Help, I'm in Love With Two Laguna Beach Homes!

Dear Hillary:

We had our hearts set on a beautiful Laguna Beach home for sale. Then recently, we chanced upon another Laguna Beach property that really caught our eye. Don’t get us wrong. We love the first house very much. It’s just that we have strong feelings for this other one as well. Is it possible to be in love with two Laguna Beach homes? What should we do?

Regards,

Torn Apart

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Dear Torn Apart,

First of all, you’re not alone. People often fall in love with two Laguna Beach homes, with the abundance of gorgeous choices. But you’ll have to make a final decision. So here’s what I would suggest. And don’t beat yourself up. I promise, you’ll discover your perfect match.

Compatibility.  You and your home will be together a long time. So you want to be absolutely sure you’re compatible. If your two homes sit in different neighborhoods, compare the two areas. How well-groomed are they? Is the home close to the services you want? Is there a Starbucks within walking distance?

Earnings Potential.  If each home occupies a different neighborhood, you’ll also want some vital stats. A neighborhood that boasts an annual average appreciation rate of 15% definitely has it over the one that fetches a skimpy 7%. You have to think about your future.

Education.  Great schools mean great minds. And besides, your little scholars need a place to romp off to every morning so you can get things done. Check out the local learning institutions to see how they stack up. Then make a personal appearance at the schools and put everything under your personal microscope -- including the teachers.  

Size Isn’t Everything.  A monster-sized home isn’t necessarily the best.  Sure, the biggest house on the block is an ego booster. But when re-sale time rolls around, the lower-valued smaller homes likely will pull down the market price of your behemoth.  

Readiness.  If a home has been lingering on the market for months on end, the seller is ready to unload. Which gives you plenty of punch at the negotiation table. On the other hand, if the home is a market virgin, the seller might not be eager for a commitment.  All of these factors will impact the price you pay. 

How Does it Look in the Morning? Visit each home during different parts of the day to get a sense of its varying appearance and moods. You don’t want surprises once you’re committed.

What Do You Really Want in a Home?  Make a list of your ideal characteristics, then compare the two homes with a list of pros and cons.

Hope this helps. Let me know how it turns out.

Sincerely,

Hillary 

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Don’t Fret. Find Your Perfect Match Today

Contact the caring professionals at The Coastal Property Experts today to schedule your complimentary consultation.  We promise you’ll discover YOUR perfect match in the Laguna Beach real estate market…sooner than you think.

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