A luxury property is a stunning home with incredible architecture, a stately entryway, expansive living space, modern design features, and over-the-top amenities like steam rooms, outdoor kitchens, and a private pool house. Like traditional homes, luxury properties vary widely, but luxury real estate is generally used to describe properties priced at the higher end of the market. Typically, these homes are large and extravagant, featuring high-end finishes and amenities like waterfront views, pools, and activity rooms like home theaters. Luxury homes are also located in desirable neighborhoods and near top-rated schools and other amenities like country clubs, shopping malls, and gourmet restaurants.
When starting your luxury real estate Athens journey, you should know what you’re looking for in a home search. Buying a luxury home differs from that of a traditional property and requires specialized guidance from a luxury agent. Before you begin your journey, here’s how to buy luxury homes for sale in Athens.
Get to know the buying process
Before jumping into the home search, it is essential to know the buying process in detail. There are many phases to finding a luxury home, and having a comprehensive overview before starting your search can help you manage your expectations of the process. One of the advantages of using a luxury agent is that they can walk you through step by step and answer any questions you have. Buying luxury homes involves several stages, including pre-approval, property search, offer submission, and closing. A knowledgeable luxury agent will guide you through every phase, negotiating on your behalf and ensuring you get the best deal.
Seek property recommendations for your network
Finding your perfect luxury home in Athens GA can take longer and require deeper research than ordinary homes because there is limited inventory. It is a good idea to seek property recommendations from your agent’s industry network, as they may know about unlisted properties that meet your specific needs. Friends, family, and colleagues who have recently purchased a luxury home can also give you valuable insights. By spreading the word that you are in the market for a luxury home, you are increasing your chances of finding a home that hasn’t yet hit the market.
Experience different neighborhoods
Online research can provide a base point for your location search, but visiting target neighborhoods in person can bring to light feelings and connections you can’t experience through online research. Exploring the area firsthand will give you a complete picture of the community and its amenities, allowing you to decide whether the location will suit your lifestyle. Drive or walk around the neighborhood at different times to get a sense of the area’s character, traffic patterns, and commute times to work, school, and other locations.
Work with a local buyer’s agent
If you want your home-buying journey to be positive and successful, working with a local buyer’s agent specializing in luxury real estate transactions is critical. A skilled Athens real estate agent can give you access to market data you wouldn’t otherwise have and will analyze it to create a custom purchasing plan to meet your goals. Luxury agents also have strong networks and resources to help you find your perfect luxury home, as they can tap into other industry professionals to find property leads.
Look for Athens realtors who have worked with luxury properties extensively and have excellent knowledge of the upscale neighborhoods in the area you’re looking to purchase in. A record of successful sales and numerous positive references from clients is generally a great way to tell if an agent is qualified enough to help you on your journey.
A great luxury agent will also understand your specific needs and take the time to listen to your requirements and preferences. Interview multiple local real estate agents and ask pointed questions about their commission, communication style, support teams, and networking to ensure they align with your real estate needs.
Set your must-have criteria for a home
Before searching for a home, sit down and determine what your must-haves are for a home, as this saves you a lot of time and frustration during your home search and will help you stay focused on properties that meet your needs and preferences. A narrowed search will allow your realtor to be more efficient. Some factors to consider in your luxury home include the size and layout, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, architecture style, property type, and the desired amenities. By clarifying your priorities in a home, you can streamline the search process and find a property more efficiently.
Work with a trusted bank or lending institution
When financing a luxury home, work with a familiar bank or mortgage lender to make the process less stressful. You’ll want to shop around, researching different interest rates and terms to get the best deal.
Consider contacting your bank, as they may offer personalized financial advice and tailored lending options that suit your unique needs. Working with your bank for financing makes navigating the paperwork and requirements of a luxury home purchase easier, saving you time and frustration in the preparation process.
Visit properties in-person
While online listings and virtual tours can be helpful starting points in your luxury home search, they may not provide an accurate picture of the property. Some homes may not showcase well in images, and visiting properties in person is crucial to appreciate the luxury and quality of a house. A walkthrough of the home will give you a complete overview of the home’s layout, finishes, and overall condition, enabling you to make a well-informed decision on whether or not you’d like to make an offer. In-person visits also give you a bigger picture of the neighborhood and its surrounding area. Your Athens real estate agent can schedule private showings for an exclusive viewing experience.
Ready to buy Athens real estate?
RE/MAX Tru is an Athens GA real estate agency with years of experience in the local luxury real estate market. If you wish to learn more about how to buy a luxury home or are ready to start viewing properties, contact the team today.
