Tips for Finding Your Malibu Dream Home
Pamela Anderson, Jennifer Aniston, Julie Andrews, Halle Berry, Pierce Brosnan, Jeff Bridges and Mel Brooks have all called Malibu home. With its sandy beaches and easy access to the Pacific Coast Highway, it’s no wonder that Malibu is home to dozens of celebrities and entertainment industry insiders. If you want a home in a desirable neighborhood that has plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and cultural activities, consider buying Malibu real estate.
House vs. Condo
You should decide whether you want to buy a single family house or a condo unit. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Malibu condos for sale are ideal for young professionals or those who don’t want to take on the task of regular lawn maintenance and property repairs. If you have children, a traditional home with a yard and plenty of recreation space may be the better option. You should also consider the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need to live comfortably. A condo may not have enough room for a family with several kids.
Features and Amenities
Buying a home or condo is a very personal decision, as the features and amenities of a home have to match your lifestyle and personal needs. If your employer allows you to work from home one day per week, you’ll want to buy a home with office space or an extra bedroom that can be converted into an office. Parents often consider safety features when buying a home. Windows with safety latches and reinforced doors can keep kids safe and ease your concerns about buying a house. Once you have your must-have features and amenities in mind, you can start looking at properties.
Review Comp Reports
Comparable market analysis reports detail the sale prices of homes similar to the ones you are considering. If you are thinking about buying a 2,500 square foot home on the beach, you should look at the comp reports for homes of similar sizes and locations. Reviewing the prices of active listings and recent sales can help you determine how much money to offer if you decide to buy one of the many Malibu homes for sale. You should also review the prices of canceled and expired listings. These properties are often taken off the market due to a lack of interest from buyers. Reviewing expired and canceled listings can help you determine a price limit when making an offer.
Making an Offer
When touring a home or condo, make note of any existing damage that must be repaired before you can move in. The seller can choose to make these repairs before closing the deal or giving you a break on the sale price so that you can take care of the repairs yourself. Once the listing is under contract, you should also hire a home inspector to make sure there are no serious problems that you did not notice. Termite damage, electrical problems and broken plumbing may be severe enough to deter you from buying the home.
Russell Grether of Coldwell banker Previews International is a real estate agent based out of Malibu, CA. He specializes in Malibu real estate, Malibu homes for sale, Malibu properties, Malibu land for sale, Malibu rentals and surrounding area real estate from Montecito to the Pacific Palisades.
