprising that you’re trying to do it right. Of course, timing is an important part of the home buying process, but in the Jupiter real estate market, when is the right time, exactly? Unfortunately, there is no perfect time to buy a home in South Florida, but there are some clues that can help you to make the wisest decision.
How Does the Florida Real Estate Market Differ?
Jupiter, FL and the surrounding areas like Hobe Sound, Tequesta, Palm Beach Gardens and the Treasure Coast are known as an ideal place to buy a home, not only because of the beautiful weather and proximity of some of the best beaches in the country, but also because home buyers enjoy great features and an impressive return on investment. There are, however some considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a home in Florida.
You’ve probably already noticed a difference in the typical home buying “season.” Though the winter months may be a bit of a down time in most real estate markets, it’s a more vibrant time in Jupiter. In fact some make their home in Florida only during the cooler months. It’s also important to recognize that there are some subtle differences in the home buying process because of the coastal location. For example, insurance is a must, but it’s generally lower if you purchase a home built after 2002, so getting the mix of location, home features and timing right is important when you buy a home in Jupiter.
Is the Timing Right?
The traditional home buying seasons are spring and summer, but these aren’t the only options. In fact, you might have better luck buying your Jupiter home during the off-seasons. Sometimes peak season means that you’ll run into more completion and higher prices. In fact, there’s some wisdom in the suggestion that the best days to purchase a home are during the Christmas holiday season. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, you’ll encounter many homeowners that are in a festive mood and it’s thought that only serious sellers place their homes on the market at this time.
Take a look at the local real estate listings for Jupiter, if houses have been sitting on the market for a while, it might be the time to make your move. If properties are selling quickly though, you might be in a seller’s market, which can raise prices and leave you frustrated. It’s completely acceptable to rent a Palm Beach County home while you are waiting for the right time to arise.
Whenever you begin your Jupiter home search, it’s a good idea to work with a real estate pro that is familiar with the local market. The best time to buy may vary from year to year, and even from neighborhood to neighborhood. What’s vital to consider though, is whether the timing is really right for you.
Where are Your Finances?
You may have great credit and a great job, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the right time to buy a home. Most lenders will want you to make a large down payment, 20% of the home’s price, in many cases. This isn’t always the case however, and some homeowners are surprised when they learn that they qualify for special programs and down payment assistance. As a first time homebuyer, special assistance may be available to you through state programs, so reaching out to a Jupiter real estate expert for advice on timing isn’t a bad idea.
Once you have your down payment situated, you’ll still need to decide if you can afford the monthly mortgage. Before you even begin home shopping, you should have a solid understanding of how much home you can really afford. Monthly mortgage payments should be a large part of your calculations, but you should also keep in mind that you’ll have maintenance costs, homeowners association fees, insurance and other costs associated with the home.
If your credit is shaky, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t qualify for a home loan. It can make the process more difficult, however. If you can devote some time to repairing your credit score, it will make buying a home easier, so waiting can work to your benefit.
Buying a Home is Highly Personal
There’s a reason why buying a home is such a momentous experience. It’s a major step! As ready as you might feel to take that step financially, you might not be ready in other ways. Where are you at in your career? Would you consider a relocation, if a better opportunity was offered? Are you considering a marriage or divorce? Are you planning to have children, or do you have children who will soon be leaving the nest? These are just some of the questions to ask yourself before you sign on the dotted line. There are quite a few costs associated with the purchase of a home, so the longer you can stay put in your Jupiter home, the easier the purchase will be on your pocketbook.
Getting Started with the Jupiter Home Search
If the timing is right, we’ll help you get started. It never hurts to take a look at what’s out there when you are still deciding if Jupiter home ownership is right for you. The team at Lillian Realty Group will discuss your options with you and help you settle on a time that fits with your budget and your gut feelings.
We are local real estate experts and we help families and individuals buy, sell and rent homes in Jupiter Farms, Juno Beach, Stuart and across North Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. We will keep your unique needs and preferences in mind throughout the process. Whether you are a horse owner, beach lover, wildlife adventurer, managing a growing family or recently retired, we’ll help you settle in to the perfect South Florida home. Contact us today to get started!
