When you start looking at properties along the unique beach highway that is the 30A, there are a few factors that you’ll need to consider. Along with finding a community that fits your personality, you’ll have to consider local codes and amenities that influence your opinion of the property. This blog is your guide to buying a vacation home along 30A!
What’s Your Budget?
Before you begin the process, set out a clear budget. Every decision you make will have to be in line with your budget, so it needs to be taken care of first. Also, with a budget, you can more easily identify which communities are in your price range. If you start looking without a budgetary constraint in place, you could end up getting attached to a property that isn’t a feasible option.
Future Value
For decades, the property in South Waldon has only increased in value. As more people worldwide become aware of our famously beautiful beaches, the demand for beach homes in the 30A will continue to grow. So, every home in the 30A is not only going to be a great place to spend time with your family, but it is also an excellent financial investment.
Identify Your Needs
When looking for a second property, buyers can often get so caught up in finding a good financial investment that they forget about their own personal desires that motivated them to find a vacation property in the first place. So, before going on tours, make a wish list of the wants and needs of your dream home. Your wants will be amenities like a pool or open concept. Then, your needs will be non-negotiables, like the number of bedrooms or an outdoor space. This way, when you begin looking at listings, you can immediately identify the viable options for you.
Signs of Wear
Thanks to the salty, humid beach air, exterior materials can decay faster than one’s further inland. Therefore, homes can start to show signs of age sooner than you’d expect. So, before buying a property, you’ll want to get it inspected for root or rust. It will be standard for you to find decay in older homes that haven’t gotten updated recently.
Also, to prepare for the future, inquire into any weather fortifications used to construct the property. Some homes will be better equipped to withstand the test of time due to speciated materials or methods. This is especially important in the Gulf of Mexico because, along with harsh beach winds, homes need to be able to survive the hurricane season.
Choosing a Community
Along the scenic highway of 30A, there are many different communities and small towns that each have their own unique style and energy. Some of the towns are small beach villages that sprouted up in the mid-20th century, while others are planned sites that provide luxury experiences to both locals and vacationers alike.
For those seeking the highest standards in luxury, Alys Beach seems like it’s worlds away with its rows of matching white stucco buildings. Then, Seaside’s small-town Americana design is so picturesque, you’d recognize it as the set of the critically-acclaimed Jim Carrey movie The Truman Show. Also, the Southern beach town vibes of Grayton and Seagrove Beach give them an authentic charm that is irreplaceable. That’s without even mentioning the New Orleans-esque Rosemary Beach, the natural beauty Blue Mountain, and the list just keeps going.
So, before making any decisions on location, take the time to thoroughly explore each community along the 30A. For starters, you’ll be sure to have a great time, but also, you can take a more intimate look at what it would be like to live in each area. The 30A is such a communal place; you’ll spend a lot of your time out with your neighbors or visiting one of the many restaurants, so you want your home to be central to the areas you enjoy most along this 24-mile stretch.
Community Amenities
Along with the vibes, there are some more tangible benefits of living in the different communities. Some of the towns along the 30A are unplanned, so while you have access to beach access points, trash, and emergency response services, there aren’t any amenities available to the residents. However, in the planned communities of the 30A, there are different amenities available to homeowners. These can include access to a beach club, private pool, lawn care, turndown service, event discounts, and more. Each community will have its own unique offerings.
Is It a Good Rental Location?
Those that plan to use their home as a temporary rental need to find a house with an excellent location for vacationers. Beachgoers don’t want to drive to the beach, so the distance from the water can have a massive impact on how much money you can ask for per night. Also, depending on the popularity of the community you’re in, you could increase your nightly rate.
Short-Term Rentals
If you plan to list your property as a vacation rental, make sure that the local code allows for it. A few small areas in South Waldon won’t permit the homes to get used as temporary rentals, so you’ll want to ask the listing agent before signing any paperwork. If there are such restrictions on a property, it should be noted in the Homeowner Association’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs).
Don’t Do It Alone
If you’re not a local of South Waldon, you need someone to help guide you through the process of buying your vacation home. Our expert agents can work with you as a team to not only find you the perfect property but to help you all the way up until closing day. You can’t replace the experience and relationships we’ve formed as a trusted, family-owned brokerage firm in this community for nearly a decade.
After exploring your guide to buying a vacation home along 30A, you know the critical factors that should be considered when looking at properties. Reach out to our 30A Florida real estate team if you have any more questions about the homebuying process in this fantastic part of the Panhandle!
