We dont earn anything like $100,000 a year, we are miles and miles off that, only just manage to earn the minimum needed for E2 and that is with working long long hours and yet we manage to live OK and in Celebration to boot. It depends what you do.
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We dont earn anything like $100,000 a year, we are miles and miles off that, only just manage to earn the minimum needed for E2 and that is with working long long hours and yet we manage to live OK and in Celebration to boot. It depends what you do.
If I were going back:
House 350 - 400k around 2000 per month with taxes
utilities - $500 per month
2 cars (one new on not so new) $300
car insurance - $200.
Health care with co pay for family of 4 $400
4 holidays a year (good quality 4 day breaks) $400 per month
Groceries $600 per month
So there is $53000 off the top.
income of $100,000 less 15% for taxes leaves $85000 less above leaves $32000 out of which you need to plan for retirement (95% of people will have to maove back tomtehre home country). House maintenance, general living, schools, eating out, longer holidays, trips home, medical co paymnets).
Chrizzy I dont know how you do it, I really do take my hat off too you. If we bought 2 houses over there now. Mortgage along would be around 40k a year if not more.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by esprit
We dont earn anything like $100,000 a year, we are miles and miles off that, only just manage to earn the minimum needed for E2 and that is with working long long hours and yet we manage to live OK and in Celebration to boot. It depends what you do.
[/quote]
Yes well we only have emergency health care so our health insurance is lower, but we just dont have holidays, trips home, any planning for retirement, and my grocery bill is far lower. 4 holidays a year and in management?? I have been here two years and have managed a weekend near Sarasota!!! Longer holidays, thats a laugh. Eating out, we do but we cut our coat according to the material, we dont go to the Disney hotels or anywhere like that.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
If I were going back:
House 350 - 400k around 2000 per month with taxes
utilities - $500 per month
2 cars (one new on not so new) $300
car insurance - $200.
Health care with co pay for family of 4 $400
4 holidays a year (good quality 4 day breaks) $400 per month
Groceries $600 per month
So there is $53000 off the top.
income of $100,000 less 15% for taxes leaves $85000 less above leaves $32000 out of which you need to plan for retirement (95% of people will have to maove back tomtehre home country). House maintenance, general living, schools, eating out, longer holidays, trips home, medical co paymnets).
Chrizzy I dont know how you do it, I really do take my hat off too you. If we bought 2 houses over there now. Mortgage along would be around 40k a year if not more.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by esprit
We dont earn anything like $100,000 a year, we are miles and miles off that, only just manage to earn the minimum needed for E2 and that is with working long long hours and yet we manage to live OK and in Celebration to boot. It depends what you do.
[/quote]
[/quote]
Do you know ...I have no idea how I do it too......LOL...!
$1771.....HOUSES + TAXES
$250.....CAR PAYMENTS
$30.....CAPE HOME INS...
$520....FOOD.....
$100.....CAR INS...
$400...SPENDING....
$500....BILLS.....
$480...BITS AND BOBS..LIKE HOILDAYS....ETC...
thats .....$48K A YEAR....
then we have around 4k a year extra because hubby is paid every 2 weeks......that pays for the FL homes bills.....
Then he gets a bonus.....but thats an extra.....and we never count on it....
Things like healthcare payments....retirement are taken out by the company.....so we live on about.....$52k take home....
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by esprit
We dont earn anything like $100,000 a year, we are miles and miles off that, only just manage to earn the minimum needed for E2 and that is with working long long hours and yet we manage to live OK and in Celebration to boot. It depends what you do.
[/quote]
Julie could you afford to buy a home on Celebration with the amount you're now earning?
Exactly my point, you need in excess of $100k per year to live well. I see no fun in not enjoying the wonderful sights, food and accommodation that Florida offers. The whole idea is too move for a better life and not to have to cut corners.
From waht your are saying, then (dont take this the wrong way) you would not be able to live in celebration if you had to buy now and minimum deposit. My original post is aimed at those wanting to move over now and without a bunch of dosh behind them. 100k is a reasonable amount.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by esprit
Yes well we only have emergency health care so our health insurance is lower, but we just dont have holidays, trips home, any planning for retirement, and my grocery bill is far lower. 4 holidays a year and in management?? I have been here two years and have managed a weekend near Sarasota!!! Longer holidays, thats a laugh. Eating out, we do but we cut our coat according to the material, we dont go to the Disney hotels or anywhere like that.
[/quote]
Yes but what if you arrived in Florida this morning and had to buy a decent family home, set up life private health care, private pension ete etc. You are missing the point that we are talking about people arriving now not what can be done if you have been living there for sometime, have residency and company benifits.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by esprit
We dont earn anything like $100,000 a year, we are miles and miles off that, only just manage to earn the minimum needed for E2 and that is with working long long hours and yet we manage to live OK and in Celebration to boot. It depends what you do.
[/quote]
[/quote]
Do you know ...I have no idea how I do it too......LOL...!
$1771.....HOUSES + TAXES
$250.....CAR PAYMENTS
$30.....CAPE HOME INS...
$520....FOOD.....
$100.....CAR INS...
$400...SPENDING....
$500....BILLS.....
$480...BITS AND BOBS..LIKE HOILDAYS....ETC...
thats .....$48K A YEAR....
then we have around 4k a year extra because hubby is paid every 2 weeks......that pays for the FL homes bills.....
Then he gets a bonus.....but thats an extra.....and we never count on it....
Things like healthcare payments....retirement are taken out by the company.....so we live on about.....$52k take home....
[/quote]
Jeff and Amy
I dont have rose covered glasses on, If we have to work hard and watch our finances, let it be in Florida rather than England. The climate is a big plus for me.
I must admit to being shocked when I received a list of Orlando properties this week. Twenty year old houses going for $245,000 !!! We are fortunate enough in that we dont need a mortgage, and have just come out of paying for school fees so large bills dont worry us too much !!!
I really appreciate everyone's advice and I know you are not trying to put me off, but if we dont at least try to make a go of it we will always wonder what if !!!
Regarding living elsewhere in Florida - is that just because property is cheaper ? everything else is the same price right?
Thanks everyone
SheilaF
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by SheilaF
I must admit to being shocked when I received a list of Orlando properties this week. Twenty year old houses going for $245,000 !!! We are fortunate enough in that we dont need a mortgage, and have just come out of paying for school fees so large bills dont worry us too much !!!
SheilaF
[/quote]
That's intersting. Can you elaborate on the kind of property/house that was on offer at that price? I'd like to compare it with what one can get for £130,000 in an upmarket area in the UK.
Hi Nostromo
The "old" house I referred to was a four bed 2 bathroom single family home in Hunters Creek. I used to think you could pick up a resale for next to nothing because everyone wants to buy a new home, but property seems to have gone through the roof in Orlando. Why is that?
SheilaF
Property has roocketed in price in the last few years, combination of the low dollar and europeans buying plus a high amount of residents moving into Florida.
Not alot of people realise that Florida is a major employer, one ofm the largest ineternal shipping ports in the uSA is situated in Orlando, I also believ that it is the 2nd largest cattle producing state in the USA. Employment is very diverce and climate is tempting. Everyone wants to live in Florida, thye cannot buld house fast enough.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by SheilaF
Hi Nostromo
The "old" house I referred to was a four bed 2 bathroom single family home in Hunters Creek. I used to think you could pick up a resale for next to nothing because everyone wants to buy a new home, but property seems to have gone through the roof in Orlando. Why is that?
SheilaF
[/quote]
Probably not, Caroline, we paid a hefty downpayment on our home thanks to the daft UK housng market and it has gone up quite nicely, so I dont regret buying here, though the property taxes and HOA fees are high. Prices have gone so high in Celebration now however that I think I only just got in in time, not sure I could now with the capital I had. Earnings seem generally lower than in the UK, you need capital behind you so you can curb borrowings. Houses are dear in the Disney corridor and on the Gulf coast. If you want to live deep in the countryside of Polk, Citrus, Hernando or wherever, it is cheaper.
Sheila, the skyrocketing house prices are also being fueled by the beginning of the American "baby boomers" retiring and moving to Florida. Many of these people have considerable savings to rely on and are willing to pay higher prices so the market has adjusted for them.
You are talking about millions of Americans, at least 8 to 10 million, relocating to Florida in the next few years as the first wave of retirees. The Four Corners area of Highway 27 and the 192 is expected to have an eventual population in the next 15 years of 250,000 people. With so little land available for development, it is not surprising that townhouses in developments near there are being priced at over $400,000. So keep in mind that you'll be retiring to a major metropolitan area.
This is good news for current villa owners but those who've been sitting on the fence about investing are falling farther behind the curve. So, please do take to heart all of the advice about the expense of Florida living. You really must have significant financial resources to be able to fall back on.
Thank you Seminole, yes I do take the advice seriously. Its depressing and scary but its exactly what I need to know. Do you think the fast rising house prices will affect the entire state? someone suggested we look elsewhere in Florida other than Orlando. Where are houses cheaper?
Thanks again to everyone,
SheilaF
Sheila, that's a very good question. All coastal areas are seeing marked increases in prices, even the Panhandle. Hurricane damage around Pensacola didn't put a dent in the beach properties increases, even those still damaged. From Orlando north to Ocala, there is a building boom still going on. You may want to look at interior panhandle from Tallahassee over to Jacksonville. Sebring, south of Haines City, is still quaint but from various brokers and builders I've spoken to, that will change within 10 years. There are other towns such as Arcadia inland from Naples which is still quite small but very "southern" ie, you may not particularly enjoy living there. Certainly worth driving down that way when over to Florida on holiday to see what the area is like.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Seminole
Sheila, the skyrocketing house prices are also being fueled by the beginning of the American "baby boomers" retiring and moving to Florida. Many of these people have considerable savings to rely on and are willing to pay higher prices so the market has adjusted for them.
You are talking about millions of Americans, at least 8 to 10 million, relocating to Florida in the next few years as the first wave of retirees. The Four Corners area of Highway 27 and the 192 is expected to have an eventual population in the next 15 years of 250,000 people. With so little land available for development, it is not surprising that townhouses in developments near there are being priced at over $400,000. So keep in mind that you'll be retiring to a major metropolitan area.
This is good news for current villa owners but those who've been sitting on the fence about investing are falling farther behind the curve. So, please do take to heart all of the advice about the expense of Florida living. You really must have significant financial resources to be able to fall back on.
[/quote]
Just my 2 cents....Americans retire and move to FL... but of all the ones I know......and I have about 40 houses in my block alone with people who have second homes in FL... none of them are anywhere near Orlando......most buy to retire to the sea....the house prices are high in Orlando because of all the Brits buying and at this point in time I believe thats the only reason...........what will happen in STR areas if people from other countries stop buying I don't know.....but I can't see many Americans picking up homes in STR areas in Orlando to retire in unless the homes have a golf course...when houses in none STR areas are cheaper........and also while you can still buy a nice newish condo for over 55s on a lot of the FL coastline for under $120k..thats where people retire too....not 3/4 bed pool homes inland......STR areas will if the houses are cheap enough get a few local buyers....like us for starters...and if more jobs with better pay move to the area.....then homes up to around $400k should sell easy...but a lot of the STR homes are really too small ..Americans if living in a home full time like 2000 sq ft or more.....I'm not saying that no Americans will move there to retire .....because I talked to a very nice couple on my last trip who were looking to retire to Orlando...but the coast will always be the first port of call for most people retiring......and people will pay way over the odds to live by the sea before they look inland...that may mean they leave FL and buy in VA beach and other sea areas in the future.....
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Sheila, the skyrocketing house prices are also being fueled by the beginning of the American "baby boomers" retiring and moving to Florida. Many of these people have considerable savings to rely on and are willing to pay higher prices so the market has adjusted for them.
You are talking about millions of Americans, at least 8 to 10 million, relocating to Florida in the next few years as the first wave of retirees. The Four Corners area of Highway 27 and the 192 is expected to have an eventual population in the next 15 years of 250,000 people. With so little land available for development, it is not surprising that townhouses in developments near there are being priced at over $400,000. So keep in mind that you'll be retiring to a major metropolitan area.
[/quote]
Seminole,
In the main Americans moving to Orlando are those who will be working there. The retiree Americans you refer to, generally don't want to move to Orlando - they have no interest in Donald Duck.
It is the coastal areas, lakes and golf courses they want and you have a huge choice all over Florida at prices much lower than Orlando.
'Over 55' communities are springing up to cater for these people. Move a couple of miles away from the beaches and there is plenty of choice for $200k or so - a lot less if you want a small condo.
For those with plenty of capital it is the direct ocean condos they aspire to buy. Which is why these properties have doubled in value in the last couple of years.
By the way, how do you conclude there is "so little land available for development" in Orlando? There is masses.
My neighbour has a beauiful retirement condo in Vero beach with a walk down to the bay along a river leading to the sea....the condos are selling at $120k right now.....people retiring don't want to sell their house and buy at the same price after retiring.....thats why FL has always been the place to move because homes were so cheap....its not just the weather....Americans in the future....if people around here are anything to go by....will not have as much money for retirement as the people who are now in their late 50s and early 60s have...... what with heavy healthcare bills and monthy costs.....job losses have be heavy in the USA over the last 3/4 years....it all takes its toll....I've been keeping an eye on how homes where I live on the Cape are selling...I think like the realtors here that we have reached a ceiling for a lot of Cape homes at around $400k....we have a large amount of people retiring here each year....and I know thats not because of sunny weather...its because of how near everything is to the sea......what the Orlando area now needs are higher paying jobs....bringing in more long term locals....I know of 3 families where I am on the 27 who have sold and moved out of the area because of lack of jobs paying enough to keep their homes.....all the homes are now STR because they were the only people with the money to buy there now....I sure that if everyone looked around where their STR homes is....they would be hard pressed to find a retired person.....unless they have a golf course...or the homes are older....
Robert, I can assure you that many older Americans are coming to Orlando - it is a far larger area than just Disney World. You might be surprised at how few Orlandoans even go to the parks each year. In fact, many of the principle buyers of downtown Orlando new condo construction are middle age and above Americans. I've seen the figures. Even more rural areas, such as in Seminole county are seeing "starter homes" starting at close to $300,000. The builders are touting the promise that even if the house is beyond the long term means of the buyers, if they will hold onto it for a year they will "make" $50,000 on appreciation. I visited a condo project in Jacksonville two weeks ago, located on the south side of town next to a strip shopping center, no fabulous amenities and in 12 steps you could walk across the units being sold for nearly $150,000. Buyers lined up for them. The fact that you see "masses" of land doesn't mean that it is developable. First, Florida recognizes the concept of concurrency by law meaning that development cannot overwhelm schools, roads, parks, sewage plants and other infrastructure. Secondly, much of the land has critical environmental concerns relating to Florida's water supply - that is you cannot pave over or develop large tracts in Osceola, Polk etc which are used for water recharge.
There isnt as much as it looks, a very low percentage of Florida land is suitable for building. If I remember correctly the figure is around 20%, aloty of it is very unstable lime stone and sand, you can see this when you fly in and see the 1000s of sink holes.
[/quote]
By the way, how do you conclude there is "so little land available for development" in Orlando? There is masses.
[/quote]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote: Robert, I can assure you that many older Americans are coming to Orlando - it is a far larger area than just Disney World. You might be surprised at how few Orlandoans even go to the parks each year. In fact, many of the principle buyers of downtown Orlando new condo construction are middle age and above Americans. I've seen the figures. Even more rural areas, such as in Seminole county are seeing "starter homes" starting at close to $300,000. The builders are touting the promise that even if the house is beyond the long term means of the buyers, if they will hold onto it for a year they will "make" $50,000 on appreciation. I visited a condo project in Jacksonville two weeks ago, located on the south side of town next to a strip shopping center, no fabulous amenities and in 12 steps you could walk across the units being sold for nearly $150,000. Buyers lined up for them. [/quote]
Seminole,
Why would I be surprised? The whole point I was making is that the Parks are not any form of incentive for Americans to move to the Orlando area.
I obviously agree with you about the high prices in the Orlando area; indeed that is the basis of this 'debate'. My post was disputing your contention that floods of retirees would be moving to the already high priced Orlando area and driving up prices further.
I know the area well and have a few American relatives in the area, 2 of whom are realtors. Their views is exactly the same as that of Chrizzy100.
If we keep to the subject of those retiring to Florida, why would they chose to live in the high priced Orlando area? What are the attractions over other parts of Florida?
The main reason for retiring to Florida, apart from the weather, is they want to release equity. Also, as you are aware, property tax is an ever increasing financial burden and this is directly related to the purchase price.
I am not sure what point you are making about the $150k condos in Jacksonville? Surely that is what Chrizzy and I are saying.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
There isnt as much as it looks, a very low percentage of Florida land is suitable for building. If I remember correctly the figure is around 20%, aloty of it is very unstable lime stone and sand, you can see this when you fly in and see the 1000s of sink holes.
[/quote]
By the way, how do you conclude there is "so little land available for development" in Orlando? There is masses.
[/quote]
[/quote]
But some builders are using unsuitable land.......our builder looked into buying some land on the 27 which he later found to be unstable for building after paying out large amounts of money to find out if it was good building land or not......he dropped it...and within days it was picked up by an out of State builder and now it has homes going up on it....I wonder how land like that is getting passed for building on.......
Many americans are buying property in Orlando as they come towards retirement. At that stage they have tghe money to buy and look at orlando as somewhere to invest and easy to rent the property out until they are ready to use it. I sold many homes over there and around 40% were retirees or coming up to retirement.
There is a very high percentage of work available for retiress in Orlando which appeals. Disney, universal and all of the parks are major employers of retirees, so that is a draw for them too.
As for freeing up equity. I usually found they were trying to tie it up by buying even more property.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Robert5988
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote: Robert, I can assure you that many older Americans are coming to Orlando - it is a far larger area than just Disney World. You might be surprised at how few Orlandoans even go to the parks each year. In fact, many of the principle buyers of downtown Orlando new condo construction are middle age and above Americans. I've seen the figures. Even more rural areas, such as in Seminole county are seeing "starter homes" starting at close to $300,000. The builders are touting the promise that even if the house is beyond the long term means of the buyers, if they will hold onto it for a year they will "make" $50,000 on appreciation. I visited a condo project in Jacksonville two weeks ago, located on the south side of town next to a strip shopping center, no fabulous amenities and in 12 steps you could walk across the units being sold for nearly $150,000. Buyers lined up for them. [/quote]
Seminole,
Why would I be surprised? The whole point I was making is that the Parks are not any form of incentive for Americans to move to the Orlando area.
I obviously agree with you about the high prices in the Orlando area; indeed that is the basis of this 'debate'. My post was disputing your contention that floods of retirees would be moving to the already high priced Orlando area and driving up prices further.
I know the area well and have a few American relatives in the area, 2 of whom are realtors. Their views is exactly the same as that of Chrizzy100.
If we keep to the subject of those retiring to Florida, why would they chose to live in the high priced Orlando area? What are the attractions over other parts of Florida?
The main reason for retiring to Florida, apart from the weather, is they want to release equity. Also, as you are aware, property tax is an ever increasing financial burden and this is directly related to the purchase price.
I am not sure what point you are making about the $150k condos in Jacksonville? Surely that is what Chrizzy and I are saying.
[/quote]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:There is a very high percentage of work available for retirees in Orlando which appeals. Disney, universal and all of the parks are major employers of retirees, so that is a draw for them too.
[/quote]
Martin,
Your definition of a retiree is obviously not the same as mine.
I go with The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary version.
"to give up one's business or occupation in order to enjoy more leisure or freedom"
People who still need to work when they retire .....would not be able to buy the homes we are talking about......maybe up to a few years ago they could....we did it ourselves....but only picked Orlando because the houses were then very cheap....we would not do that now...we would look elsewhere.....we have talked to a few of the older people working in Disney...a few had good paying jobs in FL before losing them...and find working in Disney fine because they already own their homes......they said that a common thing with a lot of their older work mates....
I just believe its a bad thing to let people buying new homes in STR areas for $300k plus think that they will have loads of retired Americans flocking to buy their homes if they wish to sell.....because I don't believe that will happen.....we are not talking about people retiring to FL and buying smaller places to live in the Orlando area so they can carrying on working...that is of no interest to people here....because they don't have cheap small homes to sell in the future....
Robert, I believe that Chrizzy and Martin have both made my points in response to your comments.
I don't want to split hairs about the meaning of "retiree". The fact of the matter is that older Americans who have largely retired from their primary lifetime occupation and who have substantial assets are in fact buying expensive properties in Orlando. I believe Martin was a realtor for many years in Central Florida and speaks from personal experience and I am as well. Absurdly small condos at 150k do not, I think, make your point but perhaps highlight the ever increasing per square foot increase in property values.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote: Robert, I believe that Chrizzy and Martin have both made my points in response to your comments.
I don't want to split hairs about the meaning of "retiree". The fact of the matter is that older Americans who have largely retired from their primary lifetime occupation and who have substantial assets are in fact buying expensive properties in Orlando. I believe Martin was a realtor for many years in Central Florida and speaks from personal experience and I am as well. Absurdly small condos at 150k do not, I think, make your point but perhaps highlight the ever increasing per square foot increase in property values.[/quote]
Seminole,
I was aware that Martin was a realtor; but don't know how long ago that was.
However do I take it that from your "personal experience" you are also a realtor? If so that explains a lot.
As for Chrizzy having "made your points". Well Chrizzy can obviously speak for herself(and I hope she will) but my reading of her posts is that she, like myself, profoundly disagrees that there will be a queue of retired Americans buy in the high priced Orlando area. Viz:
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:I just believe its a bad thing to let people buying new homes in STR areas for $300k plus think that they will have loads of retired Americans flocking to buy their homes if they wish to sell.....because I don't believe that will happen..
I sure that if everyone looked around where their STR homes is....they would be hard pressed to find a retired person
but I can't see many Americans picking up homes in STR areas in Orlando to retire
[/quote]
American businessmen are not slow to miss an investment opportunity. However I am not aware of many buying in STR areas - and neither are my realtor contacts. If it was such a sure-fire thing they would be there in droves.
It is a different story on beachfront properties which are snapped up at pre-construction prices and 'flipped' by these investors.
This does not mean that they would not work part time as many retired people like too. Both of my parents are retired from there full time occupations and taking pensions, yet they still choose to work part time, even though they do not have. The description below does not eliminate this.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Robert5988
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:There is a very high percentage of work available for retirees in Orlando which appeals. Disney, universal and all of the parks are major employers of retirees, so that is a draw for them too.
[/quote]
Martin,
Your definition of a retiree is obviously not the same as mine.
I go with The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary version.
"to give up one's business or occupation in order to enjoy more leisure or freedom"
[/quote]
I am not a realtor but why would that "explain a lot"? Frankly, I would think the realtors would be downplaying the escalating prices.
I am somewhat puzzled by your insistence on rejecting comments of first hand observers of the market in Florida. Is it clearer 4000 miles away?
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
Many americans are buying property in Orlando as they come towards retirement. At that stage they have the money to buy and look at orlando as somewhere to invest and easy to rent the property out until they are ready to use it. I sold many homes over there and around 40% were retirees or coming up to retirement.
There is a very high percentage of work available for retiress in Orlando which appeals. Disney, universal and all of the parks are major employers of retirees, so that is a draw for them too.
As for freeing up equity. I usually found they were trying to tie it up by buying even more property.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Robert5988
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote: Robert, I can assure you that many older Americans are coming to Orlando - it is a far larger area than just Disney World. You might be surprised at how few Orlandoans even go to the parks each year. In fact, many of the principle buyers of downtown Orlando new condo construction are middle age and above Americans. I've seen the figures. Even more rural areas, such as in Seminole county are seeing "starter homes" starting at close to $300,000. The builders are touting the promise that even if the house is beyond the long term means of the buyers, if they will hold onto it for a year they will "make" $50,000 on appreciation. I visited a condo project in Jacksonville two weeks ago, located on the south side of town next to a strip shopping center, no fabulous amenities and in 12 steps you could walk across the units being sold for nearly $150,000. Buyers lined up for them. [/quote]
Seminole,
Why would I be surprised? The whole point I was making is that the Parks are not any form of incentive for Americans to move to the Orlando area.
I obviously agree with you about the high prices in the Orlando area; indeed that is the basis of this 'debate'. My post was disputing your contention that floods of retirees would be moving to the already high priced Orlando area and driving up prices further.
I know the area well and have a few American relatives in the area, 2 of whom are realtors. Their views is exactly the same as that of Chrizzy100.
If we keep to the subject of those retiring to Florida, why would they chose to live in the high priced Orlando area? What are the attractions over other parts of Florida?
The main reason for retiring to Florida, apart from the weather, is they want to release equity. Also, as you are aware, property tax is an ever increasing financial burden and this is directly related to the purchase price.
I am not sure what point you are making about the $150k condos in Jacksonville? Surely that is what Chrizzy and I are saying.
[/quote]
[/quote]
Did you really call them up in the USA to discuss this? If so you have way too much time on your hands[msnwink]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:[i]
I know the area well and have a few American relatives in the area, 2 of whom are realtors. Their views is exactly the same as that of Chrizzy100.
[/quote]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:I am somewhat puzzled by your insistence on rejecting comments of first hand observers of the market in Florida. Is it clearer 4000 miles away?
[/quote]
I understand that there eminent astrologers who have never even been to the moon, let alone the stars!
I visit 6/7 times a year. I have studied the market in Orlando and other parts of Florida. A great friend of mine speculates in the Florida property market and welcomes ‘sleeping partners’. CGT makes further investments unattractive for me personally – but for my son?. My brother who lives in America(albeit California) has a keen interest – but as that’s 2,500 miles away I suppose he knows nothing either.
I talk to my relatives quite a bit on the phone. The internet is quite good for research as well.
You advance your theories and I mine – I fail to see what is wrong with that.
Oh, well, you should have explained your connection to astrology earlier.
Here is my 2 cents worth. Being up in Massachusetts, I know several retired couples who own 2nd homes or live in Florida. None of them own in the Orlando area. They are all in the general area of Fort Myers. My uncle did live in the Orlando area for a while after he retired from his "real job" while he worked at Disney. He quickly became tired of the the area being so busy and went further south. He is a full time resident in Florida. Our plans for retirement will be to sell our STR's and head further south on the coast.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by kaysvacationvilla
Here is my 2 cents worth. Being up in Massachusetts, I know several retired couples who own 2nd homes in Florida. None of them own in the Orlando area. They are all in the general area of Fort Myers. My uncle did live in the Orlando area for a while after he retired from his "real job" while he worked at Disney. He quickly became tired of the the area being so busy and went further south. He is a full time resident in Florida. Our plans for retirement will be to sell our STR's and head further south on the coast.
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We were always told if you live in MA its the law to have a second home in FL......:D[}:)]
No-one we know who is retired in FL owns in Orlando......it fact we are always being asked why we picked a home there and not on the coast.....after spending time with friends in Vero beach.....I can understand what draws the retired to the coast all over the USA.......and I'm not even a beach person.....but I could grow to be one in FL.....I've not sat on the beach so long as I did this Christmas....it was beautiful......[msnsmile2]
Chrizzy...since your not a "beach person" I will gladly take your Cape home of your hands. My ideal for retirement is Florida in the winter and Cape Cod in the summer, although most homes down the Cape near enough to the water would be way out of our reach.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by kaysvacationvilla
Chrizzy...since your not a "beach person" I will gladly take your Cape home of your hands. My ideal for retirement is Florida in the winter and Cape Cod in the summer, although most homes down the Cape near enough to the water would be way out of our reach.
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I love the sea...I've always lived by it...and sometimes nearly in it.....[msnscared]
But the beach in summer is not me.....we would love to keep our home on the Cape......but we always seem to be working on ours..its becoming a full time job.....we are mid Cape.....the one reason why we got Ins .....most houses near the water will not get renewed this year.....we can walk to the bay if we feel healthy.......and it just a few miles to both coasts......where we have 4 or more town beaches the holiday makers can't use.......it is a great place to live until your kids get older....then there is nothing for them to do.....and apart from the snow.....its a great place to retire....I will be sad to leave it.....but my gipsy blood calls.....hehehehe
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Oh, well, you should have explained your connection to astrology earlier.
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Irony is obviously not your thing! - You were the one making the predictions!
Robert, I deal in facts - not theories. I am here. You are not. I make "no predictions" but tell it as I hear it from many real estate brokers in the Orlando area. My knowledge is not based "on the internet" (which sadly failed you on the question of why the "masses" of open space aren't developed) nor is it anecdotal. Further, my comment was not "ironic" as you should be aware, with your dictionary ready at hand.
Let's just agree that we are going to disagree.
Seminole,
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:I make "no predictions"[/quote]
My original post was purely in response to the quote below which in my book qualifies as a prediction.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:You are talking about millions of Americans, at least 8 to 10 million, relocating to Florida in the next few years as the first wave of retirees. The Four Corners area of Highway 27 and the 192 is expected to have an eventual population in the next 15 years of 250,000 people. [/quote]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Further, my comment was not "ironic" as you should be aware, with your dictionary ready at hand.
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It was my comment that was meant to be ironic. Astrology - predicitions - stars. Should I have said Russel Grant to make it easier to understand? Not to be confused with Sir Patrick Moore.