Tips for Buying Homes in the South

The southern United States is known for many wonderful things such as soul food, hospitality, and great weather. Some of the best beaches in the country are in the south, and it’s a popular vacation destination. If you can handle the humidity and summer heat, then the south is also an excellent place to raise a family and visit.

If you’re moving to the south from another region of the country, there will be an adjustment period. Everything is different in the south, from the real estate market to the cost of living, so continue reading to get some tips for buying homes in the south.

Homes are cheaper in the south.

One of the major benefits of moving to the south is that you get more house for your dollar there than on the east coast, west coast, or midwestern regions of the U.S. Because of the difference in the cost of living in the south, moving there is a great way to save money on everything from your home to your food and many of life’s other expenses.

Your air conditioner will be your best friend.

Pups may be man’s best friend, but your air conditioner will be a close second when you move to the south. Down south, temperatures hike all the way up into the hundreds regularly during summertime. If you want to survive the summer months, it’s a must that you get your air conditioner serviced every summer.

You may be able to survive the winter months without a heater, but if your thermostat fails you during the summer, your home will sweat like a brewery. The best way to make sure you stay cool and comfortable during the summer months in the south is to schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system.

Be ready for thunderstorms.

It would help if you prepared yourself for buying a home in the south because the storms are stronger and more frequent. The southern Atlantic and Gulf coasts get hammered by tropical storms, hurricanes, and tornados from the middle of summer until the middle of fall every year. If you’re not a fan of storms, then you shouldn’t move to a coastal area in the south.

Because of the ferocity of storms in the south, it’s also important to make sure you purchase a home that can withstand the elements, especially if it’s an older home. Being in areas that get frequently hit by harsh storms will significantly impact what type of homeowners’ insurance coverage you’ll have to get, as well as how much you’ll have to pay for it. Do your due diligence before picking an insurance package for your home, and be sure you fully understand your policy needs and options.

It may be better to go with hard floors instead of carpet.

You’ll learn quickly in the south that your shoes are like public transportation for dust and dirt. In many southern homes, people remove their shoes to prevent tracking dirt and pebbles through the house. However, the best thing you can do to keep your floors looking well is to choose hardwood floors over carpet.

Get ready to enjoy the great outdoors all year.

You may dread the oppressive heat of summertime in the south, but you’ll love the mild winters. In the deep south, you can enjoy the great outdoors all year long, making it a destination your pooch will love, too.

There are also plenty of dog-friendly trips to take during the winter as well. Whether you like hunting, camping, water skiing, or just tossing around the Frisby, there’s suitable weather and outdoor space for it. You can even find live music venues in outdoor spaces that welcome dogs. As long as your dog is on a leash and well-behaved, then the south is his oyster!

The southern United States is known for many wonderful things such as soul food, hospitality, and great weather. Some of the best beaches in the country are in the south, and it’s a popular vacation destination. If you can handle the humidity and summer heat, then the south is also an excellent place to raise a family and visit.

If you’re moving to the south from another region of the country, there will be an adjustment period. Everything is different in the south, from the real estate market to the cost of living, so continue reading to get some tips for buying homes in the south.

Homes are cheaper in the south.

One of the major benefits of moving to the south is that you get more house for your dollar there than on the east coast, west coast, or midwestern regions of the U.S. Because of the difference in the cost of living in the south, moving there is a great way to save money on everything from your home to your food and many of life’s other expenses.

Your air conditioner will be your best friend.

Pups may be man’s best friend, but your air conditioner will be a close second when you move to the south. Down south, temperatures hike all the way up into the hundreds regularly during summertime. If you want to survive the summer months, it’s a must that you get your air conditioner serviced every summer.

You may be able to survive the winter months without a heater, but if your thermostat fails you during the summer, your home will sweat like a brewery. The best way to make sure you stay cool and comfortable during the summer months in the south is to schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system.

Be ready for thunderstorms.

It would help if you prepared yourself for buying a home in the south because the storms are stronger and more frequent. The southern Atlantic and Gulf coasts get hammered by tropical storms, hurricanes, and tornados from the middle of summer until the middle of fall every year. If you’re not a fan of storms, then you shouldn’t move to a coastal area in the south.

Because of the ferocity of storms in the south, it’s also important to make sure you purchase a home that can withstand the elements, especially if it’s an older home. Being in areas that get frequently hit by harsh storms will significantly impact what type of homeowners’ insurance coverage you’ll have to get, as well as how much you’ll have to pay for it. Do your due diligence before picking an insurance package for your home, and be sure you fully understand your policy needs and options.

It may be better to go with hard floors instead of carpet.

You’ll learn quickly in the south that your shoes are like public transportation for dust and dirt. In many southern homes, people remove their shoes to prevent tracking dirt and pebbles through the house. However, the best thing you can do to keep your floors looking well is to choose hardwood floors over carpet.

Get ready to enjoy the great outdoors all year.

You may dread the oppressive heat of summertime in the south, but you’ll love the mild winters. In the deep south, you can enjoy the great outdoors all year long, making it a destination your pooch will love, too.

There are also plenty of dog-friendly trips to take during the winter as well. Whether you like hunting, camping, water skiing, or just tossing around the Frisby, there’s suitable weather and outdoor space for it. You can even find live music venues in outdoor spaces that welcome dogs. As long as your dog is on a leash and well-behaved, then the south is his oyster!

Ebony Sutton

Writer

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