buying a house in orlando? anyone with experience?

[disneyholic family]

so i've come to the realisation that perhaps we should invest in a holiday house in orlando (and who knows - maybe in the future it will become my retirement house)....

i'm probably a bit slow out of the gate - i've heard prices are starting to climb again, but better late than never..

so does anyone have any experience in buying a house in the orlando area? of course, i'm specifically thinking of the gated communities in the immediate vicinity of disney, but any information on the subject would be most appreciated!!

 

[jockey]

I too am interested...I have been advised to look at the back ground costs...water rates lawns etc....Overall we will not let it out it will just be for us and friends

 

[brer_rabbit]

Not the Orlando area, but my parents sold their house in Bradenton last year so I know a bit about running costs etc as most villas are similar in Florida. I would say prices are rising but haven't hear their peak of about 8 years ago.

Here are a couple of things to consider:

- do you intend to rent it out? If so check the T&Cs - some places don't allow properties to be rented out, particularly in gated communities (but fine for friends and family to stay).

- if it's going to be empty for long periods definitely consider getting someone to come in and keep an eye on things - we had a lady come in once a week to check the mail, look after the aircon etc. Her husband would also put up hurricane shutters if needed (at a charge but well worth it). Also if there are maintenance problems with the house they would sort it out.

- can you afford the maintenance charges, taxes etc? As an example, my parents 2 bed villa (no pool) was about £400 a month average over the year. This was for gardeners, use of the recreation centre, various taxes (similar to council tax) etc. If you have a pool you would still need a pool man to come in even if it's not being used to keep it in good condition.

Let me know if you've got any specific questions - I helped them out a lot with the buying and selling process and we did a bit of looking around Orlando (though decided to be nearer the Gulf cost).

 

[manning]

Get a map that plot out sink holes. Most of them tend to be approx north of I-4 and Orlando west to Tampa. My aunt has a villa in hernando county (around Brooksville). Insurance companies are starting to drop sink hole coverage. My aunt had her's dropped by State Farm, one of the biggest insurance companies in the USA.

One resort about 7 miles west of Disney just had one. A big one.

 

[disneyholic family]

Thanks for all the comments!!!