Thread: Purchasing property in Florida

Hi,

I am new to the Florida scene. I am currently looking to purchase property in Floriday (not yet sure whether to rent or move out to Florida). My current thought is to buy a house to rent then move into it in a few years.

When I look at some houses, there are lots of relatively cheap houses, but as I don't know the areas, I am not sure if the house is cheap because it is in the wrong area.

Do you know of any sites that can provide me information about key areas is south Florida on the west coast, i.e. on the Venice / Napes side?

I basically don't want to buy cheap if it is in the wrong area, i.e. high crime.

Thank you in advance

Carlo

Hi Carlo
Welcome to Brits Abroad, I will move your post in to a thread of it's own in the hope one of our members spots it and can help.
Do you have a visa lined up?
K

Originally Posted by Ktee

Hi Carlo
Welcome to Brits Abroad, I will move your post in to a thread of it's own in the hope one of our members spots it and can help.
Do you have a visa lined up?
K

Hi,

No, not yet. My current intentions are to look for an investment opportunity, for a house I can initially rent, but the move over when I sell my house in the Uk (after the house prices rise).

A few areas I have seen, where the house / apparment looks fine are:

- Florida, Seminole County, Altamonte Springs City
- Orlando Florida
- Florida, Orange County
- Florida, Oscleoda County, Kissemere
- Lee County, Leigh Access (This is my favourite property

Any help would be grately appreciated.

Thanks

Carlo

Hi Carlo,

The places you mentioned vary widely in safeness. Orlando, for instance covers a wide area with varying neighborhoods. You could be in a decent area on one side of a street, or a rough area a block away.
"Gated communities" are usually a safe bet, and have restricted access, but you pay HOA fees and have restrictions, maybe even on renting the property. A realtor (Estate Agent) that's local to the areas you mentioned would be able to guide you better as to where exact listings are placed, and where they'd be on a scale of safe areas. One thing I'd say is be careful, if you buy a place that's not safe, not only will people not want to rent it, but you'll be getting bad value for money.

Ktee mentioned your visa, you'll need one of those if you intended to reside here in Florida permanently. If you were looking to retire and spend a few months here at a time, then a B2 visa might be a possibility for you, and would give you up to 180 days per visit, I know a couple of people that do that. In all honesty, nobody (in their right mind) that had a choice, would want to stay here during in the Summer months, anyway.

Try http://www.mls.com/?gclid=CNCV-JGJ1KkCFY9V7AodXlpqMw that will allow you to search for properties state by state.


purps

Originally Posted by purple

Hi Carlo,

The places you mentioned vary widely in safeness. Orlando, for instance covers a wide area with varying neighborhoods. You could be in a decent area on one side of a street, or a rough area a block away.
"Gated communities" are usually a safe bet, and have restricted access, but you pay HOA fees and have restrictions, maybe even on renting the property. A realtor (Estate Agent) that's local to the areas you mentioned would be able to guide you better as to where exact listings are placed, and where they'd be on a scale of safe areas. One thing I'd say is be careful, if you buy a place that's not safe, not only will people not want to rent it, but you'll be getting bad value for money.

Ktee mentioned your visa, you'll need one of those if you intended to reside here in Florida permanently. If you were looking to retire and spend a few months here at a time, then a B2 visa might be a possibility for you, and would give you up to 180 days per visit, I know a couple of people that do that. In all honesty, nobody (in their right mind) that had a choice, would want to stay here during in the Summer months, anyway.

Try http://www.mls.com/?gclid=CNCV-JGJ1KkCFY9V7AodXlpqMw that will allow you to search for properties state by state.


purps

Thank you very much