Beachfront Property Guide

Oceanfront Properties: Advantages of Owning One

Jack — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:46:58 +0000

Oceanfront properties are some of the most sought after pieces of real estate in the world. This makes them incredibly expensive in most areas, especially in developed countries, and a huge financial investment for anyone thinking about buying one. But why buy one in the first place then? Why not shun the oceanfront property and buy land a few blocks back for much less money? The answer is that land right on the ocean will give you several benefits that land further away won’t. It has enough value as an investment, rental, or vacation property that many times it is more than worth its price.

Value as an Investment Property

As far as investment properties go, you can’t get much better than a beachfront property. With the exception of pricy, exclusive areas in large cities, no type of property holds its value and is in the same demand as beachfront property. This is true in both the United States and even in developing Latin American countries like Costa Rica, where beachfront properties have been snatched up in droves in the last ten years, pushing prices to astonishing heights.

Even in a down economy, while property on the beach may lose much of its value, it is some of the first property to recover as people look for discounts on a second or vacation home. All of this equates to beachfront property being a great investment that you can reasonably expect to appreciate in value over time.

Value as a Rental Property

Sri Lankan Beach Living

Beachfront homes are also some of the best rental properties in the world, and they work much better than even properties that are a few blocks further inland. When people go on vacation to the shore, they usually search for the closest place they can find to the beach within their price range. This means that even when the tourism in a beach town does take a hit, you can still expect your property right on the ocean to have plenty of guests if you adjust your prices accordingly.

Not only can you have more customers if you own a rental property right on the ocean, but you can also charge much higher rates per night than other places further inland. The higher premiums and more tenants that you can expect with a property that has direct access to the shoreline will help you cover the higher mortgage costs much easier than you might think.

Value as a Vacation Property

Finally, oceanfront properties have value as a vacation property as well. While this may not make you any money or help cover mortgage payments, it will give your family a great place to relax and enjoy all the ocean has to offer. You’ll have access to anything from early morning surfing and fishing to late night dinners outside on a deck or balcony while the waves crash in the background. There really is nothing like a vacation right by the ocean.

Real estate is all about location, location, location. And one type of property that has a better location than almost any others are oceanfront properties. These properties offer great investment opportunities, income opportunities through using them as a rental property, and even just the benefits that you can get from using them as a second, or retirement home. If you’re interested in buying a property at or near the beach, search the internet to find a realtor that can show you your options today!,

Beach Investment Property Guide

Jack — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:43:50 +0000

Despite the down market, if you have money right now is the time to be buying beach investment property. Real estate values are much, much lower than they were even just a year ago, meaning you’ll have less to pay for a down payment up front and you’ll be paying less in mortgage fees every month as well. Low mortgage rates are also help by near-zero interest rates, which will help you pay off more of the property faster. If you have the money, now is a great time to make the investment. In a few years when the price on beachfront property has rebounded, you’ll have already missed out on a huge return. If you are trying to make a return, on your property, there’s two ways that you can do so, through renting the property out or by selling the property for a higher value when it appreciates.

Renting Out Properties

The most common and effective way of making money off of ocean front property is to rent the property out to vacationers. If you want to do this, there are several things that you need to look for in a property to buy that will make it more attractive to renters.

First, you will want your property as close to the beach as you can afford. While properties that are right on the beach will set you back a pretty penny, ones that are just a few minutes walk back are much more affordable. Be careful however. If you buy a condo that’s a 30 minute walk from the beach, you may find it hard to find willing renters. If you can’t find an investment property somewhere in the vicinity of the beach, try to find one close to other tourist attractions to lure renters.

If you can find a property that offers any other amenities, you’ll find it much easier to get renters as well. Pools and workout rooms in condo complexes are incredibly popular, as are spas and hot tubs. Anything that can make your rental unit stick out above all the others will help.

But, make sure that you beware some common pitfalls when you’re buying and operating your beachfront investment property. While renting it out can help you pay your mortgage bills, don’t forget out the other expenses you have to account for. This includes cleaning bills week to week, landscaping, insurance premiums, condo upkeep bills, off-season repairs, and fees paid to your realtor. Also keep in mind that most of your income will come during the busy season, with little to no income coming in during the off-season. Balance the amount that you earn so you still have enough to pay for your mortgage in the offseason! Also beware of any local laws placed on landlords. Some properties may not be able to be rented out or you may need to install certain things in your home, like fire extinguishers or sprinklers to keep them in compliance with local laws.

Renting out your property to vacationing families is a great way to make a return on your investment.

Buy Low Sell High

Another way to make money from beach investment properties is to sell the property at a higher level than after you bought it. This can involve just buying a waiting for the property to appreciate in value, but more often involves developing the property or improve it in some way.

In recent years, the boom in this has been known as “house flipping” and many people made a considerable amount of money off of it, both with beachfront property and home inland as well. However, with the bust in the housing market and the downturn in the economy, it’s harder and harder to find buyers and this type of home buying and selling is no longer really practical.

However, if you have the money and don’t need an immediate return, buying property and selling it for a profit later is still an option. While the housing market may remain depressed, or at least sluggish, for some time, once it does pick up again you’ll have a valuable commodity to offer people who missed the bottom and want to get back into the housing market.

Beach Investment Property is a great way to earn a return on your money. In addition to making money, you’ll have a home that you can visit for at least a few weeks out of the year and a physical asset that will never be worth absolutely nothing.

Common Pitfalls When Buying Oceanfront Land

Jack — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:07:00 +0000

Buying undeveloped oceanfront land and building a house on it can be a great, more cost-effective way to obtain your dream home. Not only is it generally cheaper, but you get a new house that’s made to your specifications and that will be exactly what you want. You won’t have to worry about aging siding, shoddy construction, or cracked foundations because you will be able to decide what types of materials and construction methods are used to build all the different rooms of your homes. Before you jump right in though, there are a few basic pitfalls that you need to avoid so you don’t end up with a property lemon – one where you can’t build your home and you find it increasingly difficult to sell.

Know Why the Property is for Sale

The first thing you need to know to make a good purchase of land is to know why the property is for sale and why the previous owner didn’t develop it. Ocean front property is a scarce resource, especially in tourist hot spots, and finding land that isn’t developed is even rarer. Find out why other land was developed while this land wasn’t. It may be because the owner never had the time or money to do it or the property was recently split off from a larger tract of land, but you do need to watch out for a few things.

First, there may be local zoning restrictions on the property preventing any construction from taking place on it. It could be in a key watershed area or the home to the breeding ground of an endangered species. Find this out at the local zoning board before placing any bids for the property. Also have someone come in and examine the property. There may be sinkholes or the ground may be so unstable that it won’t support the heavy foundations of a home. Make sure you’re not spending a fortune to build a home on sand. Finally, there may be problems with shoreline erosion. If the shore is eroding around the property, soon the home may be too close and have to be moved or succumb to the tides.

Make sure that you find out all the answers to these questions before seriously considering buying the property.

Look For Local Utilities

Another reason that a oceanfront property may not have been developed is the lack of local utilities. Make sure that the property is close enough to, at the very minimum, electric and water lines and has sewer access or can have a septic system installed. Cable TV, internet, and gas lines are also near essentials, especially if you plan on living in the house full time or renting it out. In properties that are close to other developed areas this may not be a big problem, but if you are looking at more secluded beachfront property, always check this, otherwise you might find yourself digging trenches in the backyard and reading by candlelight!

What Other Potential Development Might Take Place

Finally, when you’re deciding whether or not to buy a certain beachfront property, always try to think about what other development might take place on the land around yours. While you won’t ever be able to know for sure, inquire about who owns the land around yours. Is it owned by other single-person landowners with homes on it? Or is the beautiful coastal forest behind your property owned by a large hotel chain that is eyeing permits to develop it?

Some development can be good for your investment, especially if it places your property closer to nightlife, shopping, or other attractions, but some development may be bad, particularly if you were hoping for a more quiet atmosphere yourself. Always have an eye on the future.

Buying oceanfront land for sale to build your dream home on can be incredibly rewarding. You’ll get to see your dream home sprout up exactly the way you want it without having to make any sacrifices. However, before you can do this you have to make sure that the property is able to support a home. By following this advice you’ll be well on your way to making sure that you can build a home on the land you purchase.

Oceanfront Properties: Advantages of Owning One

Beachfront Property Thailand

Jack — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:12:11 +0000

Thailand attracts millions of people to the shores of its pristine islands every year, and for good reason. The tropical weather, friendly people, crystal-clear blue waters, abundant coral reefs, and world class beaches where you can pitch your beachfront umbrella and relax seduce many people into staying for longer than their planned vacation. In fact, the Thai embassy in Vientiane, Laos is filled almost every day with foreigners doing visa runs to extend their visit to Thailand past the thirty day they are allowed when they enter the country. If you’ve fallen in love with the country as well and would like to buy some beachfront property in Thailand to come back and visit, your best option is to buy one of the many condominium units that are available in major tourist resorts.

Thai law, like the law in many developing countries, severely restricts the amount of land that foreigners can own in the country. However, while you can own actual pieces of land, what you can own is a beachfront condo. Foreigners are allowed to own condos in Thailand, so long as they don’t own over forty-nine percent of the total building. While you won’t be able to have a home right on the sea, having a condo to visit a few times out of the year, is the next best option. But, before you jump in headfirst, there are a few rules you need to follow to quality for condo ownership.

Private island off Ko Chang, Thailand

The biggest restriction on foreign land ownership is that you need to pay for the land in your foreign currency. This means that you much transfer your foreign currency – not Thai baht – to a bank in Thailand and have it certified before you can pay for the property. There are several steps involved in this process.

First, you must obviously open a bank account with a Thai bank and then transfer funds from your overseas bank into the account that you just created. You then need to obtain a Tor Tor 3 form from the bank to pay for your condo unit. To quality for this form you must transfer over at least the equivalent of $20,000 to your bank account, so make sure your transfer is at least this much. The bank should be able to help you with this process.

Once you have to money transferred over, but before you buy the your dream condo, make sure that the title is clean on the property you’re looking to invest in. Make sure that you are dealing with the actual developer of the property and not someone else and also make sure that the property doesn’t have huge mortgages or outstanding debts against it. Next, you will need to work with the developer to draw up a sales agreement that you both will sign. After this all that’s left is to make the payment in full and then register the sale with the Thai Land Office to transfer the deed to your property.

These are the essential steps in buying a beachfront condo in Thailand, but rules are always subject to change. Make sure that before you enter into any agreements that you consult with local real estate agents and lawyers to make sure that the contracts that you sign are legal and that you are buying property that is actually valuable. A trusted real estate agent will be invaluable in finding your dream Thai beachfront property.

Should I Work with a Beachfront Realty Agency?

Jack — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:50:23 +0000

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when you’re looking to buy a piece of beachfront property is whether to use a beachfront realty agency or try to go through for sale by owner. There are pros and cons to both approaches. Realtors will take a cut of the end price of the property, so both the buyer and the seller will end up losing some money by using them. But, if you are unfamiliar with an area, and especially if you can find a realtor that you can trust, they can be invaluable in finding the best deal for beachfront properties.

One of the biggest advantages to using a realty agency is that they will save you a great amount of time and frustration in your search for the perfect home for you. Especially if you go through a larger agency, they’ll have the connections and ability to share information that will let them match buyers and sellers quickly. This means that if you’re looking to sell, your home will spend less time on the market, and if you’re a buyer you’ll be able to move into your home sooner. If you try to find a property yourself, you will spend a lot more time searching through listings that aren’t of any interest to you.

If you are trying to buy property in an unfamiliar, and especially if you are trying to find beachfront properties in foreign markets, having a real estate agent that you can trust will be an invaluable asset. Your agent can help orient you in the local market, let you know the pitfalls and make sure that you don’t get taken advantage of by more unsavory characters. They can also walk you through every step of the process, from getting you pre-approved for a mortgage to helping you actually close on the sale. Getting preapproved for a mortgage is particularly important because it will let you know how much you are able to spend on your dream home and how much you can expect to pay on monthly mortgage payments.

The biggest if in using a realty agent is if you can trust your agent. If your agent isn’t very trustworthy, he could simply be taking your money for a quick sale in a house that you ultimately aren’t going to be happy with. Try to search online to find reviews of reputable agents that you can deal with. Also listen to word of mouth and ask around in the area where you’re thinking of buying property for recommendations on agents to use.

The biggest disadvantage to using a beachfront realty agency is that you will lose some money on the commissions. About six percent of any overall real estate sale is split between the listing and selling agents, with about three percent going to each agent. You can save this money if you know the person selling the property or you go though for sale by owner listings, but you do risk not finding the right home or being taken advantage of. On the other hand, six percent of a relatively cheap $200,000 piece of beachfront property is about $6,000 in savings, which is no small piece of change.

Make sure that you weigh your options and know what you are getting into before you decide to find a house on your own or go through a realty agency.

Finding Great Beachfront Property for Sale

Jack — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:00:23 +0000

Searching for beachfront property for sale is not too much different than trying to find property for sale further inland. However, because property values at the beach are higher and the property there, and the structures on it, are more vulnerable to Mother Nature’s wrath, you need to do a little bit more homework before you jump in headfirst into the property market. If you want to find the best property for you and your budget, try to look in areas that you’re familiar with, and if you aren’t, learn as much as you can about the area around the property you’re hoping to buy. Then, once you have an idea of what you want talk to a local real estate agent, but don’t rule out looking at several different beachfront properties online as well. Sometimes you might find a better bargain that you would with an agent.

The first thing that you need to do when you’re searching for beachfront property is set a spending limit for yourself and stick to it. It’s easy to get sucked into spending more on a piece of property that you really like. However, if you keep just inching your budget up by a little here and a little there, you might end up with a mortgage that you can’t pay back, and even if you can you might end up having to sacrifice a lot of the other activities you would like to be doing, like travel or nights out on the town.

One thing you need to pay particular attention to is how much the insurance you will have to pay on the property that you’re looking at. Homeowner’s insurance by the sea can be a lot more than areas inland, especially in areas that are prone to hurricanes or other strong storms. If you don’t take this into account when you’re searching for your ideal home, you might end up with a mortgage that you can afford, but an insurance premium that you can’t.

When you actually begin to look for beachfront property, the best tip that you can get is to look in areas that you are familiar with. If you look in areas that you are familiar with, you will be able to better determine is a home is a good value or if it is overpriced. You’ll also be more in tune with the real estate market in the area so you will know where to look for better deals. In many areas, just by sacrificing a little bit on location, you can save a lot of money, but if you don’t know where to look you’ll never find that property.

If you are looking in an area that you aren’t familiar with, try to do all that you can to learn about the area. This includes anything about tourist season, where the central areas of town are, and where the “hot” areas of the beach are. Internet research is a great way to find out about places and so is a talk with a local real estate agent.

Even if you are familiar with an area, talking to a real estate agent is something that you shouldn’t overlook. If you can find a real estate agent that you trust, they will be able to tell you where the best bargains are, what direction the local real estate market is taking, and if there’s any possibility to rent out the property that you are thinking about buying. They can also more accurately tell you the prices that you should be looking to pay for homes in different areas.

Finally, don’t forget about searching out beachfront property for sale by owner on the internet. Talking to a real estate agent is great, but sometimes you can find a beachfront home for much less by leaving the agents and the cut that they take out of it. However, make sure that you know what you are doing if you take this route. It’s much easier to get taken advantage of!

Costa Rica Condo Rentals: Ideal for Vacationing or Investment

Jack — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:20:18 +0000

Costa Rica is the most visited country in the Caribbean. Over two billion US dollars is spent on tourism here every year by people who come for one or several of the country’s incredibly scenic attractions. There are very few places in the world that are as diverse as Costa Rica within such a small area. There are miles of white sand beaches along two coasts, volcanoes, and scenic mountains. In a few days you can hike through cloud forests, go river rafting, and experience some of the best scuba diving in the world at a fraction of the price you would pay for such activities in the United States. Costa Rica is also a great discount golf vacations destination as well. Whether you are just going to Costa Rica for a short holiday, or are trying to buy a property that you can use for an investment, Costa Rica condo rentals are sure to not leave you disappointed.

If you’re vacation plans are taking you to Costa Rica, there are many reputable internet sites that you can visit to find condos and reviews of them from past tenants. They’re a fairly cheap option, costing around $1200 to $1500 for an entire week, for what you get. Condo owners are generally fairly good landlords, because they visit the property a few times themselves every year, and make sure everything is in working order and kept up. Many condominium complexes also give you access to some great facilities, such as a swimming pool, spa, high speed internet, and parking free of charge. Most also have various security measures, from guards to cameras up so that you can rest easy at night.

If you’re a prospective beachfront property owner looking to invest in Costa Rican real estate and use it for a few weeks out of the year, finding a condo to rest is also a good idea. If you won’t be spending a lot of time in the country, condos are definitely a much more practical option than buying sprawling villas in gated communities. They will have lower property taxes, lower upkeep, and will be much easier to find tenants for. Because the Costa Rican real estate market is still expanding, you should be able to get a good return on the property and on renting it and have a great vacation spot to top it all off. If you still want a taste of the good life, there are many luxury condo units available as well. When you’re searching for a condo, a good place to start is the internet, but it’s always a good idea to visit the site first before you sign any papers. Keep in mind a list of all the features you want in your unit, from floor space to beds and baths, whether you want a beachfront condo or not and if you want a balcony or not. Expect to pay around two million to eight million US for a condo, depending on the location and how lavish it is.

Costa Rica condo rentals are great for both the week long vacationer and anyone looking to buy a piece of real estate in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Vacationers get a relatively cheap, safe, clean place to stay for their vacation, while prospective landlords will get access to the upside of a great real estate market, a great place to vacation, and a way to pay for maintenance and upkeep costs. Costa Rica may have become famous for its gated communities and huge villas, but for most people a beachfront condo will be the best option.

Renting Oceanfront Real Estate: Essential Tips

Jack — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 03:55:44 +0000

If you own a piece of oceanfront real estate and you aren’t planning on living in it year round, renting it out can be an easy way to pay for at least the upkeep, and many times will give you a significant portion, or maybe all of the mortgage payment back as a result. While it is not incredibly time intensive, being a good landlord requires at least a little bit of commitment of money and time on your end. Here are some tips to keep your renters happy, coming back for more, and more likely to give you beachfront property a good recommendation to their friends.

First, make sure that you get a good realtor and know all the rules that apply to investment property in your area. Some areas require that rented homes only can be visited by their owners for short periods of time for “maintenance” purposes or will place other restrictions on the property. Before renting your home out, make sure you know any rules and regulations it will be subject to.

Having a good realtor is also essential to successfully renting out your property. If you have a good realtor, you’ll be getting more and better quality tenants than you would with a lesser quality one who doesn’t know how to market beachfront homes as effectively. They will also be able to advise you on what that rules your property is subject to are and will help you more fully understand them. Make sure that your realtor screens the renters that are using your property. If you end up with lower quality renters that are likely to throw a party and wreck your prize home, you’ll end up losing more money on renting out your property than you’ll gain! And it will leave your home in bad condition for the next people that are in line to rent it, causing them to complain about the condition of your home.

Speaking of the condition of your home, if your oceanfront property is being rented out, it is absolutely essential that you keep up with the maintenance on it. This includes keeping the lawn cut and the house clean and in good condition. It also includes preparing for any emergencies. You should have a first aid kit, working smoke alarms, a fire extinguisher, and all the pertinent contact details for the local emergency response teams in a well-marked and defined location. This will make sure that your renters have a good experience and will make them more likely to return and rent again and much less likely to complain about anything.

Renting out your property means that you won’t be around it for a long period of time, so try to lower the crime risks on the property as much as you possibly can. Install motion sensor activated security lights to deter nighttime criminals and if you can, install a home security system for when no one will be using the house. Use your common sense as well. Don’t put expensive electronics, priceless family heirlooms, or other expensive decorations into the house when it’s likely that they could get broken by tenants or stolen by thieves.

By following these simple steps you should be able to get your oceanfront real estate in the best condition to be rented out and make some money to cover maintenance and maybe even some money for your mortgage. Always make sure to keep your home in good condition and have a good realtor represent you who can find great tenants who will make the most of their experience and won’t ruin your home.

Closing on Beachfront Homes for Sale

Jack — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:38:56 +0000

Closing on beachfront homes for sale, or any homes for that matter can be an incredibly stressful affair. There are lots of uncertainties involved and a potentially very long term mortgage looming over your head once you pay the papers. But if you’ve ever closed on a real estate sale before you will know most o the procedures that are involved. Closing on the sale of your dream beachfront home is not much different than these sales, but there are a few other things that you need to keep in mind.

Closing on Beachfront Homes Abroad

If you’re buying beachfront property abroad there are several very important precautions that you need to take in addition to the normal steps for closing on real estate. Always, always, always, find and hire a reputable local attorney. There should be several in the area that you’re buying your beach home in if it’s popular with foreigners. He will be able to tell you the easiest, quickest and cheapest way to deal with local property and tax laws. Some countries may require you invest in the land as part of a company or others may be more straightforward. But always find a trustworthy attorney and work with him to sort out your options. Most locations abroad also do not do their legal contracts in English, so you need someone who speaks the native language to ensure that the contract says the same thing in English as it does in the local language.

When you’re with your attorney, discuss at least these topics. Find out what, if any, restriction there are on foreign land ownership. In countries like the Philippines there can be tight restrictions on land ownership, but other countries like Belize and Costa Rica actually encourage foreign investment. Find out about any transaction fees or taxes that you are responsible for when closing on the property as well. These can represent a significant amount of your final price and should be factored in.

Closing on Beachfront Property Domestically

Closing on beachfront homes for sale in the United States is really not much different than closing on regular real estate. Before closing, make sure that you actually know the local and state laws that pertain to whether you have private beach ownership or if there’s a public beach. Depending on local rules, your property could actually expand or shrink depending on rising sea levels or erosion or deposits along the shoreline. If there’s no public road access to your property, also ensure that there’s a right of way clause in the contract so that you won’t be stuck without a way to get your new home.

The best advice for closing is to know the closing papers front and back. Review and re-review all the documents before you sign them. Know what the fees involved are and do the calculations yourself. Real estate agents are just as human as the rest of us and can make the same mistakes, even in legal contracts. Once you’re happy with the paperwork, go back to the property right before signing the papers. Make sure that all the work has been done that was promised when you made the offer and everything is in the condition that you expected it to be in. If it is, you can sign the papers with a sound mind.

Closing on beachfront real estate is not much different than closing on other property in the U.S. as long as you keep in mind the few features, the ocean for starters, that make beachfront homes unique and of such value. If you’re planning on buying property abroad however, make sure to always have room in your budget to enlist the help of a lawyer who can inspect the contract for you and make sure that everything is legal.

Shopping for Beachfront Homes

Jack — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:04:05 +0000

When you have finally decided to take the leap and go out and try to find a beachfront property to live in, rent out, or just to visit on occasion, it’s incredibly exciting to actually start comparing properties and start to make the whole process come together. Shopping for beachfront homes is a lot like shopping for real estate inland, but there are some other things that you need to take into account. If you live far away from the beach, you can even start your search on the internet. However, you should always visit the property first before making any offers.

If you do not live close to the beach right now, and odds are that you don’t, you’ll probably have a weekend or a few vacation days where you’re planning on looking at houses at your beach of choice. When you do this, it’s very important that you take a notepad along and write down the first impressions that any homes give you along with questions you might want to ask the real estate agent or current homeowner later. It can be really easy to forget details and mix up which property is which when you’re trying to make the most of your limited time. Prevent this by keeping careful notes.

While you have the seller or real estate agent at the house, always ask any and all questions that you can think of about the property. You should always be asking, why the seller is selling, if the property has any investment or rental opportunities, and what the current shoreline erosion rate is. Also try to find out some general information such as how often the area gets hit by storms and any building regulations you may be subject to. If you can, talking to neighbors can be really useful for this.

Something else that you may need to think of with beachfront homes that usually isn’t a problem on property inland is road and beach access. Know if your property comes with any exclusive rights to the beach or if the beach is public. Also find out where the public beach actually starts and where your property ends. This is usually at the high water line in most locales and that can vary from day to day. Many properties right on the beach, especially in lesser developed areas, also aren’t accessible from public roads. You need to take a private drive though someone else’s property first. Make sure that any deal for your property involves a right of way on this road. If it doesn’t you could find yourself in a sticky situation later if your neighbor doesn’t allow you to access your property.

Finally, whatever you do, don’t fall in love with any beach home for sale. Doing this will only complicate the deal and you could end up paying much more for your home than you can afford. When emotions come into play, we stop acting as rationally as we should and can make some bad decisions. Try to avoid this by setting up “firewalls” where you absolutely, positively will not cross. Set the price that you can afford and stick to it.

Searching for a home right on the beach is exciting, but make sure as with any real estate deal that you use common sense and don’t end up buying more than you can afford. If you have fun with the process – many people dream of living by the beach – stay with your limits, and find out all you can about the property you’ll find yourself looking out at the sea from your balcony in no time.