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Home » Family Articles » Things To Keep In Mind When Buying Property In Florida

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Property in Florida

Moving to the "Sunshine State" is a dream for many retirees, families and singles. With tropical weather in most parts of this giant peninsula, and miles of beaches, it's easy to daydream about a home with orange and palm trees, Spanish moss, and friendly neighbors. As the fourth most populous state, the dream is a reality for more than 16 million residents. If you're wondering how to pick out your dream property in Florida, then keep some of these tips in mind.

1. Florida is eclectic. It's true that some Floridians are living the lifestyle stereotype, but most residents will tell you that every community is completely different. Be sure to research the different areas of Florida to make sure you are selecting a development or town that has the atmosphere you are looking for. Life in Miami is completely different than life in Pensacola, which is more like a southern town. Gulf Coast towns and cities are known for being more relaxed, while the East Coast of Florida is a little more fast-paced. Central Florida will vary greatly on whether one chooses South-Central or smack-dab Central, and of course, inland properties are going to be more affordable than their coastline cousins.

2. Choose river and lake properties over pure beach ones. To keep from spending phenomenal amounts on insurance and property, try to live a little further inland. It's always easier to rent a beach house for a week or two, than to pour money into a beach property year-round. Buying Florida properties five miles or more inland will save you thousands.

3. Basements and extra space are rare. Wet weather and sandy soil make it almost impossible to build homes with below-ground footage. Many Florida real estate agents will suggest that their clients, who are relocating from out-of-state, trim down their belongings before arriving. Winter necessities are unnecessary for most of Florida. This is usually the first kind of belonging an agent will tell you to scale down.

4. Homeowner associations. The stereotype of the hyperactive condo board or homeowner association is a reality for many planned and gated communities, and condo complexes in Florida. If it is possible to talk to a few of the residents before purchasing a property in one of these structured developments, then do so. Try to get a feel for how the governing board conducts itself. Always read all the fine print on the homeowner association agreement, so you know what your responsibilities might be. Remember, homeowner associations are your friends not your enemies. They exist to protect your property value by enforcing the rules. Should you find the rules to be too strict for your comfort, there are always non-deed-restricted communities in which to live in Florida.

5. Get familiar with some common terminology. Most properties in Florida are built out of CBS, or concrete block and stucco that protect homes from humidity, wind and pests. Also, be sure to ask your real estate agent about Florida's Homestead Property Tax Exemptions. Many residents qualify for serious deductions on their property tax, but they have to make sure they are proactive to get them. Look for properties with school districts that have the grade rating of 'A' or 'B'. Schools in Florida are graded just like the students.

6. Check the air conditioning system. In order to counteract mold and humidity, Floridians have to make sure that their A/C system is powerful and durable. Many residents purchase service contracts with A/C specialists. Also, make sure you understand the system's warranties, and consider getting additional environmental inspections for air quality in your potential new property.

7. Florida homes are not filled with pests. We don't like bugs as much as you don't. If you keep a reasonably clean house and a regular pest control routine, you will not have a problem with pesty bugs.

Florida has a town, a coastline, and numerous attractions for people of every age, occupation and background. Consider the characteristics of each area of Florida, and then try to narrow things down to a few areas. With the right research, you can find the perfect Tampa Bay Florida real estate property in the right community for you

And here is another random article you might be interested in...

Recruiters: The Challenges of Executive Head Hunters

Once upon a time, head hunters were no more than common cannibals. Some people still view them that way, but executive recruiters are a vital link in a chain that keeps major enterprises functioning well.

The top positions at any organization dictate the fortunes of the company, the shareholders and the employees ... and often the communities in which they are located. A good executive head hunter can ensure that new company executives have the skills required for the position and the challenges ahead. He can also ensure that the right executive is chosen, one whose style will flourish in the specific environment of that company.

However, modern executive recruiters face challenges to be effective. I caught up with Esther Barzel, co-owner of the Online Recruiter Directory ( http://www.onlinerecruitersdirectory.com ).

Q: What are the main challenges of executive head hunters in today's business climate?

A: To start with, the geographic net has become much wider. A head hunter in , say, New York City or Toronto, can no longer rely on finding the right candidate right in town. In fact, the ideal candidate might be just minutes away by Internet, but he might be located in another country or even on another continent. We are looking at a new breed of executive recruiter.

Q: The Internet should make his job easier, right?

A: Yes...and no. He has to post requirements in more places and sift through more potential candidates to find the jewel he seeks. So his workload has actually increased.

Q: Plus, I presume, he still faces the challenges of yesteryear?

A: That's right. He still has to make contact with potential candidates, conduct preliminary interviews, set up meetings with the company, attend to minute details, brief the interviewer, etc.

Q: What about follow-up?

A: Yes, there is, of course, follow-up required after every interview, both with the client and with the prospect. It's a busy job.

Q: So how does the Internet make life easier for an executive recruiter?

A: Now you have online communities and bulletin boards, such as Monster.com, where you can place ads for positions. This makes it somewhat easier to cast one's net. Directories like ours help head hunters attract clients, so they can spend more recruiting and less time on business development.

Q: Don't online bulletin boards and directories just mean the head hunter has to spend more time in more places?

A: Yes and no. Online resources are more easily searched than, say, paper. Our recruiter directory gives employers the chance to search by geography or by vocation, or by the type of position. This means they can find a recruiter that specializes in pharmaceutical sales, or who specializes in accounting, or whatever field. The head hunter spends less time answering questions from people who will never be their clients.

Q: And I assume it works both ways?

A: Yes, the recruiter gets resumes from only those people who are likely candidates for the types of positions he works on. The pharmaceutical recruiter, for example will not get a resume from someone whose background is in aeronautical engineering.

Q: Wow, that's a mouthful. I don't know if I could even repeat that.

A: Many executive recruiters could not repeat it, either. So the Internet is making it easier for them to receive resumes targeted to their field of expertise, saving them time...not to mention overexertion of their tongues.

On that humorous note, we thank Esther for taking the time to explain how the Internet is making life both more complex and easier for executive recruiters and head hunters.