Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a beach house, you need an agent to help you through the process. If you have a friend who’s an agent, it may seem like a good decision to work with them. However, Glenn Phillips, CEO of Beach Homes Realty, discusses what to consider before choosing them.
It’s Business. Purchasing a beach home isn’t like going to the store to buy a new pair of shoes. It’s a significant business transaction that needs expert guidance for the best outcome.
Have Friend Explain “Why are they THE Best Choice?” Years of experience and being friendly aren’t enough to justify doing business with someone. Have your friend explain what separates them from other realtors.
Generalist versus Specialist. Does your friend sell several different types of property, or do they focus on beach property? Beach real estate has several nuances, and your agent needs to understand how to navigate those.
Point Out Something Unique in Your Choice. When you pick your friend as your agent, they should have something unique about them that influenced your decision. Saying you don’t want to hurt their feelings isn’t enough.
A Real Friend Will Understand. If your friend is hurt that they were not selected as your agent and hold it against you, you should consider how good of a friend they are. A true friend wouldn’t guilt you into choosing them for their financial gain.
Your friend might be the best choice to be your realtor, but not always. Consider these points before you decide to do business with them. Visit beach-homes.com to connect with agents ready to help you through the beach real estate process.
Selling your home is a big decision, so you want the best representation. However, many people don’t know the right questions to ask to get an agent who can help them. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Beach Homes Realty, discusses a few questions to avoid asking and better ones to replace them with.
Which Agent…
Has The Most Listings? If an agent has many listings, they may be better at getting listings than selling. Additionally, some agents get multiple listings and intentionally don’t sell them quickly so sellers see how many listings they have. Appropriately priced beach homes sell quickly and don’t sit on the market for too long.
Do I Personally Like? You don’t need to be buddy-buddy with your surgeon. Selecting a beach agent is similar. It’s a business transaction, so you want the best representation you can get.
Has An Office Nearby? Beach home buyers don’t care if your agent has a local office. Many of these buyers are coming from somewhere else. Therefore, they don’t want to waste time at an office but would rather be at the house.
Questions You Should Answer.
MOST Capable of Helping Achieve MY Goal? You should understand your goal for selling your beach home. Once you know your goal, find an agent with a strategy to help you reach that goal.
All Agents the Same? No. Exclude All Who Are Not Best Equipped. Exclude agents who don’t have beach expertise. Additionally, exclude agents who don’t understand local and national beach markets.
Focused on Beach Real Estate? Exclude All That Are Not. Beach real estate has several oddities that don’t occur in typical real estate. So, your agent should understand the nuances that make beach properties worth more or less.
Can Prove a Pipeline of Out-of-Town Buyers? Beach real estate agents should have a pipeline of buyers from multiple states. Many local agents don’t have the resources to connect with buyers from outside the local market.
These questions can help you find the real estate agent that will give you the best representation. Before choosing your agent, ask yourself these questions to be more financially responsible. Visit beach-homes.com to connect with expert beach agents ready to help you sell your home.
The number of beach property exchanges and transactions has declined recently. Because of this, you may be wondering where the beach home buyers are. Glenn Phillips shares his thoughts on why this may not be the whole story.
Modest Market Improvement.
Inventory is Larger. Month after month, beach property inventory has grown steadily and will continue growing for several months.
Mortgage Rates. Mortgage rates will likely drop over the next several months as well. Signs of decreased mortgage rates stimulate buyer’s interest.
Buyer Demand Strong. Buyer demand is still strong, but there aren’t as many transactions. There are several reasons for this.
Still, Buyers are Waiting On…
Realistic Pricing. Many beach homes on the market haven’t sold because they have aspirational prices. These buyers don’t have to buy beach homes, so they can afford to wait for reasonable prices.
Selection. Once overpriced homes are factored out, the selection of houses isn’t quite as broad. Additionally, dream home buyers may search for several years before making a purchase. Most beach home buyers pay in cash, so they are waiting for the selection to become better for this market.
Election and Holidays. Whether the election outcome will affect the buyers’ purchasing decision or not can distract them from buying a beach home. Similarly, Thanksgiving and Christmas cause a slowing of transactions for beach homes. These distractions cause buyers to temporarily neglect buying a beach home.
Transactions are waiting to happen, and sellers should become more realistic as we head into 2025. Beach home buyers are still there; they are just waiting for realistic home prices. Visit beach-homes.com to connect with agents who will help you navigate beach real estate.
When selling a beach home, certain strategies don’t work as well as others. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Beach Homes Realty, discusses some bad strategies for selling beach homes.
Expensive List Price Mistakes. Here are some phrases to watch out for to indicate problems when selling.
“Test the Market.” Often, when sellers test the market, they don’t have a way to score it. This is typically used to justify high prices on beach property.
“What We’ve Got In It.” What you have invested in the property has nothing to do with property value. Similar to stocks, the market tells you what the price of your home is.
“I Just ‘Feel’ It’s Worth…” How you feel about your home’s worth doesn’t determine the market value.
“Other Homes Sold For…” Your home isn’t identical to the home that sold for a high price. The homes are in different areas and conditions. The other homes likely also sold in a different market.
“Nearby Homes are Listed for…” Listed homes haven’t sold, so they are likely overpriced.
Selling in One Day. Beach home buyers often come from out-of-state. If you take offers in one day, you’re likely leaving money on the table from better offers.
Slow to Adjust to the Market. If the market has changed, it’s essential to adapt to the current market when selling your beach home.
Refusing to Counteroffer. Don’t take low offers personally. A low offer is better than no offer. Instead of walking away, give the buyer a counteroffer to put it on them to refuse or accept. Additionally, if you get several offers you think are low, it may be what the market is demanding for your home.
Fixating on Anything but NET. Don’t lose sight of how much you’ll walk away from the closing table with. Focusing too much on how you get there can make the entire transaction more difficult.
These five strategies can hurt you when selling a beach home. Visit beach-homes.com to connect with agents who will guide you through the best way to sell your home.
Whether you’re buying or selling, staying up-to-date with the beach home market is important. To give you a better understanding, Glenn Phillips, CEO of Beach Homes Realty, shares some of his thoughts.
Inventory Growing (Selection!). Beach home inventory has steadily increased over the last several months. This is good news for buyers as it means they have a larger selection of houses. This trend should continue through the fall.
Mortgage Rates “Sort of” Irrelevant. With discussions around decreasing mortgage rates, it isn’t necessarily the same with beach homes. Cash purchases make up over half of the beach home transactions in the country. For these types of properties, mortgage rates are more of an indicator of the economy to buyers instead of a deal breaker.
Buyer Demand Strong but Hesitant.
Discretionary. People in this market don’t have to buy or sell their beach homes. The discretionary nature of beach homes means people are particular and wait for good prices.
Selective. Beyond price, buyers will wait for their perfect dream home. Since they don’t have to buy a beach house, it may be several years between the first contact and transaction.
Distracted: Election, Holidays. During presidential election years, buyers become too distracted to purchase beach homes. Additionally, Thanksgiving and Christmas cause buyers to be too busy to shop for beach homes.
Realistic Transactions Move Quick! While inventory has grown, any home that’s priced appropriately for the market moves very quickly. Buyers are still out there in this busy market, and a well-priced home can help them get through their distractions.
While it may be a slower fall, there is still growth compared to last year in the beach real estate market. 2025 should see an increased tempo in the market but not necessarily accelerate home prices. Visit beach-homes.com to connect with agents ready to help you buy or sell your beach home.
Guaranteed offers may sound like a great deal depending on your situation and needs. However, they aren’t always the best option. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Beach Homes Realty, explains why Beach Homes Realty does not promise guaranteed offers.
“Guaranteed Offer” Does Not Equal “Full Price Offer.” If you’re looking to get the maximum return on your house, guaranteed offers might prove to be disappointing. Guaranteed offers rarely provide you with a full-price offer.
Fine Print Matters. The fine print can be very detailed with fees and transaction costs taken away from the final offer. While it may not be malicious, the fine print reveals the true nature of guaranteed offers.
Wholesalers. Additionally, real estate agents often make agreements with wholesalers to buy the house instead of themselves. These wholesalers and real estate agents have a business plan to buy your house.
Good for Seller or “Bait-n-Switch?” With guaranteed offers, you may think you’re getting a guaranteed number, but the agreement often has additional work and other clauses for you. These offers can be great if you aren’t concerned with money, but you may want to reconsider after evaluating your goals.
Time Frame. Consider how quickly you want to sell your house. Some guaranteed offers don’t take effect until a few months or a year, so these aren’t ideal if you’re looking to sell quickly.
Financial Goal. Most beach home sellers have a financial goal in mind, which rarely aligns with guaranteed offers. Beach Homes Realty aims to help sellers reach their financial goals, and guaranteed offers typically never give those.
At Beach Homes Realty, we want to meet and understand our sellers and set a plan that fits their needs. Additionally, our buyers come from across the nation, changing the dynamic of having to lean on guaranteed offers. Be sure to visit beach-homes.com to connect with an agent ready to help you meet your financial goals.
If you own a beach home—or any coastal residence—chances are, you already appreciate the windswept joy of oceanside living and the captivating balcony views that come with it. And even if you’re enjoying a small space, you can still dream big on furnishings if you’re lucky enough to have a breezy al fresco area for outdoor living. Fashioning a blissful balcony space or a slice of patio space at your coastal dwelling involves combining practicality with a dash of creativity to make the most of the breathtaking seaside views. You can still capitalize on your open-air space with functional and stylish furniture, lighting, and landscaping, even with limited square footage. So, we’ve put together some inspiring décor ideas to help you take your private outdoor oasis to the next level. Let’s jump in.
Whether your style is strictly utilitarian or extravagantly luxurious, select weather-resistant materials like teak, aluminum, or all-weather wicker furniture. These durable options can withstand harsh weather conditions, salty air, and humidity, making them last longer and require less maintenance. If your space is limited, opt for outdoor furniture for multiple purposes, such as benches with storage or foldable tables and chairs. Double-duty pieces allow for flexibility and maximize your balcony space.
Here, lustrous teak wood furniture provides a weather-resistant foundation enhanced with thick, comfy cushions upholstered in performance fabrics resistant to mold, mildew, and fading. Plus, an outdoor natural gas fire pit takes this enchanting oceanfront deck to the next level, adding warmth and ambiance and extending the area’s usability during chilly evenings.
Double your living space by creating a cozy ambiance outdoors. Let your indoor aesthetic seamlessly connect to your fresh-air spaces, being mindful of the décor so that it complements your interiors. Fashion your oceanside balcony with meaningful pieces that generate an inviting atmosphere, such as comfy seating pieces tucked into a corner for reading and sunbathing.
Use durable performance fabrics, outdoor rugs, and other weather-resistant materials to add a designer’s touch that will also wear well. Additionally, living wall accents or vertical gardens bring a pop of color with flowers and greenery that connect to your setting’s natural landscape. Flexible modular seating, lounge chairs, and side tables that are easily movable will help accommodate your al fresco entertaining demands, both large and small.
Turn your outdoor space into a magical oasis with soft exterior lighting—no matter the square footage. String lights, lanterns, LED candles, and outdoor lamps create a dreamy evening vibe. Solar-powered eco-friendly options reduce the need for electrical wiring, providing soft, inviting illumination or uplighting for nighttime relaxation. If you’re lucky enough to have an ample al fresco space, you can choose from an endless array of outdoor lighting options that can be installed by an exterior lighting specialist or an experienced DIYer.
Embrace a Coastal Palette
Photo Courtesy of Beach Bliss Living via Pinterest
Opt for colors inspired by the sea and sky, such as soft blues, sea glass greens, sandy beiges, moody charcoals, and crisp whites. Incorporate these hues with seat cushions, rugs, pillows, and accessories to evoke a serene coastal atmosphere. Infuse personality into your outdoor décor by incorporating tasteful nautical elements like rope accents, anchor or shell motifs, and striped patterns in shades of navy and white. This iconic style enhances the coastal vibe and connects your décor to the charming seaside locale.
A hanging swing or hammock can transform your balcony into a tranquil, meditative retreat, elevating your beachside experience. Nothing is more relaxing than the hypnotic feeling of gently swaying in the sea breeze from a deep-seated swing or daybed suspended in the air. Let the sound of the ocean waves lull you to sleep or while away in the afternoon with a good book. It’s the perfect evening spot to enjoy a cocktail during sunset or seaside stargazing. Choose durable, weather-resistant materials that can withstand the coastal climate. Add comfy pillows and throws for cozying up on chilly nights.
Layer your open-air space with natural textures like driftwood, jute, stone, metal, and all-weather wicker to enhance the organic feel of your oceanside haven. Consider a driftwood coffee table, a jute rug, or potted plants in ceramic containers to instantly bring a touch of nature to your outdoor space.
This modern design blends contemporary furnishings with timeless elegance, rustic metal planters, and layers of woven textures, including weather-resistant wicker furniture, ocean-inspired lanterns, and luxe natural fabrics. A calming, neutral color palette echoes the serene feel of your coastal setting. For more inspiration on choosing the best outdoor furnishings for your coastal setting, visit Beach Homes Lifestyles.
Beach real estate currently has a limited inventory, but beach homeowners are still selling. As a buyer, it’s important to understand the seller’s motivations. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Beach Homes Realty, discusses the top 3 factors in beach home seller’s motivations.
Age-Related. Some buyers reach a certain age where they aren’t comfortable in the environment, they physically can’t live at the beach, or they want to spend time closer to family. They’ve had their fun at the beach, but they’re now ready to return home.
Lifestyle Changes. The beach may have been great for working from home, but job changes may require more travel or commuting. Some beach homeowners lose interest in the beach and want to move on to other things or have a change of scenery.
Financial Opportunity. If the owners don’t use the property frequently, they may choose to sell it to earn money at great market prices.
While there are several other reasons beach home buyers sell, these are three major factors. If you’re thinking of buying a beach home, keep these motivations in mind. Visit beach-homes.com to connect with expert beach agents who want to help you find your perfect beach home.
Real estate headlines have been flooded with news about buyer’s agent compensation in recent months. With all of these changes, you may be wondering if you should offer the buyer’s agent compensation. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Beach Homes Realty, discusses this topic.
It Depends. The answer isn’t always clear, and it depends on your specific situation. Start by thinking about your goal for selling your house.
What Is Your Goal in Selling? When selling your lake home, your goal is likely to sell your home at a high price in a short amount of time. However, you should consider how you’re going to obtain that goal. Buyer’s agent compensation affects your pool of buyers, which falls into three groups.
Three Group of Buyers. When selling your beach home, you need to consider which of these groups you want to include in your pool of buyers. The amount you pay the buyer’s agent depends on which group you want.
Can Pay Their Agent. Firstly, these buyers have the money to pay their agent and will pay for quality service.
Can Not (or Will Not) pay Their Agent. These buyers expect the buyer’s agent compensation to be adjusted through the seller’s offering. They could also just refuse to pay their agent based on past experience of not doing so. This situation can cause challenges for the buyer to be able to look at or even negotiate for your house.
Can and Will Pay a Portion. Lastly, these buyers may have limited financial means, a budget, or something else preventing them from paying the full compensation. Whatever the case is, they expect the seller to make up the other portion of the buyer’s agent compensation.
Suggested Goal: Best Net Dollar. If you consider that paying someone could actually bring you more money, it’s probably worth paying them. However, if the property will move without paying someone, you might want to hold back.
Knowing your goals for selling your house will shed light on how much you should pay the buyer’s agent. Additionally, talking with an expert beach agent will help you determine the value of buyer’s agent services in your market. Visit beach-homes.com to talk with expert agents who can guide you through the beach real estate market.
