Florida Real Estate-Relocating to Florida

St, Augustine is a wonderful, quiet residential town located on the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean forty miles south of Jacksonville in an otherwise fairly undeveloped part of St Johns County. It has a population of 14,000 and occupies 8.4 square miles. The San Sebastian and Matanzas Rivers thread through it; three bridges lead to the barrier island beaches. To the west is farm country and the St. Johns river and lake system. Nearest cities: St. Augustine’s location may be delightfully small town, but other cities are not far away. For example, Downtown Jacksonville is only about 45 minutes North, Daytona Beach about an hour South, Gainesville about an hour West. Some smaller towns or sites are nearby: * Butler Beach, FL (3.3 miles) * St. Augustine Beach, FL (3.4 miles) * Crescent Beach, FL (5.0 miles) * Villano Beach, FL (8.6 miles), * Marineland, FL (11.9 miles) * Hastings, FL (15.2 miles)

NICHE BUSINESS possibilities The Companies that have anything to do with remodeling, are always in need of help for all phases of the jobs, drywall, painters, tilers, installers etc. If you have skills in these areas, there is opportunity to start your own business and lock in with the builders. The main thing is to be licensed, reliable and do good work. One thing you need to know is that help in these areas is hard to find---since rents are high most workers cannot live on even up to $15.00 per hour---so if you're thinking about a business other than retail that requires lot's of help, tyou may have a problem. There are also many other areas of opportunity. Remember most people that buy homes here need services--For instance the rental houses all need pest control, yard maintenance, cleaning people and a handy man. Generally what happens is an individual or couple start a lawn business. They then go to all the Real Estate offices etc and promote it plus run ads offering their

Marco Island A few miles south of Naples lies the unique community of Marco Island, a thoroughly American (and to its critics, charmless) version of Venice, Italy, with a zillion mansions on a zillion canals. The picture is completed with a dense tourist quarter of very high-rise hotels and condos along much of the beach. But: Marco Island stands at the gateway to the fabled 10,000 Islands fishing and recreation area, the northern gateway to Everglades National Park. And that is what makes Marco unique. (More on that shortly.) This duality is part of what defines Marco Island today. Marco “on land” Marco “on land” is a mix of ultra-modern beachside resort hotels and condominium complexes with a lot of seasonal English, German, and wealthy Northeastern visitors, and single-family homes on all those canals, owned partly by full-time retiree residents or Northeastern snowbirds. Apart from the usual resort hotel offerings, Marco basically rolls up its sidewalks at night, but nearby Napl

Jacksonville and Duval County Employment One of the best things about Jacksonville and Duval county is the abundance of career opportunities. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a corporate executive, Jacksonville has a position for you. Since there is no state or local income tax, you take home more. That combined with a low cost of living means a better lifestyle. Some statistics: • As of may 2004 per the US Department of labor in Jacksonville: • Number of workers-544,350 • Median hourly wage $13.07 to $16.70 • Entry $7.87 per hour • Experienced $21.11 average per hour • Annual wage $34,190 For specific figures by occupation go to http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_3600.htm#b00-0000 http://www.labormarketinfo.com/library/oes.htm The areas top 20 employers as of late 2003 per the Jacksonville Chamber of commerce http://www.myjaxchamber.com/business_information/jobs.asp#top20 • Naval Air Station Jacksonville U.S. Navy 19,537 • Naval Station Mayport U.S.

Fort Lauderdale and Broward County Employment Broward County (metropolitan Fort Lauderdale) has significantly outpaced the national economic growth rate. One of the best things about Ft Lauderdale and Broward county is the abundance of career opportunities. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a corporate executive, Ft Lauderdale has a position for you. Since there is no state or local income tax, you take home more. That combined with a low cost of living means a better lifestyle. Some statistics: • As of July 2005 per the State of Florida: • Number of workers-733,900 • Median hourly wage $13.16 to $17.06 • Annual wage $35,480 For specific figures by occupation go to http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_2680.htm#b00-0000 The areas largest employers South Florida's large employers are almost entirely service industries. From Supermarkets to Credit Unions, it is the service segment that keeps the area’s residents employed. SOME OF THE AREAS MAJOR EMPLOYERS: • Mem

OVERVIEW MIAMI AND DADE COUNTY Miami like New York and Chicago is a city that never sleeps. Tropical weather, 15 miles of beaches, lots of sun, great nightlife mixed in with world-class restaurants is attractive to people of all ages. From downtown Miami and Miami beach to the neighborhoods of Coral Gables and Kendall on to Key Biscayne and then the city of Homestead, Dade county has a place for you. If you like big city life but like the idea of great weather and outdoor recreation, this could be the place. Although more expensive than most of Florida in comparison to New York or San Francisco it’s still a bargain. Things to consider: • The Miami metropolitan area (Miami-Dade County, which is governed as one entity) has more than 2.3 million residents. • Miami-Dade County has 35 Incorporated cities within its boundaries. • Miami is the financial capital of Latin America and the Caribbean with more than 500 multinational corporations, 40 bi-national chambers of commerce and 100 f

What about Hurricane preparation for a rental home In the event of an impending Hurricane, a handyman or someone else can be hired to put up the storm shutters, bring in the lawn and patio furniture, etc for a fee-most agents have too many homes for them to do it individually. *This agreement should be set up in advance by the homeowner and the handyman. Your agent can find someone to do this.

What makes a good Vacation Rental • A clean, well-maintained home on a canal or open water. • Typically one of the bedrooms should have a set of twin beds if the renters are bringing children. • Good linens and towels and a backup set. This is especially important for monthly renters. • The washer, dryer and refrigerator should be newer if possible. • A good Television hooked up to cable (about $35.00 per month) and a CD or tape stereo system. • The kitchen must be completely outfitted. A microwave is also very important for renters. • Patio and/or Lawn-Deck furniture. If there is an upper deck, a table and chairs plus loungers. • On the waterside, a set of loungers and chairs.

Ft Myers and Lee County Investment opportunities Because of the fast growing base of people relocating to Florida along with the tourism industry, Florida offers three unique opportunities for investments. • 1031 tax exchanges • Buying a second home/condo and using it as a rental. • Buying a commercial piece of property, from duplexes to apartments, to triple net shopping malls. The above combined with an above average appreciation rate for Real Estate make Florida a place you definitely need to consider, regardless of your financial capabilities.. For more specific information on how 1031 exchanges work see. www.1031inflorida.com Renting your home out-To know • The best areas to rent are anywhere near the water and the best rents will start at open water locations, followed by homes/condos with a partial view to homes on canals. The neighborhood and the furnishings will also dictate the rent amounts you can get. In the Keys-the best situation was a home at least three bedrooms

Palm Beach and Palm Beach County Investment opportunities Due to the incredible growth in tourism and people relocating to the South East coast of Florida, investments ( both commercial and rental) in this region should be a strong consideration. Aside from commercial investments the two situations most people are looking for in Florida are: • Vacation homes/2nd homes, both single family or Condos that can be rented out. • Generally a purchase involves a 1031 tax exchange or just someone looking for a second home in an area that he/she or the family will use occasionally. • A home to eventually retire to and rent in the meantime to help pay mortgage costs. As to Palm Beach County-where would the best rentals probably be located? The following is a partial list. • Delray Beach • West Palm beach, the inlets and the intracoastal • Homes and Condos on the Ocean, canals, inlets, golfcourses or bays (all locations) • Juno Beach • Boynton beach • Jupiter beach or intracoasta

Orlando and Orange County Education There are more than 165,000 students, 7600 teachers and over 150 elementary and secondary schools in Orange County. Orange County Public Schools are the 12th largest school district out of more than 16,000 in the nation. • It is the fifth largest in Florida. OCPS grows by more than 5,000 new students a year. • To keep up with growth, the district typically builds between four and seven new schools each year. http://www.ocps.k12.fl.us/ http://www.eflorida.com/profiles/CountyReport.asp?CountyID=29&Display=all For a comparison of schools and school districts on a variety of criteria, view Florida School Indicators Reports at the Florida Department of Education's Web site. http://www.fldoe.org/ Orange County school specifics: • 100 Elementary Schools • 51 secondary schools • 125 junior high • 94 senior High Schools • 150 College-Universities • 3 Magnet schools • 10 junior colleges • 22 Charter schools • 240 private and paro

Orlando and Orange County Health Sunshine makes people feel healthier and improves your outlook on everything. After living in Florida for 10 years, I can tell you that it’s great to wake up to a warm climate and sunshine almost year round. It makes for a positive outlook on life. What’s your mood when it’s cold, drizzling and cloudy out? Orlando’s mild weather and great lifestyle makes staying health much easier. Orlando Regional Healthcare is one of Florida's most comprehensive private, not-for-profit healthcare networks. Their facilities, advanced medical treatments and procedures, and highly qualified staff distinguish Orlando Regional as a healthcare leader for two million Central Florida residents and 6,000 international visitors annually. Statistics for Orange County. As of 2004, there are: • 77 assisted living facilities • 13 major hospitals • 5 adult day care centers • 109 health care clinics The 1,572-bed system includes: • * Arnold Palmer Hospital for Child

Jacksonville St Augustine Investment opportunities Large metropolitan areas with all the amenities of big city life and abundant recreational opportunities mixed in with a great climate attract people...lots of people. Tourists need places to stay and people relocating need places to rent either part time or while they close on a home or find an apartment. Jacksonville is a happening town-with a median age of just 36 it is a vibrant, energetic and growing community. Types of Investments Aside from commercial investments the two situations most people are looking for in Florida are • Vacation homes or Condos that can be rented out … Generally a purchase involves a 1031 tax exchange or just someone looking for a second home in an area that he/she or the family will use occasionally. • A person looking for a home to eventually retire to and rent out in the meantime to help pay the mortgage. • The best areas to rent are anywhere near the water and the best rents will start at open wa

Building a Home in the Florida Keys Buying a lot and building your dream home may be the way to go. The cost of building will vary widely from $50.00 per square to $300.00 and up. Basically lots in Florida as far as price goes will run as follows. Most expensive • Open-water—Atlantic or Gulf • Open-water Inter-Coastal or other Rivers-Lakes • Canal Homes with Open water views (Bay or Atlantic-Gulf) • Canal homes-Boat able and quick access to open-water • Dry Lots—price widely varies based on the community and area. *As to canal lots and how boat ability affects prices. If the depth of the canal and the width allows for a 50ft boat or sailboat-it will be more expensive than a lot on a canal that is shallow and usually not as wide. The bigger the boat, the more room needed to turn around. *Access to open water is another factor that influences prices. If you’re only minutes (half hour) to good fishing-diving, expect to pay more. Also homes on shorter canals will generally have

LOWER KEYS MAIN OVERVIEW For the real Estate buyer or investor, the Lower Keys start at Mile Marker 30 or Big Pine Key (home of the Key Deer, an endangered species, sort of a miniature Virginia White-Tail). Key deer? You’ll immediately become aware of them because of the radically lowered speed limit the minute you cross from Bahia Honda and Spanish Harbor Keys onto Big Pine Key, imposed to make sure you don’t run one over. Humor aside, you really have entered a different world once you cross over that huge seven mile gap of ocean from busy Marathon and the rest of the upper and middle Keys on the famous 7-Mile Bridge. You have arrived in a world that is more laid back, slower-paced, more isolated in most ways, and geographically shaped differently. • Until now you’ve been driving along the mostly northeast-to-southwest spine of each narrow Key, ocean to your left, Florida Bay or the Gulf of Mexico to your right, with neither body of water more than a few hundred feet away (or muc

Orlando and Orange County Employment Orange County has employment opportunities in a wide range of industries. As new businesses continue to move into the area and existing businesses grow, employment will continue to be on the rise. Orange County has an educated and motivated workforce traditionally functioning in a non-union work environment. The greatest area for potential employment lies in the services industry, which represents approximately 40 percent of all employment. Within the services area, the tourism sector is particularly promising. Two of the three biggest employers comprise theme parks and hotels: the Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando. Health care and retail (stores) also are major employers within the services sector. In addition, several corporate headquarters are located throughout the region. They include Siemens Westinghouse, American Automobile Association, Dixon Ticonderoga, Darden Restaurants, Hilton and Tupperware International. Above from site at

Orlando and Orange County Investment opportunities Aside from commercial investments the two situations most people are looking for in Florida are: • Vacation homes/2nd homes, both single family or Condos that can be rented out. • Generally a purchase involves a 1031 tax exchange or just someone looking for a second home in an area that he/she or the family will use occasionally. • A home to eventually retire to and rent in the meantime to help pay mortgage costs. Due to the incredible growth in tourism and people relocating to Orlando, Kissimmee, Sanford and Winter Park, investments ( both commercial and 2nd family home rental) in these communities should be a strong consideration. As to Orange County-where would the best rentals probably be located? The following is a partial list. • · Orlando, near theme parks. • · Orlando-historic downtown area. • · Homes and Condos on the lakes, golf courses (all locations) • · Sanford, historic downtown area.

Florida Keys Investment opportunities With all the abundant recreational opportunities mixed in with a great climate the Keys attract people...lots of people. Tourists in turn need places to stay and people relocating need places to rent either part time or while they close on a home or find an apartment. The Keys are definitely a happening place. Types of Investments Aside from commercial investments the two situations most people are looking for in Florida are • Vacation homes or Condos that can be rented out … Generally a purchase involves a 1031 tax exchange or just someone looking for a second home in an area that he/she or the family will use occasionally. • A person looking for a home to eventually retire to and rent out in the meantime to help pay the mortgage. • The best areas to rent are anywhere near the water and the best rents will start at open water locations, followed by homes/condos with a partial view to homes on canals. The neighborhood and the furnishings will

Sarasota and Sarasota County Investment opportunities Due to the incredible growth in tourism and people relocating to the South East coast of Florida, investments ( both commercial and rental) in this region should be a strong consideration. Aside from commercial investments the two situations most people are looking for in Florida are: • Vacation homes/2nd homes, both single family or Condos that can be rented out. • Generally a purchase involves a 1031 tax exchange or just someone looking for a second home in an area that he/she or the family will use occasionally. • A home to eventually retire to and rent in the meantime to help pay mortgage costs. As to Sarasota County-where would the best rentals probably be located? The following is a partial list. • Venice Beach • Bradenton, the inlets and the intracoastal • Homes and Condos on the Ocean, canals, inlets, golfcourses or bays (all locations) • Crescent Beach • Englewood beach • Downtown Sarasota (historic distri

Sarasota and Sarasota County Cost of Living The cost of living index is based on the composite price of groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, health care, clothing and entertainment. Cost of living indexes will generally be higher in areas that offer access to beaches, culture, arts and recreation. In addition areas, that offer a wider variety of services such as health and education will run higher due to higher wages, and increased quality of living. • Cost of living indexing explanation A figure of 100 points is used as an average both for the USA and Florida. For example: Boise Idaho is ranked at a 99 Boston Mass is rated at 240 San Francisco at 217 Statewide, Florida cities come in from a low of 90 and up. One way to compare Florida areas to salary requirements For example-If you were relocating from Portland Oregon (whose rate 1s 120) to Orlando, and you currently make $50,000 per year, the formula is as follows Take the destination index, in this case Orlando-

Florida Weather The weather is Florida’s biggest asset next to the sand and surf. In short we have milder winter weather than anywhere else in the 48 states…think about that next time you look at your heating bill! Also we have almost zero air pollution. (Winds from the Oceans disperse the air pollutants) You can see the stars at night. Acid rain has not affected us like the rest of the country. The temperature drop from day to night is on average never over 25°---compare that with Minnesota, which can vary as much as an 84°. Some statistics: • Average max temps in the Florida Panhandle range from 80° to a low of 56° • Average max temps in Central Fl range from 84° to a low of 60° • Average max temps in Southern Fl, range from 86° to a low of 66° • With the exception of Hawaii, no other state extends further into the tropics than Florida. Key West for example is on the same 24° 30N, that Tampico Mexico and Sao Paulo Brazil are. This makes the angle of the sun higher or more

Renting your home out as a seasonal(vacation rental)or long term. Long term renters are generally easy to find as there is a shortage of homes for rent. So, if you want to buy something for retirement or a vacation home and rent it out to help your payments-this is typically the easiest way. (Long term rentals are considered to be anything over 6 months, as the tenants don't pay the 11.5% Florida tax) • Generally long term rentals should be unfurnished. • Initially the Property managemebnt firm will do a credit check before submitting a lease to you, then with your approval of the lease, they generally collect the first and last months rent plus a security deposit which is typically a months rental amount. • As to utilities- The tenants typically take the lease to the water, electric, phone and cable people and have the utilities put in their name and of course they pay their own deposits. Garbage down here is included in your tax bill-so there is no garbage bill. • Season

Renting your home out as a seasonal(vacation rental)or long term. Long term renters are easy to find as there is a shortage of homes for rent. So, if you want to buy something for retirement or a vacation home and rent it out to help your payments-this is typically the easiest way. (Long term rentals are considered to be anything over 6 months, as the tenants don't pay the 11.5% Florida tax) • Generally long term rentals should be unfurnished. • Initially we do a credit check before submitting a lease to you, then with your approval of the lease, we collect the first and last months rent plus a security deposit which is typically a months rental amount. We are very proactive in this area and I assure you the home is handled professionally. • As to utilities- The tenants take the lease to the water, electric, phone and cable people and have the utilities put in their name and of course they pay their own deposits. Garbage down here is included in your tax bill-so there is no

Owning a second home used to be reserved for very few people. With the changes in personal income, ease of travel and the day to day stress of everyday life more and more people are buying second homes. Following are some good reasons to consider doing this yourself. It's also important that you realize that the prices of homes on the water in the Florida Keys are still a real bargain compared to elsewhere in the US and even more especially Europe. Following are the main reasons it could make sense for you and your family to buy a second home! 1.Gain appreciation as a good long term Investment. Second home prices are definitely going up, especially in resort areas and here's why. A- Demographics or baby boomers. They are now getting into the second home market and will continue to influence it in a big way up and through the year 2020. B- Post boomers and professionals. It is now common to see two income households making $100,000 per year. Second homes are a direct route to mo

Florida Starting A Business Florida ranks fourth in the nation in the number of expanding or relocating businesses. If you have a special skill, industry knowledge and or a lifetime interest, Florida may be the best place for you to consider owning and or starting a business. Florida has a wonderful spirit of innovation. From the Aerospace industry to Art galleries, it all has a place here. In the coastal areas it’s possible to have a business that caters to locals and the tourists. This seems to be the best of both worlds depending on what business you’re in. For more specific information on incorporating and business licenses, go to www.myflorida.com and www.sunbiz.org Rents will obviously vary greatly. Shops on Los Olas Blvd in Ft Lauderdale and Duval street in Key West charge extremely high rents per sq ft. However they also make lots of money due to thousands of tourists and locals daily. For more information on what the business climate is like, check the different area links and

Florida Employment Florida is the countries economic hotspot. With low taxes, reasonably priced land, convenient transport and beautiful weather, Florida has produced more jobs than any other state. So, if you have to work for a living, why not work where it’s warm and there are beaches and palm trees? Just because you can relax on the weekends, diving, fishing etc year round, doesn’t mean you’ll lose your edge…unless you go to Key West that is (just kidding) If you’re unsure of the job market here or worry about replacing or finding a new job…Relax. If you’re a hard worker, and show up on time you’ll do fine, regardless of where you live in the 48. Good people really ARE hard to find. Now for some facts: * Florida has a tremendously diverse economy. Major employers encompass retail, manufacturing, farming, aerospace, government, communications and computers. * Another prime employer here is the construction industry and all it’s related categories. * In fact, construction

Pensacola and Escambia County Cost of Living The cost of living index is based on the composite price of groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, health care, clothing and entertainment. Cost of living indexes will generally be higher in areas that offer access to beaches, culture, arts and recreation. In addition areas, that offer a wider variety of services such as health and education will run higher due to higher wages, and increased quality of living. • Cost of living indexing explanation A figure of 100 points is used as an average both for the USA and Florida. For example: Boise Idaho is ranked at a 99 Boston Mass is rated at 240 San Francisco at 217 Statewide, Florida cities come in from a low of 90 and up. One way to compare Florida areas to salary requirements For example-If you were relocating from Portland Oregon (whose rate 1s 120) to Orlando, and you currently make $50,000 per year, the formula is as follows Take the destination index, in this case Orlando-99.8 an

Melbourne Florida January 5th, 2006. Although four hurricanes in 2005 haven’t frightened anyone off, retirees housing considerations have changed in two major ways. 1. Location. Not just location as it concerns nearness to medical, transportation, recreational and educational opportunities but location as it concerns insurance costs and vulnerability. This affects proximity to water, flood zones and much more. 2. Age and construction:. People are looking to trade up or buy something newer and/or better built from the get-go. This concerns year built, concrete block versus frame, modular to mobile, roofing types, code restrictions and more. To make it more complex-the cost of living indexes still factor into all these decisions. So the problem then is, how to get more detailed information about location and construction in addition to health, education, transportation, employment, recreation, etc.