View Full Version : Buying a second home in Florida
Alasdair
22-10-2002, 02:54
Hi all we're thinking of uying a second home in Florida for about 3 to six months use. Rental income is not a prime concern althoug we don't discount it.
We are looking at a villa with minimum 3 beds and 2 baths with pool. Possibly on a community / golf club etc.
Can anyone point us in the direction of some good internet sites / sales agents etc either in the UK or in Florida.
Thanks
Alasdair
My realtor was very helpful. His name is Alan Martin tel no 001 407 832 4888 or 001 877 438 6815. Please say that I suggested him to you. He is an Englishman who bought a rental home, then got a green card and set up as a realtor and management company. He's ex-army - very efficient! He's since sold on the management and concentrates on selling. He will work as a buyers agent for you, not like estate agents here, he really does have just your interests in mind, you are the one employing him but he gets paid by the sellers agent. He will direct you to the most suitable properties either resale or new. There are plenty of resale bargains about.
To get an idea of resales available go to www.realtor.com
If you have any questions then you could either post them here or send me a private message.
Chris Rackstraw
Hi Alasdair
I'm not sure if you wanted to stay in Florida for a 3 - 6 month stretch, ie over the winter or whether you intended to use it for visits which will total 3 - 6 months in a year?
If it's for the former, you need to be aware that the USA is looking at options for limiting visits by aliens (ie if you're not a USA ciitzen) for a maximum of 30 days for those with B visas, one of which you'll need if you intend to stay for a six month period. If you enter the USA on the visa waiver programme this would normally give you a maximum 3 month stay although it is not currently clear whether these may be affected too.
So, if you are not a USA citizen, you need to look very carefully at the unfolding visa situation before making your purchase, particularly as you appear to want to stay for extended periods.
Most important thing for you to consider is what you need for you and your family. And what area do you want to be in?
Then talk to several (as many as you can!) realtors and go with the one you feel you can trust and get on with. Decide whether you want new or second hand - there are many bargains to be had buying one nearly new. Don't forget that a realtor will guide you towards a new house because that is where they make the most commission.
florida4sun
22-10-2002, 19:46
Blott,
they are not looking to limit the visa to only 30 days. There are many people out there with the B1 visa's who do not need them, as a visa waiver will be suffice. If you have a valid reason fro being here as a tourist for 6 months they will grant it. Vacation home ownership being a strong reason. As with all visas yiou have to show that you have enough funds to support yourself while in the country.
quote:Originally posted by blott
Hi Alasdair
I'm not sure if you wanted to stay in Florida for a 3 - 6 month stretch, ie over the winter or whether you intended to use it for visits which will total 3 - 6 months in a year?
If it's for the former, you need to be aware that the USA is looking at options for limiting visits by aliens (ie if you're not a USA ciitzen) for a maximum of 30 days for those with B visas, one of which you'll need if you intend to stay for a six month period. If you enter the USA on the visa waiver programme this would normally give you a maximum 3 month stay although it is not currently clear whether these may be affected too.
So, if you are not a USA citizen, you need to look very carefully at the unfolding visa situation before making your purchase, particularly as you appear to want to stay for extended periods.
Lesley S
22-10-2002, 20:02
This is the realtor that we used, it was a guy called Chris Poff. He was very very helpful and even did the close for us. Picking up on things that we wouldn't have noticed. Telephone number is :- 1-888-479-6465 or 407-908-8023. His companies are called Poff Real Estate and Perfect Florida Homes. This is his web address: http://www.a-walt-disney-world-vacation.com/home.htm you can email him on:- chris@a-walt-disney-world-vacation.com.
Just mention Jamie & Lesley Sinclair and he will be helpful