Possibly Moving to FL Need some Advice/Help
04-23-2007, 03:48 PM
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Possibly Moving to FL Need some Advice/Help
Well figured I'd put this in the regional forums instead of the lounge since I need some area specific details.
Pretty much this past weekend my Gf went down to FL to check it out 'cause her old boss and good friend is offering her a very sweet job oportunity that is well to good to pass up. She's asked and I've taken up the offer of going down with her and her two kids.
She's looking at for a House/Apt is the Palm Beach to Boca Raton area. So far the house's compared to up here in MA are pretty damn cheap!! A house that cost 120k down there would cost us 350k+. She's also looking at Apt's which look to cost the same as up here but I believe she's looking for the higher end of the Apt spectrum (seen a few community type deals). In this regard I'm curious if the area(s) I mentioned are plagued by crime or do they have your normal crime type problems (kids drinking and your occasional small drug bust.).
Luckily she's moving down there and already has a job, myself well I'm not that lucky. I'll be pretty much looking from scratch so how is the job market around there especialy in regards to pay. I'll be looking in the retail sector unless I luck out and find something non-retail. To me I just need enough to cover my car payment, and insurance and half of the rent.
Thats all I can think of right now any help or advice would be very nice of all of you
Pretty much this past weekend my Gf went down to FL to check it out 'cause her old boss and good friend is offering her a very sweet job oportunity that is well to good to pass up. She's asked and I've taken up the offer of going down with her and her two kids.
She's looking at for a House/Apt is the Palm Beach to Boca Raton area. So far the house's compared to up here in MA are pretty damn cheap!! A house that cost 120k down there would cost us 350k+. She's also looking at Apt's which look to cost the same as up here but I believe she's looking for the higher end of the Apt spectrum (seen a few community type deals). In this regard I'm curious if the area(s) I mentioned are plagued by crime or do they have your normal crime type problems (kids drinking and your occasional small drug bust.).
Luckily she's moving down there and already has a job, myself well I'm not that lucky. I'll be pretty much looking from scratch so how is the job market around there especialy in regards to pay. I'll be looking in the retail sector unless I luck out and find something non-retail. To me I just need enough to cover my car payment, and insurance and half of the rent.
Thats all I can think of right now any help or advice would be very nice of all of you
04-23-2007, 04:31 PM
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Homes - if your looking for something in the 150k to 200k area of price chances are the area is probably questionable. We experiencened a huge real estate boom about 1 1/2 years ago and all the prices went up big time. A 3 bedroom house in the Palm Beach to Boca Raton area would probably run you in the 300 to 350k range in the good areas.
Palm Beach to Boca Raton area is actually the more expensive part of the county and you would need to live in the western part of both those cities to get decent pricing which may turn into a long commute.
Also, VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!! Taxes here have been COMPLETELY out of hand but things are getting better. I would do your research before buying ANYTHING! Same goes for insurance rates. All the companies have been taking advantage of homeowners and raising there rates at times by 600%. Keep in mind this was about a year ago and is getting better so again make sure to do your research before commiting to buying anything. People are desperate to sell there homes due to many reasons including insurance and taxes. You may be able to haggle your way into a sweet deal.
I am 28 years old and I still can't buy a home thanks to all the drama with owning a home in Florida but I hope that will change soon.
Jobs - It's going to be tuff but I do not know much about your market.
Palm Beach to Boca Raton area is actually the more expensive part of the county and you would need to live in the western part of both those cities to get decent pricing which may turn into a long commute.
Also, VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!! Taxes here have been COMPLETELY out of hand but things are getting better. I would do your research before buying ANYTHING! Same goes for insurance rates. All the companies have been taking advantage of homeowners and raising there rates at times by 600%. Keep in mind this was about a year ago and is getting better so again make sure to do your research before commiting to buying anything. People are desperate to sell there homes due to many reasons including insurance and taxes. You may be able to haggle your way into a sweet deal.
I am 28 years old and I still can't buy a home thanks to all the drama with owning a home in Florida but I hope that will change soon.
Jobs - It's going to be tuff but I do not know much about your market.
04-24-2007, 08:35 AM
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Originally Posted by cavemancan
Homes - if your looking for something in the 150k to 200k area of price chances are the area is probably questionable. We experiencened a huge real estate boom about 1 1/2 years ago and all the prices went up big time. A 3 bedroom house in the Palm Beach to Boca Raton area would probably run you in the 300 to 350k range in the good areas.
Palm Beach to Boca Raton area is actually the more expensive part of the county and you would need to live in the western part of both those cities to get decent pricing which may turn into a long commute.
Also, VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!! Taxes here have been COMPLETELY out of hand but things are getting better. I would do your research before buying ANYTHING! Same goes for insurance rates. All the companies have been taking advantage of homeowners and raising there rates at times by 600%. Keep in mind this was about a year ago and is getting better so again make sure to do your research before commiting to buying anything. People are desperate to sell there homes due to many reasons including insurance and taxes. You may be able to haggle your way into a sweet deal.
I am 28 years old and I still can't buy a home thanks to all the drama with owning a home in Florida but I hope that will change soon.
Jobs - It's going to be tuff but I do not know much about your market.
Palm Beach to Boca Raton area is actually the more expensive part of the county and you would need to live in the western part of both those cities to get decent pricing which may turn into a long commute.
Also, VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!! Taxes here have been COMPLETELY out of hand but things are getting better. I would do your research before buying ANYTHING! Same goes for insurance rates. All the companies have been taking advantage of homeowners and raising there rates at times by 600%. Keep in mind this was about a year ago and is getting better so again make sure to do your research before commiting to buying anything. People are desperate to sell there homes due to many reasons including insurance and taxes. You may be able to haggle your way into a sweet deal.
I am 28 years old and I still can't buy a home thanks to all the drama with owning a home in Florida but I hope that will change soon.
Jobs - It's going to be tuff but I do not know much about your market.
WPB/Boca area is a lil more "old" folk area and definetly nice so expect to pay some for a nice house.
Also consider is REAL ESTATE taxes.. they are a lil up there THO what can help you out is what in Florida we have a "HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION" which basically gives you a $25K credit against your R.E. Taxes. Of course that only pertains to people who own homes.
Insurance costs are high because of increase in Hurricanes. Try to get insurance before the start of Hurricane Season (june 1st).
As for the job market depends what field you are looking in. I know you said Retail but be a lil more specific if you can?
Another benefit of living in Florida is NO STATE TAX!
Probably the best thing.. yeah you have to pay for tolls on the turnpike but thats when/if you drive on it all the time.
04-24-2007, 02:57 PM
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Thanks for both of your replies
I am assuming that the taxes are bad huh? lol.. Shown the GF this thread and she said "Oh I know about the taxes.". But can any of you give me a idea of how much it could be? She's looking at house's from 120 to 200k, but she's told me that the first year we'll just rent and look for a house after that (also think that year will give her a idea of "do I wish to really stay here?").
No sales tax sounds great to me!
We only have 5% up here in MA so it aint that bad. Oh also how is gas price's down there? Right now we are a shade below $3.00 for 91 Octane, Mid-Grade 89 is about $2.75.
I work at a CVS Pharmacy and making enough as it were. If I'm still employed there I'll be asking for a transfer since CVS's are abundant down there I was told lol.
I am assuming that the taxes are bad huh? lol.. Shown the GF this thread and she said "Oh I know about the taxes.". But can any of you give me a idea of how much it could be? She's looking at house's from 120 to 200k, but she's told me that the first year we'll just rent and look for a house after that (also think that year will give her a idea of "do I wish to really stay here?").
No sales tax sounds great to me!
We only have 5% up here in MA so it aint that bad. Oh also how is gas price's down there? Right now we are a shade below $3.00 for 91 Octane, Mid-Grade 89 is about $2.75. I work at a CVS Pharmacy and making enough as it were. If I'm still employed there I'll be asking for a transfer since CVS's are abundant down there I was told lol.
04-25-2007, 09:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Clavius
Thanks for both of your replies
I am assuming that the taxes are bad huh? lol.. Shown the GF this thread and she said "Oh I know about the taxes.". But can any of you give me a idea of how much it could be? She's looking at house's from 120 to 200k, but she's told me that the first year we'll just rent and look for a house after that (also think that year will give her a idea of "do I wish to really stay here?").
No sales tax sounds great to me! We only have 5% up here in MA so it aint that bad. Oh also how is gas price's down there? Right now we are a shade below $3.00 for 91 Octane, Mid-Grade 89 is about $2.75.
I work at a CVS Pharmacy and making enough as it were. If I'm still employed there I'll be asking for a transfer since CVS's are abundant down there I was told lol.
I am assuming that the taxes are bad huh? lol.. Shown the GF this thread and she said "Oh I know about the taxes.". But can any of you give me a idea of how much it could be? She's looking at house's from 120 to 200k, but she's told me that the first year we'll just rent and look for a house after that (also think that year will give her a idea of "do I wish to really stay here?").
No sales tax sounds great to me!
We only have 5% up here in MA so it aint that bad. Oh also how is gas price's down there? Right now we are a shade below $3.00 for 91 Octane, Mid-Grade 89 is about $2.75. I work at a CVS Pharmacy and making enough as it were. If I'm still employed there I'll be asking for a transfer since CVS's are abundant down there I was told lol.
Sorry I dont mean to laugh...well...yes I do but not in a mean way. If you are looking for a "house" in that price range your neighbors just might be on welfare/drug dealers etc. That price range does not exist...at least I don't think so anyway.
A 2 bedroom house in our worst areas can range from 100k to 250k. OK area - 200k to 300k. Good area - 260k to 380k. Best area - 400k to 1 billion fafillion trillion million gillion dollars (puts pinky to mouth and gives Dr. Evil look).
As far as the taxes I am honestly not to sure. I have to ask around. I too am looking for a home.
Our sales taxes are 6.5%. State taxes are a different thing. Sometimes states will charge a seperate tax per household called a state tax but Florida does not do that. Gas is probably comparible to your location. The other day I payed $3.04 for 93 octane.
Oh, and yes there are ton of CVS's round here.
Last edited by cavemancan; 04-25-2007 at 09:39 AM.
04-25-2007, 12:41 PM
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Yes DEPENDING where in South Florida there is sales tax. Miami-Dade County is 7% Broward County is 6%. Though i'm not 100% on Palm Beach County. Please do NOT confuse this with a STATE tax which is taken out of your pay check and you have to file a seperate STATE Income Tax. Not the same. Florida DOES NOT have that.
As for Real Estate Taxes I would say take a look at the Property Search (www.bcpa.net for broward county) look at the respective property you are interested in purchasing and see how much they paid the years prior in Real Estate Taxes, plus the houses around that'll help you get an idea of how much certain neighborhoods are paying. NOW of course if you plan on renting you might not have to deal with Real Estate Taxes, depends on the community and if it's included in your Lease Agreement.
There are PLENTY of CVS Pharmacy's around I would highly suggest asking for a Transfer.. saves the hassle for you! BUTTTTT Do not expect to get the same pay rate as COST OF LIVING might be different in Florida than it is where you are.
Gas is generally the same... I saw $3.05 for 91 and $2.89 for 87. Not great.. BUT not like California.
I think there's going to be some good things for you guys living down here especially no need for Winter Tires and definetly no snow storms. Only worry here and there about Hurricanes but thanks to strict South Florida building codes anything south of Palm Beach County is being built with CBS (Concrete Block Structure). Make sure the home you rent/purchase has Storm Shutters and you're set. Once you've made it through your first Hurricane the rest are a peace of cake!
OH Side note! If you do decide to "rent" please look into "Renters Insurance". VERY IMPORTANT. Hurricane comes along tears down the place you're staying at and you don't have Renters Insurance you are screwed!
Something else.. expect car insurance to go up a lil more too!
GOOD Luck on your decisions..
As for Real Estate Taxes I would say take a look at the Property Search (www.bcpa.net for broward county) look at the respective property you are interested in purchasing and see how much they paid the years prior in Real Estate Taxes, plus the houses around that'll help you get an idea of how much certain neighborhoods are paying. NOW of course if you plan on renting you might not have to deal with Real Estate Taxes, depends on the community and if it's included in your Lease Agreement.
There are PLENTY of CVS Pharmacy's around I would highly suggest asking for a Transfer.. saves the hassle for you! BUTTTTT Do not expect to get the same pay rate as COST OF LIVING might be different in Florida than it is where you are.
Gas is generally the same... I saw $3.05 for 91 and $2.89 for 87. Not great.. BUT not like California.
I think there's going to be some good things for you guys living down here especially no need for Winter Tires and definetly no snow storms. Only worry here and there about Hurricanes but thanks to strict South Florida building codes anything south of Palm Beach County is being built with CBS (Concrete Block Structure). Make sure the home you rent/purchase has Storm Shutters and you're set. Once you've made it through your first Hurricane the rest are a peace of cake!
OH Side note! If you do decide to "rent" please look into "Renters Insurance". VERY IMPORTANT. Hurricane comes along tears down the place you're staying at and you don't have Renters Insurance you are screwed!
Something else.. expect car insurance to go up a lil more too!
GOOD Luck on your decisions..
04-25-2007, 03:16 PM
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Originally Posted by SpaYllwS2K
Something else.. expect car insurance to go up a lil more too!
04-25-2007, 08:05 PM
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Speaking as a renter in s. miami I can offer you a bit of advise.
The turn-over in more popular areas or hot spots of town will be fast. Nothing you are looking at in the market this week will be availible 2 weeks from now. So dont start you house hunt too early or everyone you look at will be taken by the time youre ready.
In S. FL money talks. When you d find a place you really want, offer them one-two months MORE upfront than they are asking if you can. This can ensure that you have no competitioin for your top choice of living.
Make sure you take a look at anywhere youre going to live while it is raining. Nothing sucks more than having your parking spot in a 4 inch pond every time it decides to shower (which is often down here). This also will give you an idea of how bad the traffic conditions can get in your area, which is important to know when a commute to work is involved.
Drive 10 minutes in every direction starting at your prospective house. If you run into any 'Undesirable' neighborhoods, be sure you are living in a gated community with some wort of security. TRUST me on this one. I live in a pretty nice area in a gated condo community with a 24/7 gaurd and in the past year we have had 1 stolen car and 2 car break ins. Security should be a big factor in your decision.
You should PM Aseras. He lives in Vero Beach which is dead in between Boca and West Palm. He would know alot more about the specific tax situation.
Besides that, I hope your move is safe and swift and be sure to come down to Miami at some point for a car meet and a few beers!
Good luck in your search, and welcome to South Florida!
The turn-over in more popular areas or hot spots of town will be fast. Nothing you are looking at in the market this week will be availible 2 weeks from now. So dont start you house hunt too early or everyone you look at will be taken by the time youre ready.
In S. FL money talks. When you d find a place you really want, offer them one-two months MORE upfront than they are asking if you can. This can ensure that you have no competitioin for your top choice of living.
Make sure you take a look at anywhere youre going to live while it is raining. Nothing sucks more than having your parking spot in a 4 inch pond every time it decides to shower (which is often down here). This also will give you an idea of how bad the traffic conditions can get in your area, which is important to know when a commute to work is involved.
Drive 10 minutes in every direction starting at your prospective house. If you run into any 'Undesirable' neighborhoods, be sure you are living in a gated community with some wort of security. TRUST me on this one. I live in a pretty nice area in a gated condo community with a 24/7 gaurd and in the past year we have had 1 stolen car and 2 car break ins. Security should be a big factor in your decision.
You should PM Aseras. He lives in Vero Beach which is dead in between Boca and West Palm. He would know alot more about the specific tax situation.
Besides that, I hope your move is safe and swift and be sure to come down to Miami at some point for a car meet and a few beers!
Good luck in your search, and welcome to South Florida!
04-26-2007, 08:35 AM
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Originally Posted by SoFL_RX8
In S. FL money talks. When you d find a place you really want, offer them one-two months MORE upfront than they are asking if you can. This can ensure that you have no competitioin for your top choice of living.
If you said that car insurance is higher up where you're at that's interesting to know. Palm Beach/Broward might be a tad cheaper than in Miami so that's always a good thing!
04-26-2007, 11:50 AM
#10
If you want some help with insurance with both your home and car please let me know, i work at an insurance agency my dad and I opened up almost 4 years ago. I can't do anything to help with the taxes here, but i can help to keep your insurance costs low. If you want more info please send me a PM.
04-26-2007, 12:59 PM
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Heh I'm about to move out of Florida (miami) cause it cost an Arm and Leg to live in this place.
Currently where I live most "what I consider" noraml middle class houses are 250K$-350K$.
I live in Homestead but the area is growing like crazy and no one can afford to rent or buy the houses so they are getting turned over to section8 and you now have some getto people moving into your block.
All that aside, look into insureance, that **** can be killer, I know a few people that pay 7k a year JUST for windstorm. Some places want high association fee's and so on. I dont know how much houses go for up north, but I can tell you that my mom bought a bucket for 75K 4 years ago and just sold it for 185K. The demand on cheaper housing is going up, so the price does also.
I have noticed latly the sales are dropping in my area, now most homes are 250kish/ make your best offer.
My buddy just got a new house in NC for 125k$ 2 story house on 1acher of land. Thats what I'd want.
Currently where I live most "what I consider" noraml middle class houses are 250K$-350K$.
I live in Homestead but the area is growing like crazy and no one can afford to rent or buy the houses so they are getting turned over to section8 and you now have some getto people moving into your block.
All that aside, look into insureance, that **** can be killer, I know a few people that pay 7k a year JUST for windstorm. Some places want high association fee's and so on. I dont know how much houses go for up north, but I can tell you that my mom bought a bucket for 75K 4 years ago and just sold it for 185K. The demand on cheaper housing is going up, so the price does also.
I have noticed latly the sales are dropping in my area, now most homes are 250kish/ make your best offer.
My buddy just got a new house in NC for 125k$ 2 story house on 1acher of land. Thats what I'd want.
Last edited by Trekk; 04-26-2007 at 01:03 PM.
05-04-2007, 03:12 PM
#12
go to realtor.com and search the area you want to move to. In that area, expect to pay, as people have been saying, at least 230k for a decent 3 bedroom without much yard.
And don't be afraid to finance with lendingtree.com. I used them, and they were surprisingly great. They even organized the appraisal and the notarizing. I barely had to do anything. Very nice. 6% rate!
And don't be afraid to finance with lendingtree.com. I used them, and they were surprisingly great. They even organized the appraisal and the notarizing. I barely had to do anything. Very nice. 6% rate!
Last edited by myriadshalaks; 05-04-2007 at 03:16 PM.
05-04-2007, 05:10 PM
#13
Misfit Moderator TnC
hey kevin.....while im down there i can talk to my sister for you who happens to be a head hunter....and she lives in palm beach.....houses down there are getting out of hand.....i was considering moving there for a bit but even the condo's are mid to high 200s for a 2 bedroom....
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