I like a house, but I’m not sure about the area. How do I know if it’s a good neighborhood?
Don't judge a neighborhood only by the city name. South Florida can change dramatically from one neighborhood—or even one block—to another. Check: Crime and safety Flood risk Traffic Insurance costs Nearby shopping and restaurants Schools if important to you Property values What the neighborhood feels like at night…
Read Karen’s answer →I’m thinking about buying a condo, but I’m worried about assessments. Is a condo riskier than a house?
Sometimes. With a house, you are responsible for your own repairs. With a condo, you also depend on the financial health of the condo association. A poorly maintained building can result in large special assessments or rapidly increasing monthly fees. Before buying a condo, check the reserves, insurance,…
Read Karen’s answer →Florida is changing the homestead rules. Should I buy now or wait?
Probably not just because of possible homestead changes. If you find the right property at the right price, things like purchase price, mortgage rates, insurance, taxes, flood risk, and condition will usually matter much more. However, Florida homestead rules can affect your future property taxes, so it is…
Read Karen’s answer →I’m buying a condo. What is a milestone inspection, and should I be worried?
A milestone inspection is a structural inspection required for many older Florida condo buildings. A licensed engineer or architect checks the building for serious structural problems. If you are buying a condo, ask for the inspection report and find out whether repairs or special assessments are coming.
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