Tips to Buying a Home

Purchasing a new home in the picturesque Navarre, Florida, is a thrilling step, yet it demands a well planned approach. Here are 10 great tips to help you along your path, along with insights into various loan types that can transform your homeownership dreams into reality.

• Assess Your Budget: Begin by taking an honest look at your financial situation. Calculate your monthly income, expenses, and existing debts to determine a comfortable price range for your new home. This first and foundational step sets the stage for the entire process.
• Research Loan Types: Familiarize yourself with the array of loan types available. For example, Fixed-Rate Mortgages offer consistent monthly payments, while Adjustable-Rate Mortgages come with fluctuating interest rates.

  Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loans require low down payments, making them suitable for first-time buyers. While veterans can explore VA Loans for exclusive benefits, including no down payment and lower interest rates.

• Get Pre-approved: Seek a mortgage pre-approval early in the process. This not only grants you a clear understanding of the loan amount you qualify for but also helps your negotiating power with sellers. Pre-approval expedites the buying journey and showcases your seriousness to potential sellers.
• Credit Check: Delve into your credit score’s details. A healthy credit score is one of the most important things for favorable loan terms. Address any errors on your credit report and take steps to improve your score if needed, ensuring you qualify for better interest rates and loan options.

  During your home buying process, it is important to not make any large purchases or open any additional lines of credit, doing so can result in being denied a home loan.

• Down Payment: Evaluate your down payment options. Although the traditional 20% down payment is customary, several loan programs allow for a lower percentage. FHA Loans, for instance, necessitate as little as 3.5% down. Explore down payment assistance programs in Navarre that might provide financial aid.
• Loan Terms: Decide on the loan term that aligns with your financial strategy and goals. A shorter loan term, such as 15 years, generally comes with higher monthly payments but lower interest rates. Longer terms, like 30 years, offer lower monthly payments but accumulate more interest over time.

  Did you know making an additional loan payment per a year can shorten your term by 4-5 years?

• Compare Lenders: Devote time to researching multiple lenders. Obtain loan quotes from various sources, meticulously comparing factors such as interest rates, closing costs, and customer feedback. This diligent research can save you substantial money over the life of your loan.
• Interest Rates: Stay informed about fluctuating interest rates. Even a slight change in interest rates can significantly impact your monthly payments and the overall affordability of your new home. By working closely and planning with your lender, you can keep an eye on market trends and lock in a rate if they are favorable.
• Understand Closing Costs: Beyond the home’s price tag, remember that closing costs are a substantial component of your home purchase. These can encompass appraisal fees, title insurance, origination fees, and more, typically ranging from 2% to 5% of the home’s value. Be financially prepared for these additional expenses.
• Work with Navarre Real Estate Source: Our seasoned real estate agents can offer invaluable guidance, assisting you in finding the perfect property and going toe-to-toe in negotiations. A knowledgeable loan officer will guide you through the mortgage application process and help secure the best loan for your circumstances.

  Do you need a recommendation for home inspections, lenders, construction or even lawncare? Our team of real estate agents have great recommendations for you.

Embarking on the home buying journey can be stressful. However, with Navarre Real Estate Source, you can rest assured you will be treated like family. Using a trusted and experienced real estate agent, understanding different loan types and comprehending the nuances of the home buying adventure, you will be set up for success for owning your dream home.

Why Do You Need a Real Estate Agent?

Choosing the right real estate agent is a crucial decision when buying or selling your property. A skilled and reliable real estate agent can guide you through the complex process, offer our expert advice, negotiate on your behalf, and help you achieve your real estate goals. That is why you have the team at Navarre Real Estate Source.

Benefits of Choosing Navarre Real Estate Source

Expertise and Local Market Knowledge – One of the primary reasons to choose the right realtor is their expertise and in-depth knowledge of the local market. Our real estate agents will have extensive experience and understanding of the local Navarre (and surrounding) areas, local real estate trends, prices and inventory. We can provide you with valuable insights about the neighborhood, school districts, amenities, and future development plans.

Whether you’re searching for a home on the beach, a home in a great school zone, turnkey or a fixer upper, we have the knowledge to help you make informed decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information.

Negotiation Skills – Negotiating is an essential aspect of any real estate transaction. Our skilled real estate agents can advocate for your best interests and negotiate effectively on your behalf. We also specialize in helping military families buy or sell their homes quickly.

We have the expertise to analyze market conditions, assess property values, and craft strategic offers or counteroffers. By leveraging our top-notch negotiation skills, we can help you secure the best possible deal, whether you are buying or selling a property.

Access to Resources and Network – Realtors have access to a wide range of resources and networks that can significantly benefit their clients. With our connections with other professionals in the industry, such as mortgage brokers, home inspectors and contractors, you can rest assured you are in great hands. Our connections can streamline the process and ensure that you have access to reliable and reputable service providers.

Time and Effort Savings – Buying or selling a property involves numerous tasks, paperwork, and coordination. Our skilled realtors can handle these responsibilities on your behalf, saving you time and effort. We will schedule all property showings, handle negotiations and oversee the closing process.

Family is important and we understand the stress or buying or selling a home. By choosing Navarre Real Estate Source, you are able to focus on other aspects of your life while having peace of mind knowing that a professional is taking care of your real estate needs.

Mitigating Risks and Avoiding Pitfalls – With Navarre Real Estate Source, your homebuying experience is personal and handled with the upmost care. Real estate transactions can be complex and involve potential risks and pitfalls. Working with an experienced real estate agent can help you navigate these challenges and protect your interests. We can identify red flags in property listings, perform due diligence, and advise you on potential issues such as zoning restrictions, title concerns, or property defects. With our guidance we can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

Emotional Support and Advocacy – The process of buying or selling a property can be emotionally charged and stressful. Navarre Real Estate Source’s trustworthy real estate agents can provide the necessary support and act as your advocate throughout the journey. We can offer objective advice, address your concerns, and provide reassurance during challenging times. Having a reliable professional by your side can alleviate stress, instill confidence, and make the entire experience more enjoyable.

Choosing the right agent is paramount for a successful and stress-free real estate transaction. Our expertise, negotiation skills, access to resources, and ability to mitigate risks can make a significant difference in achieving your goals. By selecting the right real estate agent, you are investing in a trusted partner who will guide you through the process and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.

Our real estate agents offer comprehensive real estate services in the Navarre area. We provide expert guidance, market analysis, and negotiation assistance. Whether buying or selling, we are dedicated to helping our clients achieve their real estate goals efficiently and effectively. Contact us today to get started.

Northwest Florida Communities

Imagine waking up near the beautiful emerald waters and sugar-white sand of Northwest Florida. spend your days soaking up the sun’s rays and enjoying boating, fishing, kayaking or floating down the river. Northwest Florida has plenty to offer for your outdoor hobbies.

Northwest Florida Communities

Navarre and Gulf Breeze are beautiful communities on the Gulf Coast that offer the small-town look and feel you may be looking for.

Navarre is one of the fastest growing communities with a population of an estimated 45,000 people and is located about 25 miles from Pensacola and 15 miles from Fort Walton Beach. It is also located near the Naval Air Station of Pensacola, Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base, making this a hot spot for military service men and women. Named as “Florida’s Best Kept Secret”, this small town is waiting for you to call it home.

Gulf Breeze is located between Navarre and Pensacola with a population of just under 6,000 people. This beach-side community has multiple neighborhoods that are family friendly, including Tiger Point. Military bases are close by and easily accessible for service men and women.

Fort Walton Beach was incorporated in 1941 and has an estimated population of over 22,000 people. Nearby is the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport that serves much of the emerald coast. Okaloosa Island is a 3-mile island of Gulf of Mexico access. Much like Navarre and Gulf Breeze, Fort Walton Beach is just minutes from Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base. Northgate Estates is one of the prime neighborhoods locals and new arrivals strive to get into.

If you are looking for a family friendly community on the beautiful emerald coast, look no further than our beautiful area. Our team of real estate agents are here to help you find the perfect community for you and your family. Give us a call today to discuss your home wish list and needs. Let’s begin the search for your dream home!

Managing Your Credit

You’re ready to buy a house, but you’re not sure if your credit score is where it should be for the best end result.

A low credit score can result in not getting a loan or in the mortgage rate being higher than you would like. A low score can mean a larger down payment is required along with a larger monthly payment.

On the other hand, a high credit score means a lower mortgage rate, a lower down payment, a lower payment and a happier buyer.

Prior to buying a home, check your credit report to see where you stand. Lenders will be looking to ensure you pay your bills on time, and that you don’t owe more than you can afford. Lenders want buyers who will be able to make their mortgage payments on time and in full.

If your score is low, read your report to discover why. If you have too much credit card debt, work on paying it off in the months prior to buying a home. Check for errors on your report and dispute them if you find anything that shows up incorrectly. A disputed account will hold up your home loan until everything is cleared up.
Don’t take out any new loans in the moths leading up to your home purchase. That new car that you just have to have can wait. In addition, don’t take out new credit cards. This holds true even in the days leading up to closing, so don’t make any last minute purchases on credit.

Start planning your home purchase early. If your credit score is low, a year in advance may be necessary to give it the boost you need. You’ll be a happy home buyer in the end and have a great credit score too.

What You Need to Know About the 2021 Market

2020 was a tough year for everyone. We found more and more people wanting to sell their homes and purchase homes with additional space. The market was booming, homes sold quickly and interest rates decreased. So, what can you expect in 2021?

• Selling Quickly: Homes will continue to be listed and sold within days or just a few short weeks. What does this mean for you? Well, if you find a home you love, it will be time to move forward with your offer quickly. You may have to sacrifice wants over must-haves. Expanding your search radius will open up more options for you and your family. Be sure to get pre-approved prior to your search as it will help when it comes to making an offer and getting it accepted.As a seller, what does quick sales mean to you? Expect quick offers and multiple offers to come rolling in. Prepare for a fast-selling home; declutter and begin packing items you do not use daily shortly after listing your home.
• Rising Prices: Rising real estate costs means multiple things. Homes within your budget may be limited, which means you may have to increase your budget or search radius to find the perfect home for you and your family. Needs, must-haves and wants will have to be prioritized.
  • Commit no more than 25% of your monthly income to your mortgage payments.
  • Save for a down payment. More of a down payment lowers your monthly payments and interest rates.
  • Use a mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payments with an interest percentage and cost of a home.
  • Plan for unexpected cost additions. A home inspection may bring up unnoticed fixes you will want done prior to moving in. This may be an out of pocket cost.

  As a seller, what do the increased prices mean for you? First, a Navarre Real Estate agent will help you price your home to fit with the competition. You can lose out on money by under pricing your home or can have your home sitting on the market for longer than you’d prefer.

• Interest Rates Remain Low: 2020 interest rates had lowered to an all-time low in recent time. This will help with lower monthly payments for home buyers.

If one of your 2021 goals is to buy or sell a home, look no further than Navarre Real Estate Source. Our team is knowledgeable and experienced in home-buying and selling. Call or text us today to begin your real estate journey, 850.987.HOME(4663).

Buying a Home in Navarre, FL

Finding and purchasing the home of your dreams t a home that will meet your needs is an important and often stressful time. At Navarre Real Estate Source, our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible. We are experts in the area, and once we learn what it is that you’re looking for, finding your dream home is simple.

Need Help Finding Your Dream Home?

We’re here to help! Our job is to make this a smooth process for you and the best way to get started is to let us know a little bit about the status of your home search process. You can contact us online directly or by phone at 850.987.HOME(4663) and we’ll get right back to you!

Before you start looking for a home you should ask yourself a few questions:

• Where do you want to live? Is there a particular community or neighborhood you’re interested in?
• What kind of house would you need? Are you looking for a particular style? How many bathrooms and bedrooms are you looking for?
• Is a home office important to you? Do you need an extra room?
• Do you entertain often? Is a home suitable for entertaining something you’re looking for?
• Do you want a yard, pool, gated or guard gated community?
• Have you determined your price range or consulted a lender to determine the best price range?

Searching for your dream home can be a time-consuming experience. Working with our professional team will make the process much more efficient!

2021’s Colors of the Year

2020’s color of the year was Classic Blue, which represented protection, stability, peace and confidence. As the New Year approaches, you may want to freshen the walls of your living space with the colors of 2021!

As many are working or teaching their children at home, creating a space that is calm and inviting. 2021’s colors of the year include beautiful nudes, soulful navy and green hues.

Behr’s Colors of the Year

• Euphoric Magenta is creative, gracious and bold.
• Royal Orchard is a deep green that is comfortable and relaxing.
• Kalahari Sunset is a rich and expressive burnt orange that will make a statement in any home.
• Seaside Villa is perfect for any home office, as it is a classic peach/nude that is subtle and elegant.

See more of Behr’s colors of the year.

When purchasing a home, you can’t get distracted by the cosmetic aspects, such as paint color. It is important to discuss with your agent your important NEEDS/WANTS and the items a home absolutely must not include. Painting your home’s interior can create a beautiful space for you and your family in 2021!

Is your home ready to sell? Get more bang for your buck when you choose to list your home with Navarre Real Estate Source. Bring in the largest ROI when you sell your home with our rapid equity consulting. Give us a call directly to discuss your buying, selling or property investment needs.

Top Local Neighborhoods Near Navarre

The Gulf Breeze area, located on the Fairpoint Peninsula, is a unique and diverse area. Each community has its own unique selling point like Gulf Breeze’s beach homes near popular vacation spots, Tiger Points breathtaking scenery with homes that feature both oceanfront and inlet views, and Grand Pointe homes conveniently located near shopping, restaurants, and the Gulf Islands National Seashore, just to name a few. Each neighborhood appeals to different buyers. To obtain the highest possible sales price for listings, our in-house team has worked to create a strong marketing plan supported by both traditional and modern marketing tactics.

Professional Marketing Team and Professionals

Navarre Real Estate Source has the advantage of a highly specialized team that has been consistently expanding so that sellers always have access to a knowledgeable Realtor no matter their unique need. Our team of Navarre real estate agents work hand-in-hand with a strong network of professional photographers, vetted vendors, SEO specialists, and designers that we work with to deliver the highest level of real estate marketing possible.

Selling Homes Quickly at the Right Price

Plenty of experience helping clients sell and buy homes in the Navarre area have created a team of Realtors that can determine the best possible property values, follow a carefully designed marketing plan, and market real estate listings to relevant buyers. You can contact us online directly or by phone at 850.987.HOME(4663) and we’ll get right back to you.

Buying a Home in 2020

The home-buying process can be overwhelming, but with Navarre Real Estate Source, you can rest assured your needs and wants will be handled with care. Our licensed Real Estate agents are familiar with the Gulf Coast area, schools, shopping centers, restaurants and beaches.

Tips to Purchase Your Home in 2020
Checking Your Credit Score: Complete a soft inquiry on your credit score via TransUnion, Equifax, etc. Your credit score makes an impact on the interest rate for your home mortgage loan.

Pay Down/Off Credit Cards: Decrease your debt to income by paying down or paying off credit cards.

Get Pre-approved: Getting pre-approved will give you an idea of your max budget, which is important to know during the home buying process. This will allow a NRES agent to aid you in the home search.

Find Your Real Estate Agent: With NRES you can rest assured we will help you find the best home for you and your family. We will be with you from start to finish; including writing the offer, home inspection, final walk-thru and the closing table. With NRES, you’re treated like family.

When you’re ready to purchase a new home, look no further. Our team of experts are ready to help you find the home of your dreams, even during this COVID-19 crisis.

Navarre Homes For Sale

Searching for Navarre homes for sale? Don’t miss out on an opportunity to own your dream home. Buyers are always in competition with other buyers in every market when it comes to finding that “best of the best” home. At Navarre Real Estate Source, our goal is to ensure that we present you with the most accurate information on all Navarre homes for sale and that your best interests are protected.

Navarre Real Estate Source is a full service, customer oriented, and results driven business. We strive to exceed our customers’ expectations within the home selling process. Selling your home can potentially be a very stressful time, and we will utilize every resource at our disposal to make the process as smooth for you as possible.

All NRES Agents are comprehensively trained utilizing Shannon Mills’ 15 years Real Estate experience, along with her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Marketing. Whether your goal is to sell your home quick, for top dollar, or a little bit of both; we have the knowledge and tools to make that happen. Your goals are our priority.

Search for ALL MLS homes for sale in Navarre area, including surrounding areas. These Navarre area homes for sale include all properties available on the market and our search is continually updated. Basically, you will be the first to know when your dream home comes available! You can contact us online directly or by phone at (850) 259-3861 and we’ll get right back to you.