I recently received an inquiry from someone interested in purchasing a vacation property in Florida that I’d like to share. Many of the suggestions I’ve outlined below are a great starting point for those of you looking to become Snowbirds.
Here is their question: “I am a Canadian and looking to move to Florida for Snowbird living. Is there a way to know which location is best for my wife and I? How do I decide? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.”
Where to start? I would definitely look at renting first before you decide. There is also a lot to consider when it comes to selecting a location. There are many great places to live in Florida but you will need to think about your needs and wants. Here is a list of some things to consider:
Climate – It can vary throughout the state depending on the season.
Beaches – The Gulf Coast waters tend to be much calmer than the Atlantic.
Traffic – It can vary by season and in some locales it can get quite busy.
Airports – Are there direct flights and is the airport close by?
Automobile – Do you plan to drive or purchase a vehicle in Florida?
Amenities – Are there grocery stores, hardware stores, auto repair, medical offices, hospitals close by?
Financial – Are there Canadian affiliated banks in close proximity?
Entertainment – Do you prefer being near theme parks and other family oriented activities?
Sports and Recreation – Are you looking for activities such as golfing, fishing or boating?
Friends and Family – Do you know other people that already live in the area? They may be able to assist with maintenance and upkeep.
Shopping – Do you want to be near outlet malls? Will you need to buy furniture? Is the property you are looking for already furnished?
Neighbourhood – Have you checked the crime rate and sex offender registry in the neighbourhood?
Housing prices – What is your price range? Have you already determined an ongoing budget taking into consideration fluctuating currency values?
Housing supply – Is the area you are looking at a buyers or sellers market?
Type of home – Are you looking for a condo or freehold, gated community, new or resale?
Insurance – Each property in Florida is mapped by FEMA. Is it in a flood zone? This will significantly raise insurance costs. Are there mandatory evacuations in a hurricane or tropical storm? You can also check past insurance claims in the area.
Investment – Will you be living in the property or do you also plan on renting it out?
Demographics – Are you looking for a 55+ community?
If you review this list, you may be able to narrow down your options to some areas in Florida that meet your needs. Ultimately, you should visit several times throughout the year to really get a feel of what it’s like to live there. I’d also recommend that you wait until you have found a location before retaining a real estate agent in Florida. The real estate profession in Florida differs somewhat from Canada. Many Florida real estate agents tend to only be members of their local boards which can be quite limiting but they are also quite specialized in their specific areas. When you have found a desirable community, seek one out and they can help you. Be sure to find an agent that has received a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation. They are trained to work with international clients and can make your purchase run more smoothly. As a starting point, you can also work with a CIPS designated REALTOR® in Canada who can assist you with your initial property search and eventually refer you to an international REALTOR® in Florida. Good luck!