A realtor "sells" - we "guide" you through details. Weigh risks against the benefit of having an experienced partner...
Even on large parcels, the area of construction should be free of big old trees to avoid expensive clearing cost. Florida is used to tropical rainfall. Look for level ground and locations higher than adjacent roads. The right parcel may reduce cost of construction significantly. As a result of underground water, sinkholes are rare but possible. Insurance may be indicated, but not everywhere. Sand is the natural ideal building foundation, but large "fills" lead to cracks if they don't have time to compress. Look for the right amount of space and privacy. Consider a swimming pool and think big - really big. You have no basement - and while the universe expands, your space tends to shrink over years.
You insist on a sprinkler system, do you need a well? Unless you are "green lawn" enthusiast, wells don't save much money, they need maintenance. City or County water is not expensive and if you don't live here full time, it's better to be "served" than sorry. Hydrants nearby will reduce cost of insurance. Settle in fully developed communities.
Power lines under ground are safe and invisible. Connection isn't more expensive. The average cost (2008) per kilowatt hour was 12 cents. See national statistics. In Florida everything runs on electric power: Air-Condition and heat are one unit. Pool pumps run for about 8 hours each day. Yet, the average total consumption of occupied residential villas is no more than 1100 kwh. Solar-heated pools aren't really necessary here. Lightning strikes occur, but surprisingly power-outages are rare and quickly fixed if you don't live in the outback.
A licensed Title Insurance will search the public records and issue a policy. A title search generally includes mapping the history of titles by examining all deeds concerning the property. A chain of title is established by determining that the present owner received valid title from the prior owner and on down the line. A licensed insurer warrants "good and marketable" title without encumbrances, called "free and clear" and should provide insurance coverage such as Clear title to the property
- Incorrect signatures on documents, forgery, fraud
- Defective recordation
- Restrictive covenants
- Encumbrances or judgments
Subdivisions may be governed by Homeowner Associations who collect fees and make reasonable decisions to regulate use of your property wisely. Nevertheless, some can make your life miserable and even tell you what paint to use on your home. Deed regulations can restrict many future decisions like boats, home additions, fireplaces, and more. That's why we collect information about your intentions. Realtors look the other way before you buy. In general Associations are favorable and fees are affordable. Check for included hidden memberships and ask for "covenants" and "deed restrictions". They protect the beauty of your neighborhood, keep property values high, but should not interfere with your plans.
Most builders offer pre-designed floor plans. Our virtue is allowing for changes to suit your needs. Design experts advise about the right combination of layout and colors. You select details like door handles, carpets, tiles, counter-tops, decorative shelves, columns and much more. Besides the Florida building code, local covenants and - even relax - applies some important restrictions for building your villa. We sign as your partner only for steel reinforced Hurricane save poured concrete block homes! We do not lease or manage property that does not meet our standards.
We take care that your construction agreement is safe and sound. That includes your correct and free title, date of completion and payment draws, reduced risks of overdue subcontractors and other irregularities, which have been devastating for some investors who chose their own way. Well-funded and experienced builders will complete the job, so you don't pay twice or end up in court. There are solutions to all those problems, please take them serious.
Do you now know all requirements, hazards and laws? No - that's our job. Is your contractor properly insured and reliable? We organize your project and your visit usually requires less than five days. Do it yourself investors often need months just to find the right parcel. Fly back home or relax here, we give you peace of mind.
This index shows the constant increase of property values until end of 2006. Experts agree that real estate investment creates long term profit and should not be based primarily on financing. A rule of thumb: Start planning if liquidity covers at least one third of the total investment and prices keep falling or are about to take a turn.
Interactive value chart
