The more time you spend in Big Sur, the more spectacular you realize it is. The Big Sur region’s natural splendor, which is widely considered to be one of the most stunningly beautiful and protected locations in the world, along with the extremely limited number of private properties that exist, and will ever exist, make real estate in Big Sur unique. This is why I believe that there will always be a demand for real estate in Big Sur.
The value of real estate in Big Sur is seen as being in a bracket of its own due to the unique environment and limited availability. Recently, however, I am seeing more properties becoming available. For the first time in a very long time I am seeing the prices drop in all prices ranges as a result of the global economic contraction.
The situation now, in the summer of 2012, is presenting some great buying opportunities in Big Sur. Buyers are firmly in the driver’s seat in a way I have not seen before.
When purchasing real estate in Big Sur, there are a number of things to consider as well as many important questions that must be answered to make an informed decision. Questions to consider pertain to viewshed, water sources, utilities, neighbor proximity and relations, fire road access and emergency response time estimates, permitting and zoning. The list goes on!
My approach is direct. I ask the tough questions beforehand so that there are no surprises later. I don’t know everything about the area, but no one does. If someone tells you they do you should run…and fast. When necessary, I will get answers from the specialists or refer you to them in order to obtain the answers you require.
One of the most important issues to consider when hiring a realtor is: Are they going to work with my best interests in mind or are they going to work in a self-serving manner? On many occasions prospective clients will come to me because they are frustrated by their current realtor, who has neglected to show them all available properties. Instead their realtor chose to show them only the properties that they listed personally. This should be seen as a huge red flag, because it indicates that information is being withheld. Some realtors do this so that they get a bigger commission by representing both the buyer and the seller in the transaction. If this is the case your realtor does not have your best interest in mind and you should terminate the relationship and work with someone else. Representing the buyer and the seller is legal, but it requires the utmost integrity on the realtor’s part to serve both parties simultaneously and effectively. As a buyer, I recommend that you ask a Realtor for references, and dig around a bit to be sure that you align yourself with a Realtor who has the highest respect for honesty and transparency at all times.
I find this whole process to be fun, and truly consider it an honor to represent my clients. Most importantly my clients can count on me to do business with utmost integrity and transparency, because sleeping well in Big Sur is undoubtedly the greatest gift of all.
Feel free to call or e-mail me anytime.
Best,
Mike
