Are you looking for a new home? It can be overwhelming when you start your search. You’ve got to consider location, size, budget, and more. Here are some tips to help narrow down what you need in a home and what you want. 

Start with Location:

When deciding on the area where you want your home, think about what matters most to you. Do you need to be close to public transportation or certain schools? Or maybe the amenities of the neighborhood are important. Set up an alert that will keep you updated on new homes that come onto the market in your desired area. 

Think Carefully About Size:

The size of your new home is one of the most important things to consider before making a purchase decision. If there are too many bedrooms and bathrooms, it may be hard for you to maintain them all and might cost more money in utilities than necessary. On the other hand, if there are not enough bedrooms or bathrooms, it could limit how much value your home has in the future when you decide to sell it. 

Know Your Budget:

Before diving into searching for homes online, have a realistic idea of how much house you can afford so that you don't waste time looking at places that are out of reach financially. Consider getting pre-approved by a lender so that once you find a place that ticks all your boxes within your budget, you’re ready to make an offer right away! 

As exciting as it is to look for a new home, make sure not to get overwhelmed by all the choices available! It’s helpful to narrow down your needs and wants in order to find a place that suits both perfectly – whether it's near great schools or has plenty of space for entertaining guests – so take some time beforehand and map out exactly what's important during this exciting process! Happy house hunting!

Congratulations on taking the first step toward homeownership! Purchasing a home is a huge accomplishment and milestone in your life. It’s important to remember that with any big decision, there is a process and set of best practices to follow in order to ensure a smooth and successful transaction. 

As you begin your journey into homeownership, use this blog post as a guide to help set you up for success. From finding the perfect home to closing the deal, we’ve got you covered with our top tips for buying your first home. 

1. Start by Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage 

One of the very first things you should do when beginning your search for a home is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will not only give you an estimate of how much money you can borrow, but it will also solidify your financial standing with sellers and realtors. They will know that you are a serious buyer with the ability to actually purchase the home. 

2. Get to Know the Neighborhoods You’re Interested In 

Before zeroing in on any one particular house, it’s important that you take some time to get to know the neighborhoods you’re interested in. Drive around at different times of day, on different days of the week to get a feel for what the area is really like. If possible, talk to some of the neighbors and ask them about their experience living there. 

3. Be Prepared to Compromise 

When looking for a home, it’s highly unlikely that you will find everything on your wish list. Be prepared to compromise on certain aspects in order to find a home that checks most of your boxes. Prioritize what is most important to you and be willing to let go of some of those items further down on the list. 

4. Hire a Good Real Estate Agent 

A good real estate agent will be invaluable throughout your home-buying journey. They will help you find homes that match your criteria, negotiate on your behalf, and offer guidance and support every step of the way. When interviewing potential agents, be sure to ask about their experience, how they work, and if they have any referrals from past clients. 

5. Don’t Rush Into Making an Offer 

Once you find a home you love, it can be tempting to want to put in an offer right away. However, it’s important that you take your time and do your due diligence before making such a large purchase. Have the home inspected by a professional and make sure that you are comfortable with all aspects of the deal before moving forward. 

6. Get Your Finances in Order 

In addition to getting pre-approved for financing, it’s also important that you have all of your financial ducks in a row before making an offer on a home. This means having money saved up for things like inspections, repairs, closing costs, etc. Having all of this money ready upfront will help avoid any stressful surprises down the road. 

Purchasing a home is no small feat—but it is definitely achievable if you follow these tips! With careful planning and preparation, buying your first home can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Just remember to take things slow, do your research, and hire professionals when necessary (like working with real estate agents). With these guidelines in mind, go out there and start searching for your dream home!

Cape Coral is located in Southwest Florida, in Lee County. It is the second-largest city in Florida and the largest in Lee County. It is located on the Caloosahatchee River, opposite Fort Myers, and divided into four quadrants of urban areas - Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast. 

Cape Coral is well known for its panoramic beach views and temperate climate, an ideal place at any point in time. It also has a high rate of homeownership, as well as a low crime rate and pollution. Cape Coral offers affordable homes that are close to the beach. Whether you are a young professional looking for your first home or a retiree searching for a perfect retirement community - Cape Coral offers something for everyone.

Explore the wilds of Cape Coral real estate and play all day at Rotary Park. Acres of wetlands highlight Florida flora and fauna. The Glover Bight trail meanders through the park and a preserve area with mangroves wetlands. Ending at Glover Bight shallow flats mixed with oyster bars provides a perfect spot for viewing native birds. Walkers appreciate the beauty of the natural surroundings throughout.

Featuring a boardwalk and several observation towers visitors easily spot critters calling this their Cape Coral home. Recognized as part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, birdwatchers are delighted with the variety of feathered friends around. A list of birds eagerly searched for can be found here and includes woodpeckers, egrets, eagles, and herons.

Youngsters from Cape Coral Homes Play All Day Long

The delicate beauty of nature is also enjoyed in the Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House. Complimentary tours are given each Monday, Friday and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Docents impart knowledge of resident species and how to attract them to Cape Coral real estate backyard gardens. Educational classes and other activities are held in the environmental center. Youngsters expel all their energies on the Liam J. Perk playground. Workout stations are strategically placed among the landscape adding spots for increased physical activity for adults and walkers on the move. Nearby Donna’s Reflection Garden sets the mood for peaceful contemplation.

Families love to gather together with friends at Rotary Park. The Wagging Tails Dog Park makes it possible for family furbabies to spend some time with canine pals as well. Little dogs and large dogs have their own areas for running, jumping and rolling over. Human counterparts find places in the shade to supervise and mingle on their own.

Rotary Park is filled with beautiful spots ideal for relaxing with a good book. Books are available at the Little Lending Library found onsite. Borrowers are asked to return the novels when finished and maybe add a new story or two for others to enjoy as well.

Friends living in Cape Coral make time to hang out at Cork Soakers Deck and Wine Bar. Fun is the name of the game and here the energy is bursting through the door. Wine flows in abundance at the bar and many saunter on up for a sampling and then a glass or two. A delicious menu features creative culinary delights with regular changes designed to keep things spicy. Diners are cozy inside with a warm welcoming vibe while the outside patio sets the scene for lots of laughter. Signature cocktails make for a good moments inside and out. Toasts are raised filled with cups of Mother’s Punch and Hobo’s tea.

Appetizers start meals off right. Rave reviews line up for Ralph’s “Killer” Shrimp and Grits. Eggs Diablo vary on a daily basis and are eagerly devoured. Another favorite of regulars living in Cape Coral is the Cork Soakers Creamy White Wine Risotto. Daily surprise ingredients add to the culinary ambiance of this dish. Classic pairs such as the tomato soup with grilled cheese bring forth a sense of comfort. The Wedge Salad is refreshing with iceberg lettuce, bacon, grape tomatoes, egg and topped with peppercorn blue-cheese dressing.

A Lively Vibe Engulfs Cape Coral Property

There is always something in the works. When workdays are difficult happy hour helps leave the office behind. An extra special $4 menu takes over the house from 4 to 6 p.m. each afternoon. Tuesdays are Taco Nights with 2 for 1 margaritas and tasty tacos. All the girls come out for Ladies Night on Thursdays. A four course tasting menu with cocktails included treats a gal right. Live music doesn’t miss a beat every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Mouths water for Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Occasional happenings include bachelor auctions, holiday events and the popular Doggy Daze where on the first Saturday of the months pups are welcomed with wagging tails.

Open Tuesdays through Sundays, Cork Soakers Deck and Wine Bar is located at 837 SE 47th Terrace. Meet up with some friends or meet new ones on the Cape Coral property.

Soak up the Florida sun while completing weekly grocery shopping on Cape Coral property. Residents find it simple to create delicious farm to table meals while supporting the local market. At the Cape Coral Farmers Market area farmers and other vendors proudly display fresh produce and other foods and goods straight from the source.

Fruits and vegetables are set in a colorful array. Juicy oranges stand out bright next to groups of apples in shades of red, yellow and green. Peppers add more than a splash of color as well and are clustered next to green beans and lettuce. Eggplant and purple potatoes come straight from the farm. Chose from high quality meats and seafood for dinner’s main course. Jams and jellies crafted with care are presented near freshly baked breads. Honey from the hive is packed full of its own natural sweetness. There’s more than food in the aisles. Flowers, trees, and plants add pleasant landscaping details to any residence. Lingering patrons are tempted by crafts and other unique items. Hungry tummies find plenty to satisfy appetites at ready to eat stands.

Families from Cape Coral Homes Cook Up a Storm

Two Cape Coral property locations please shoppers. Found at Cape Harbour, the Cape Coral Farmers Market is in full swing September through May. Once wrapped up for the season the Downtown Market takes over in the Club Square by October. Both markets are held on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Year round and close by, a third location is held on Tuesdays by The Shops At Surfside.

A lively vibe fills the day with music free flowing from the stage. With smiling faces, sunshine and fun it’s a no brainer to skip the busy grocery store for the outdoors. Simple times are often the best and many families make Saturday shopping a tradition. Lists are made, meals chosen and home cooked dishes placed on the table together as the desired result. As the days of the year meander along so does the produce. Fruits and veggies in season are vibrant and bursting with flavor. The Cape Coral website provides a sneak peek at what’s ripe and ready as well as tasty recipes to try in the kitchens of Cape Coral homes.

Receive the Latest Local Market Stats

Curious about local real estate? So are we! Every month we review trends in our real estate market and consider the number of homes on the market in each price tier, the amount of time particular homes have been listed for sale, specific neighborhood trends, the median price and square footage of each home sold and so much more. We’d love to invite you to do the same!

Get Local Market Reports Sent Directly to You

You can sign up here to receive your own market report, delivered as often as you like! It contains current information on pending, active and just sold properties so you can see actual homes in your neighborhood. You can review your area on a larger scale, as well, by refining your search to include properties across the city or county. As you notice price and size trends, please contact us for clarification or to have any questions answered.

We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. If you are wondering if now is the time to sell, please try out our INSTANT home value tool. You’ll get an estimate on the value of your property in today’s market. Either way, we hope to hear from you soon as you get to know our neighborhoods and local real estate market better.