It's not uncommon for people to spend hours staring at real estate listings and fantasizing about owning a luxury home with outstanding amenities at every turn. It can be very entertaining to imagine what it might be like to own a property with breathtaking views, lavish appliances, beautiful architecture, and fantastic design elements all around. If you want to make this dream a reality, read on for a guide that unveils everything you need to know about how to buy a luxury home.
Team up with an expert local agent
Hiring a luxury real estate agent who knows the area like the back of their hand will go a long way in assisting you in your search. Make sure you find a real estate agent who specializes in luxury properties, as they will have experience connecting clients with gorgeous homes. Your agent will be by your side every step of the way, answering any questions you have and pointing you in the right direction toward your goals.
Seek out amazing properties
The best way to find available properties is not just to rely on the MLS but also to tap into your personal network to find them. You never know when someone you know may have a friend or family member who is hoping to sell their luxury home. In addition, your agent is a valuable resource for connecting you with stunning properties that may not be listed through traditional avenues.
Find the right neighborhood
Of course, location has a significant impact on the overall quality of your life. You should ask yourself what features you want to see, whether you’re seeking a waterfront oasis, a mountainside estate, or a suburban home in the middle of all the action before you begin your search. Fully understanding the type of lifestyle you want for you and your family will be crucial in the search for your dream luxury home.
Check to see if the neighborhood in question has any plans to undergo major developments or construction in the future, as this may lead to sweeping changes in the community. Of course, some of these changes will likely help make the area more appealing, but sometimes, the construction of new buildings and businesses can affect the value of your home.
Consider hiring a financial advisor for guidance
It’s a good idea to hire an experienced financial advisor to guide you toward making wise investment moves. Securing a good mortgage rate will depend on having strong credit. If your credit score happens to be on the lower side, a financial planner will be able to help you take steps toward boosting your score.
Tour the property in person
Buying a luxury home is a significant milestone in life, and it’s a decision you should make carefully and thoughtfully. With today's real estate market moving quickly, many buyers feel pressured to move split-second decisions. However, it is crucial to take your time and tour various properties so that you can compare their features and amenities to find the one that best suits your preferences.
Even though they say a picture is worth a thousand words, it doesn’t tell the whole story when finding your dream luxury home. If you don’t immediately fall in love with the home based on the photos, scheduling an in-person visit to see the property in person is worth your while. Often, the incredible architectural details and spaciousness of luxury properties can’t be accurately conveyed in a set of photographs. Thus, touring the home will give you a closer look at everything that the property has to offer.
Even though they say a picture is worth a thousand words, it doesn’t tell the whole story when finding your dream luxury home. If you don’t immediately fall in love with the home based on the photos, scheduling an in-person visit to see the property in person is worth your while. Often, the incredible architectural details and spaciousness of luxury properties can’t be accurately conveyed in a set of photographs. Thus, touring the home will give you a closer look at everything that the property has to offer.
Look into the housing market trends
Educate yourself about the local housing landscape, and make sure the luxury home you're considering is within your budget and has appreciating value. It is essential to purchase a luxury property in an area with plenty of appeal.
Look for timeless design features
In addition, you should also consider the finer details in the design of your luxury home, both architecturally and structurally. You want to look for a timeless design that is universally appealing, which will benefit you when the time comes to resell your home at some point in the future. A timeless design means that the home will not fall victim to interior design trends that come and go.
Consider the maintenance costs
Depending on your financial resources, the long-term maintenance costs of a luxury property may not be a deal breaker for every buyer. Still, buyers should know that the financial cost to maintain a luxury home is typically much higher than that of standard homes. With extra space, additional amenities, and specialized features, luxury properties require more extensive upkeep and costlier repairs. Keep this in mind before you purchase a home with luxurious features like an in-ground pool or tennis court.
In most cases, luxury homes feature more extensive square footage, requiring higher heating and cooling costs. Also, keep in mind that larger homes require more time spent cleaning and organizing each room. It’s also important to factor in the time and expense of maintaining the yard and any landscaping features, like beautiful gardens, walking paths, fountains or ponds, and any overhanging trees and shrubbery that frame the property. All things considered, a luxury home requires more upkeep in the long run, but you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful space with plenty of amenities perfectly suited to your lifestyle.
Get started on your journey to luxury
Are you hoping to buy a luxury home? If so, look no further than the trusted team at Gillian Gillies and Prentiss Van Den Berg. From Solana Beach and Del Mar luxury homes to Rancho Santa Fe real estate, esteemed Realtors Gillian Gillies and Prentiss Van Den Berg bring a commitment to excellence to the table. This top-notch team is well-versed in guiding clients to their dream luxury homes. You could be next — reach out today!