Rent, Rent, Rent – Buying a House in Florida
1) These are the three most important words in real estate. Florida is a state with multiple personalities, from quirky Key West to sleepy St. Joe. Lifestyles vary greatly from place to place in Florida, so it’s important to decide not only where you want to live, but also how you want to live in Florida.
2) Rural areas in Florida are often quiet and peaceful, but may lack public transportation, cultural centers, and shopping options. Cities can offer culture and excitement, but they can be very impersonal and hostile.
3) Lakes and rivers are plentiful in Florida and offer great fishing and boating. The drawbacks to living in Florida with fresh water are the occasional flooding and alligators. While Florida living on the beach is great, the drawbacks include the high price of beachfront property, crowded beaches, and of course, tropical storms and hurricanes.
4) There are many retirement centers in Florida for people over the age of 55 that offer transportation and recreation services such as golf, tennis, and swimming. If you decide to move near a tourist attraction, be prepared for tourists and traffic.
5) Medical services, clinics and hospitals are located in or near most cities, while many well-known hospitals offer satellite clinics in rural areas.
6) Winter can be cold from north Florida to south Tampa, with occasional frost. The Gulf and Atlantic coasts stay a little cooler in the summer due to the sea breeze; while the center of the state can be hot and humid during the summer with frequent thunderstorms.
7) Research the area that interests you in Florida. Get the local newspaper (may be available online) and read the news. Check home prices in the local real estate classifieds and guides. Official notices can provide information about bids for projects and public notices such as zoning changes, controversial businesses, and upcoming projects. You will also find information online about churches, schools, clubs, and organizations that may interest you.
Buying your house in Florida:
1) Will it be a single-family home, condo, townhome, or mobile home in Florida? Most will buy a single-family home in a residential subdivision. If your purchase is in a community with a homeowners association, read all the rules first. Some deed restrictions and homeowners associations are quite strict, limiting anything from the color of your house to the weight of your pet.
2) Zoning restrictions in certain areas of Florida limit the number of homes per acre or whether they are suitable for duplexes or mobile homes. Certain zoning may allow all homes, so you may see a mobile home next to a new home. Condos are often located in large buildings, similar to an apartment complex. Everything within the walls of your unit belongs to you; outside the walls are common property. You may be evaluated for common repairs or problems, such as roof replacements or pool repairs. A townhome is typically a type of luxury duplex home in a deed-restricted area. Mobile homes can be located on rural lots, urban lots or in parks. Some of these parks have clubhouses, swimming pools, tennis, golf, and public transportation. Mobile homes offer an affordable alternative to single-family homes, but they are not safe during severe storms. Always find out if the house is in a flood zone or evacuation zone. Once you’ve found your dream home, get a home inspection from a qualified home inspector. It’s worth the money to find potential problems before you buy.