Cost of Living

[SheilaF]

Hi Everyone

I know its been asked and answered before, and I have looked back at other postings etc. but they were listed over a year ago so i would be eternally grateful if any of you over there could let me know (approximately) how much we will be paying out.
We won't have a mortgage so that saves us a bit, how about

utilities (we are three adults and will look for a four bed house
car ins. (2 cars initially)
House insurance
TV (cable/sattelite)
Internet
Do they have the equivalent of poll tax?

Anything i have forgotten. I know its a bit late in the day but i really NEED to make a budget,

many thanks

SheilaF

p.s. the situation is not quite so gloomy. I have spoken to our Lawyer who will apply for a green card when we arrive, so hopefullly I will be able to work within a few months.

[Cruella DeVilla]

Telephone
Pest Control
House alarm/Monitoring?
Pool and lawn care unless you are going to do it yourself

A whole host of other things no doubt as we pay out an awful lot each month whether we are living/staying there or not.

You really do need to have cash to burn and not be blinkered about the Green card issues. I say this as we are planning to move over in next 18 months and have researched lots. We are lucky as we have a second income which will be invalueable while we get the business up and running and also prove to immigration that we can live there and support ourselves!

[blott]

If you add around 10 - 20% to the previous prices you saw a year ago, you'll be about right.

Oh boy Sheila, do they have the equivalent of poll tax! Depending on the house you have in the UK and the one you buy in Florida, you'll probably find it's around twice as expensive or thereabouts for Florida property tax.

Our TV and broadband cable package is $98 a month - that's for 70 programmes. Satellite is more expensive than cable.

Don't forget that you need to add water charges which are metered and therefore expensive.

Esprit has car insurance for two vehicles so I expect she'll be able to tell you that and also about residential house insurance.

[SheilaF]

Thanks everyone, CDV we will be able to live ok on hubbys pension (private) whilst we are sorting ourselves out. Its not a huge amount but its a regular income so will cover day to day living in the first instance.

We will be looking to buy a house with no pool

Blott - I thought there may be good news there with the poll tax !! At least the cable TV is the same as we pay here for SKY.

SheilaF

[Cruella DeVilla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by SheilaF
Thanks everyone, CDV we will be able to live ok on hubbys pension (private) whilst we are sorting ourselves out. Its not a huge amount but its a regular income so will cover day to day living in the first instance.

We will be looking to buy a house with no pool

Blott - I thought there may be good news there with the poll tax !! At least the cable TV is the same as we pay here for SKY.

SheilaF


[/quote]

Sheila, you will also have the bonus of looking in Orlando or further afield if you want as you do not have to buy a home in a STR zone! I am sure the prices will be more reasonable.

[chrizzy100]

I find the cost of living in FL more inline with the costs I had in England......up here in the frozen North its a different story.....heating and food bills are very high...I find both a lot cheaper in FL....
I think car/house Ins and taxes are things I find high in FL..and I live in MA where they say taxes are high...but they are lower up here then in FL....
with good credit...you can find good deals in time....we have hundreds knocked off our Ins because we have good credit....

A lot of homes are for sale in the Disney area.....so prices should stop going up at the silly rate they have been.....builders are giving really good deals for new builds....and people are dropping their prices to sell..all good news for the buyers......

[Cruella DeVilla]

Hey Chrizzy, where ya been?

[SheilaF]

Thanks ladies, I am not so depressed tonight. Ever have that feeling you want something really bad, but SCARED of attaining it?

"with good credit...you can find good deals in time....we have hundreds knocked off our Ins because we have good credit...."

Krizzy - how long does it take to build up good credit?

So pleased to see the house prices dropping slightly. New build or resale ? there doesnt seem to be much difference.

Quite fancy Lake Mary or Winter Garden. Good areas? Would love to be near Disney but thought we would be priced out of the market there.

SheilaF

[chrizzy100]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
Hey Chrizzy, where ya been?
[/quote]

I've been in FL for a few weeks....came back home yesterday to a snow storm.....[msnscared]

[chrizzy100]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by SheilaF
Thanks ladies, I am not so depressed tonight. Ever have that feeling you want something really bad, but SCARED of attaining it?

"with good credit...you can find good deals in time....we have hundreds knocked off our Ins because we have good credit...."

Krizzy - how long does it take to build up good credit?

So pleased to see the house prices dropping slightly. New build or resale ? there doesnt seem to be much difference.

Quite fancy Lake Mary or Winter Garden. Good areas? Would love to be near Disney but thought we would be priced out of the market there.

SheilaF




[/quote]

I would say it takes a few years...to build good credit..
I had a look around for other areas last week....but I love the Disney area......I also love living in a STR area.....if you find a good realtor you could pick up a bargin....if I can find my one's new e-mail I'll DM you her info.....if not my neighbour in FL is a realtor for new builds....he is sure to know someone good.......