Miramar Beach is a beautiful strip of land along Florida's Gulf Coast in Walton County, with elegant homes and mansions that reflect the beauty of the sea. This is also the Emerald Coast, the place to enjoy beach life, golf, tennis, and other activities that are an integral part of the Florida lifestyle. This is beach living at its finest.
You will find many beautiful Miramar waterfront homes for sale, along with condos and homes off the beach. You are never far from the water on this peninsula, bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the south and Choctawhatchee Bay to the north. Highway 98 leads through the community from the town of Destin to the west. The bridge on Highway 293 leads back to the Florida panhandle mainland.
Bike riders can enjoy the three-mile Scenic Highway trail exclusively for bicycles and walkers along Highway 98. Water sports are popular, including sailing, fishing, power boating, and jet skis.
Home buyers will be delighted with the luxury homes listed for sale. Most of these estates feature private swimming pools, the latest energy-saving appliances, and other features along with fabulous views. Several homes for sale in Miramar are located around golf courses, including Burnt Pine Golf Club and Golf Garden of Destin.
The town of Miramar Beach offers excellent dining and shopping. This includes the Silver Sands Premium Outlet and elegant designer shops. Diners can enjoy a variety of cuisines, including locally caught seafood.
Why an Inspection is Necessary
Before you purchase one of these beautiful Miramar Beach houses or condos for sale, you need a complete inspection of the home and grounds. The home of your choice may have a few issues that need to be improved before you finalize any sale. There are many items that should be looked at carefully. You may ask the seller to fix any problems before the sale is complete, or you can deduct the cost of repairs from your offer to purchase.
Anxious buyers often forgo home inspections in an effort to get sellers to accept their offers, but that could end up being an expensive mistake. No matter how elegant the property is, there may be problems with areas you cannot see, such as the foundation, roof, HVAC system, electrical connections, plumbing, and swimming pool. The issues may be costly or only a minor expense.
A competent, licensed inspection service will look at all aspects of the home in detail. Inspectors are often real estate personnel who have undergone extensive training in home inspections.
Here are the most important reasons for having a complete home inspection before you buy a property.
Condition of Foundation and Walls
The foundation supports the home. You must know that it is secure. The age of the home is most important. The foundation may have been damaged in some way due to flooding or another mishap. You must know that the foundation is free of any cracks in the basement or garage floor.
Cracks and fissures will indicate that there is some damage to the foundation that may allow moisture into the ground level and walls. This is not a good sign since it can lead to mold and other problems. A special meter is used to measure moisture in the floors and walls with a professional inspection.
Any insulation in the lower part of the house must be in good condition, as well. You do not want to replace it.
Peeling paint, broken tiles, or chipped stone on the exterior walls may be another sign of problems, including water and wind damage. These small items may not be noticed when you first look at the property. You may see a terrific overall picture but fail to notice small details. This is why you should have a home inspection.
Roof Condition Must Be Good
A home buyer must always know the condition of the roof before the sale is final. This is often the most expensive repair or replacement for a homeowner. How well the roof holds up in stormy conditions is of major importance.
You want to know that all roof tiles or shingles are in good condition and not broken. In addition, you need to know if the roof is well sealed or if there is a buildup of moss, algae, and debris.
You may need to call in a professional roof inspection service with the right equipment and trained personnel who will look for any signs of broken or cracked shingles or tiles. The base under the shingles should also be inspected, along with the condition of the flashings. These are the aluminum pieces that allow for water runoff. They must be secure.
The rain gutters should be clean and secured to the structure. This is another expensive replacement that you don't need.
You may be able to look in the attic, but this is another reason for hiring a professional inspection. They will check the insulation and ventilation and look for leaks and any signs of insect or rodent infestation.
A home with solar panels on the roof will save money on electricity. You want to know that all the panels are working to absorb the sun and that there are no loose connections.
Home Interior Problems
You liked the interior layout of the home, and you can visualize your furnishing in most rooms.
But, did you take a good look at the ceiling, walls, and floors? There may be many imperfections that you did not notice while you were admiring the house, even if you looked at it more than once.
- Were there any dark spots on the ceiling that would suggest water leaks?
- Did the doors hang properly?
- Was the railing on the staircase tight?
- Did you take a good look at the windows and check for cracked frames?
- What was the condition of the hardwood and/or granite floors?
- Are there any cracks in the granite, quartz, or marble countertops in kitchens and bathrooms?
All the imperfections will be noted with a professional inspection. You can estimate the cost of repairs if necessary. These problems, if there are any, must be considered before you finalize your sale.
Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
The HVAC system is an item you don't see when you are looking at a house or condo. You may notice ceiling fans and even the programmable thermostat, but you can't inspect the ductwork.
Tears or cracks in the ducts will make the HVAC system work harder and use more energy. The tears may also offer a pathway for insects and even rodents that want to nest in a dark place.
The age and condition of the HVAC are most important. A new HVAC system is very expensive, yet it is a necessity. You should be fully aware of the age and condition of the HVAC system before you decide to make an offer. Consider a professional inspection by an HVAC company if you have any doubts or questions about the HVAC system.
Swimming Pool and Yard
The sparkling pool, spa tub, and surroundings may look inviting, but you need to know the condition of the pool. Look for obvious cracks in the pool surface and the decking. You need to know that the pump and filtration systems are working properly. You do not want to replace them.
The area around the pool should also be in good condition. This includes the outdoor kitchen, patio, deck, awnings, fire pit, built-in seating, and other outdoor living accessories.
The ground must have proper drainage. Good runoff is necessary during Florida rain.
All fences and gates surrounding the property, especially the pool area, must also be in good condition. These items are not an afterthought. They should be covered with a home inspection.
Plumbing and Electrical Systems
The plumbing and electrical systems should be inspected so that you don't have any unwelcome surprises when you move into your new luxury home.
You want to be reassured that the plumbing fixtures in the elegant master bath, other bathrooms, the kitchen, and the laundry room are in good working order. There are no leaks that will need repairs.
The water heater must also be in good condition. Many luxury homes may have on-demand and solar water heaters that save energy.
Know the condition of a sump pump and/or septic system if they are necessary. You do not need any sewer or septic backups.
The electrical system should always be inspected. This includes the circuit breaker panels, light switches, and outlets. Any supplemental power systems, such as a generator, should also be checked out, so you know they work in an emergency.
Don't forget about the appliances. Newer homes and those with remodeled kitchens usually have the latest energy-saving appliances. This includes refrigerators, freezers, ovens, and cooktops. All appliances should be in good working condition.
Many luxury homes in Miramar Beach include security and surveillance systems. This covers the cameras, lights, sensors, and other electronic security measures designed to protect the home and its grounds. You want to make sure everything works for your protection.
A professional home inspection service will give the potential buyer a detailed final report on all aspects of the home and grounds. A similar report can be given for Miramar Beach condominiums, although it may not be as extensive. Buyers must be made aware of any major or minor problems that need to be fixed. This gives buyers confidence in their decisions before closing the sale.
Looking for Miramar Beach homes for sale
Contact Yvonne Summerfield for a list of luxury Miramar Beach homes and condos for sale. Luxurious homes are also for sale in nearby Destin, Florida. I specialize in fine homes, luxury properties, and condominiums in Miramar Beach, Destin, and Santa Rosa. This includes second homes in this popular resort area.
