From its sunny, tropical beaches to its incredible scenery and beautiful array of properties, there’s no doubt that buying a home in Dorado, Puerto Rico, comes with endless advantages. If it’s your first time dabbling in luxurious real estate on the island, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure the buying process is as smooth as possible. Read on!
The appeal of Dorado
Investing in a home in Puerto Rico gives you access to some of the most glorious beachside destinations in the world. With the upscale neighborhoods and magnificent, modern estates, the Dorado real estate landscape promises grandeur and refinement. Before you start browsing available properties, however, take a look at some of the other reasons why so many are drawn to Dorado.
Picture-perfect beaches
Not surprisingly, one of the top reasons for buying a home in Dorado, Puerto Rico, is its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and palm trees. As the perfect tropical getaway, Dorado provides residents with a peaceful environment in which to relax and unwind or to swim, snorkel, and surf.
An ideal location
Dorado is just 15 miles west of San Juan, making it an excellent location for those who need to commute to the city for work. Dorado is situated near several major highways as well, making it easy to explore other parts of Puerto Rico at your leisure.
Stunning properties
Whether you're looking for a spacious single-family home, a cozy condo, or a luxurious beachfront paradise, there is something for everyone in Dorado. You can find sun-soaked mansions surrounded by lush landscaping, beachside estates, and modern amenities at every turn. The diverse real estate market gives buyers ample opportunities to find the perfect property to suit their needs.
Top 3 neighborhoods in Dorado
If you’re interested in calling Dorado home, there are several neighborhoods to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions.
Dorado Beach East
This highly exclusive neighborhood boasts some of the most luxurious resorts and residences on the island. Residents enjoy easy access to beaches, world-class golf courses, and a variety of high-end restaurants and shops, perfect for anyone seeking a secluded getaway.
Dorado Del Mar
Dorado Del Mar features a lively atmosphere and a wide variety of popular restaurants, bars, and shops. Add tranquil beaches and golf courses into the mix, and you have a neighborhood that’s ideal for vacationers and residents alike.
Sabanera Dorado
Then, there’s Sabanera, a beautiful, upscale neighborhood known for its luxurious homes and well-manicured landscapes. With a community pool, tennis courts, and a clubhouse, Sabanera is a community of its own.
The buying process
Buying a home in Dorado, Puerto Rico, is a wise investment opportunity, whether you’re looking for a primary residence or the perfect vacation spot. However, it’s always essential to work with a knowledgeable real estate professional who’s highly familiar with the Puerto Rico housing market. Your agent will provide top-tier solutions and insightful expertise, helping you understand how pricing, closing costs, and property taxes may differ on the island.
The housing landscape
As you explore the Dorado real estate scene, you will find luxurious mansions for sale and lease across the region. Though lower inventory has kept Dorado prices rising in recent years, current trends are proving to be more favorable for buyers. If you’re seeking a new home in this incredible area, We Got This Realty will be your expert guide, providing connections to exceptional properties that are sure to impress.
Closing costs
Typically, buyers can expect closing costs to range from 3% to 5% of the purchase price of the home. These will often cover fees for the buyer’s real estate agent and attorney, as well as any title search and insurance fees. If you’re not sure what you’ll need to budget in total, work with your real estate agent to come up with a realistic estimate.
Loans
When you buy a home, you want to ensure your credit score is high and that you have the income required to meet your monthly mortgage payments. You’ll want to apply for pre-approval, providing a lender with proof of income, employment, and credit history. As you explore the options for financing your investment, make sure you stay aware of all the types of loans you could apply for.
Conventional loans
A conventional loan is one of the more common mortgage loan options and is not guaranteed or insured by the federal government. Conventional loans will usually require applicants to make a more substantial down payment and have a higher credit score.
FHA loans
Federal Housing Administration loans (FHA) are insured by the government and therefore are more accessible to buyers with lower credit or who want to make smaller down payments. However, these loans can come with higher interest rates, so buyers need to ensure they’re researching all their options before committing to a single lender.
VA Loans
Veterans Affairs loans are another great option available to veteran and active-duty military members and their partners. VA loans are often the most flexible, with lower interest rates and no requirement for a down payment.
Money-saving tips for buying a home in Dorado
There are a few ways to remain financially savvy even as you take a big step in Dorado real estate.
Find the best mortgage rate
As with finding the right loan type, you’ll also want to shop around and compare mortgage lenders to find the best interest rate. A lower interest rate will translate into thousands of dollars saved over the course of your 15- or 30-year loan.
Evaluate your down payment
Along those lines, you can reduce your monthly mortgage payments further by increasing your initial down payment. You’ll have less to pay off and, as a result, save money on interest fees over the life of your loan.
Improve your credit score
Lastly, having a higher credit score can help you qualify for a lower interest rate, so always pay your monthly credit card statements on time and try to reduce your debt-to-income ratio as much as possible before applying for a loan.
Ready to jump in?
If you're considering buying a gorgeous new home in Dorado, you want to team up with a professional with proven results. Work with local agent Maria del Mar Ortiz of We Got This Realty. This top-tier team is ready to lead you to remarkable properties all around Puerto Rico, from Dorado real estate to Santurce, Isabela, St. Regis Bahia Beach, and more. With years of experience in the investment game, Maria is well-equipped to help clients find the perfect property to suit their needs and budget for long-term happiness. You could be next!
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
