The most commonly-asked questions are
answered for you below. But remember, we are only a phone call
away for any further questions you may have now, and will be
working with you at every stage when you choose to go ahead.
YOUR
FIRST DECISION
Before considering the purchase of
a home, you must determine the purpose of the home. Will it be
only a holiday home? If so, you may want to let your property when
it is not being used by your family, friends or yourself. How important
is that rental income that's helping the home pay its way? The
answers to these questions will help us direct you to the right
type of properties.
DEPOSITS
The minimum deposit on your holiday
home is 20% but most of this money is paid in stages. The amount
of initial deposit will vary from builder to builder. Most builders
will require a $1,000 - $5,000 payment on the day that you make
your final choice of property. This “good faith” deposit
will enable you to enter into a formal agreement with the builder,
thus fixing the price and protecting your chosen "lot" or
home from any price increases.
BANK
ACCOUNT
A US bank account is desirable to facilitate
the transfer of funds. We will be happy to introduce you to one
of the major banks and assist you in opening a suitable internet
account, which can be accessed from your computer. An initial deposit
of $300 should be adequate to open your account.
CLOSING
AND RENTAL SETTING-UP CHARGES
Closing costs comprise several elements,
many of which are stamp duties payable on various documents but
the biggest expense is usually applicable to the mortgage. Finally,
if the property is being managed and rented out, you will need
a small amount of additional cash for your escrow account, lodging
license, fire extinguisher and key box etc. (An escrow account
is where your rental income accumulates, and from which your running
costs are deducted.)
US
VISAS
If you are an investor seeking to run
a business in the United States, you will need to obtain the appropriate
visa to do so. Refer to our Immigration Section.
RESALE
The availability of resale properties
changes daily. Good resale property will not generally be on the
market long – sometimes only hours - and while there is always
a possibility that a "bargain" may become available,
a true bargain in a prime location will be extremely difficult
to find. We will be happy to review the market for you and arrange
a viewing of any appropriate resale properties if this is of interest
to you. However, currently this is not a practical option for those
wishing to browse at their leisure as good resale homes sell too
quickly.
The importance of buying in a "prime" sought-after
location is crucial if the property's resale value is to be
optimized. There could well be a good reason why a particular
resale is "cheap".
SPEC
HOMES
Most builders will build one or more
spec homes in anticipation of a buyer wishing to buy a house that
is ready to occupy. This is a great way to see the finished product
before completing the purchase. The inventory obviously varies
on a regular basis, but we will be happy to show you the current
availability.
FURNITURE
PACKS
The packages offered by each builder
are always of a high quality, excellent value and offer plenty
of choice. Sometimes the cost is included in the price of the home,
though increasingly less often.
Your home package will include everything
from a colour TV, washer and dryer, microwave, fridge, lamps, linens
and towels right down to a corkscrew. The designers will meet with
you to guide you through your choice, and you can even take swatches
home with you.
Upgrades are available and most items
can be customized or upgraded to suit your taste and budget.
FINANCIAL
MORTGAGE INFORMATION
While Florida property purchases can
often be financed from one's home country, US mortgages will frequently
be more attractive and are readily available subject to approval.
Advances of 75% of the cost (house, lot and pool) are relatively
simple to obtain. Those for 80% are not normally a problem although
much more detailed financial information will be required.
We will be happy to introduce you to
various mortgage brokers with whom we are associated, who will
search for the best mortgage to suit your circumstances and needs.
They can also contact you in the UK for advice and information
prior to your inspection trip.
AFTER
SALES SERVICE
After the sale has been agreed, we will continue
the close working relationship with you.
- We will be available to answer all your questions
and queries regarding mortgages, closing dates rental, etc.
- We will arrange for the "walk through" just
prior to closing. This avoids the necessity of your having
to return to Florida to "close" the purchase. We
will ensure that the house is completed, the colour schemes
are as ordered and all extras are installed.
- We will arrange for deposits to be paid on
your behalf (provided that these funds have been established
in an account) for all utility services.
- We will co-ordinate the delivery of your furniture
package and ensure that all items are in working order, are
situated correctly, and that all packaging is removed from
your home.
- We will ensure that your property is continually
ready to receive either your guests or yourselves.
COMMERCIAL
AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
We have companies listed, small and
large, in all types of industry. We provide a free confidential
business analysis for businesses and commercial properties up to
25 million dollars.
COUNTIES
You have probably read and heard many
stories regarding the different counties which permit, or do not
permit, holiday home rentals. This can be very confusing. We will
only show you and sell you homes on communities that are fully
zoned for short-term rentals. This means you can use the home for
yourselves, family and friends, and rent it to the holiday market,
either through our management company or through your own marketing
(or both) for either one day or 365 days per year. We keep it simple!
All the homes listed on our website allow short-term rentals.
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