Though there’s certainly nothing wrong with a good fixer-upper if you’re handy and interested in putting in some elbow grease, most people looking for a new home want a place they can settle into and enjoy immediately upon move-in. A move-in ready home, also known as a turnkey property, is a home that is fully renovated and furnished with major appliances. That means there is little to no work to be done other than moving in your own belongings, making some decorating choices, and beginning your new life!
Ready to start your search for some incredible move-in ready St. Petersburg homes for sale? Read on for The Salamone Group’s top tips!
1. LOCATION IS EVERYTHING
Photo courtesy of The Salamone Group
You can change pretty much anything about a home, except for its location. So, it’s essential to get it right!
When considering whether the location is right for you, you need to determine your preferred lifestyle and go from there. For example, consider if you would rather live in the thriving and artsy Downtown St. Petersburg, close to top-rated restaurants, lavish shopping boutiques, and the world-famous Salvador Dali Museum. Consider also the cozy and laidback waterfront community of Tierra Verde, which is the perfect oasis for boating and nature enthusiasts due to the many marinas and the popular Fort De Soto Park.
If you prefer to live in a more historic city, check out Old Northeast, the oldest neighborhood in St. Petersburg, with numerous stately mansions in varying architectural styles. This walkable neighborhood offers tree-lined streets, gorgeous blossoming flowers, and a botanical garden home to many of the region’s tropical plants. Visit these neighborhoods to help you envision whether they fit your lifestyle.
2. MINIMAL MAINTENANCE
Photo courtesy of The Salamone Group
Most home buyers elect to buy a move-in ready home, so they don’t have to worry about extensive renovations and repairs right after they get the keys. When considering whether or not a property is right for you, determine if it requires any significant changes, such as a drastic makeover of the master bedroom to put in new flooring, lighting, and furnishings.
Other than small finishing touches, such as a fresh coat of paint, you should not have to do much maintenance to your move-in ready home. When you move in, you can begin living in your home without worrying about updating the bathroom tiles or replacing the refrigerator.
When considering if a St. Petersburg home for sale is right for you, be sure that it has all of your “must-haves” and even “want-to-haves” so that you can begin living the lifestyle you’ve always envisioned right from the get-go.
3. FIND AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOME
Consider a home that is energy-efficient to help protect the environment, conserve water resources, and even increase the property value. Look for homes with well-insulated walls and windows to minimize the loss of heating and cooling energy. Furthermore, ensure that major appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves, are energy-star appliances designed to consume less energy. Your HVAC system needs a high SEER rating, which will use less energy to heat or cool your home.
Finally, a move-in ready home with innovative home technology that can control the heating, cooling, and lighting from the convenience of your phone can help drastically reduce the environmental impact of your new property.
4. HIRE AN EXPERIENCED HOME INSPECTOR
For a thorough assessment of your new home, inside and out, make sure to consult the services of a licensed home inspector. A home inspector will examine the property from top to bottom and is trained to spot a potential hazard or repair concern that you would otherwise have to deal with later.
You can expect your home inspector to examine all major appliances, HVAC systems, the foundation, and other structural components. You can also order specialized home inspections for termites, mold, radon, chimneys and roofs, pools, and more. Your home inspector will send a detailed report with pictures of potentially problematic areas of the home. Then, you can consult your St. Petersburg luxury real estate agent about the results of your home inspection to discuss what to do next. You may be able to request that the seller completes certain repairs before you move in.
5. A HOME APPRAISAL IS IMPORTANT
Photo courtesy of The Salamone Group
In addition to the home inspection, the home appraisal is a vital part of the buying process. An experienced home appraiser will produce a detailed appraisal report, which includes a street map, sketches, and photographs of the home’s interior and exterior. The report will also include tax and other legal information, which can all be used to calculate the home’s value.
The estimate of the value of your home can help you to determine whether or not you should ultimately proceed with the purchase. Especially if you are financing your home with the bank, a home appraisal is an essential tool that helps ensure the transaction will continue smoothly. If the home appraises much below expected, your loan may fall through.
6. GET PRE-APPROVED
Work with your financial advisor to determine how you should finance your move-in ready home. Getting pre-approval will give you an idea of the price range you should be searching for. It will also ensure that your offer is strong, as sellers appreciate a buyer that comes prepared. A Proof of Funds letter or a letter of pre-approval is a vital part of your offer, as it shows the seller your strong intent and commitment to buying the home.
7. WORK WITH AN EXPERIENCED REAL ESTATE TEAM
To find a move-in ready home that is perfect for you, you need to work with an experienced team of experts who know all the ins and outs of the St. Petersburg luxury real estate scene. The Salamone Group uses the latest top technological resources and an extensive international network of connections to help you find properties that check all the boxes. When you’re ready to find success, reach out to them!
*Header photo courtesy of The Salamone Group
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