This useful application from Trulia allows you to monitor prices in Florida (or any other US state).

By default, we are displaying the results for Orlando, Florida but you can add any other location such as Miami, FL or San Francisco, CA.

Popularity: 8% [?]

People have a thing for the sunshine states. It is all about California and Florida. It has something to do with the mild climate and sandy beaches.

How many individuals and families do you think travel to either of these states on any given year?
It is probably in the millions. Now why do you suppose this is? Well, perhaps secretly want to live there, but cannot afford the cost of living and real estate. Well, before you assume check that prices may not be as dramatic as you assume! Our advice would be to check into the Florida acreage for sale. There is still plenty of room to go around.

There are countless stories about the “Orange State”. You often hear: “I’ve only been to Florida once myself, but my wife has been there countless times. Her grandfather is a Florida native and she loved visiting him the entire time she grew up. She said her and her siblings enjoyed picking oranges from his trees. It’s funny the things we remember and hold dear as we age. Overall, she said Florida was a great place to live.”

Although some like the distinct four seasons, others like warm climes even it gets too hot at times One thing for sure, the kids on the other hand would love the exciting area. With Disney World close by, there iss no way to lose with them. In terms of location you need to decide on whether you are going to build a ranch for your horses, farm, a real estate property on a Florida development or look for a plot on the waterfront if you have big bucks!

Finding the right piece of Florida acreage for sale can be a challenge.
We do not recommend that anyone attempt to purchase Florida acreage for sale from their home far away. You really have to see and experience the area before deciding on a particular part. So why not rent for a week or two to see whether you would like to live in Florida? For example, Southern Florida is not the same as Northern Florida. We are talking two different worlds here! And if you have a keen eye on Miami or the Keys, that is a whole different story. Any Florida acreage for sale in those parts will cost a fortune. So this is our advice: venture down to Florida and check out a few areas in-person. Get a feel for the state and all its amenities. You never truly know if you’re interested until you get the up-close and personal.

Popularity: 12% [?]

A condo hotel investment is a way to own vacation property without the hassle incurred with other property ownership. Condo hotel property has become very popular in Orlando in recent years. This is a top vacation spot in Florida and there is high demand for rentals. With a condo hotel, you will get more money for rentals than you would with many other types of property.

Condo hotel units are larger in Orlando than in most large cities in Florida, such as Miami and Fort Lauderdale. In addition, they tend to be less expensive per square foot here than in south Florida. In Orlando, prices are between four hundred and seven hundred dollars per square foot. In south Florida, this price jumps to between one thousand and two thousand per square foot.

How a Condo Hotel Investment Works

Condo hotels are high rise, luxury properties. They are often run by large hotel companies, such as Hilton, Trump, Hyatt or Four Seasons. They have the amenities and services that are typical of five star hotels. Most have spas, pools, fine dining, laundry service and room service.

You purchase the condo and use it when you want to vacation in Orlando. The condo hotel has a rental program. The company takes care of renting, maintenance and cleaning. They also operate the services offered by the hotel. In return, the company keeps a percentage of the rental fees.

The best deals can be found prior to the beginning of construction and in the very early stages of construction. After this phase, the cost of ownership increases dramatically. Some tend to sell out fast, so you need to get in early to get the best price and be sure to get a space in the hotel of your choice. This is especially true in areas with a high rate of tourism, such as Orlando and other large cities in Florida.

Who Pays What in a Condo Hotel Investment?

There are a variety of expenses involved in a condo hotel. Some of these fees are paid by the owner and others are paid by the operator of the hotel. The owner pays all the taxes and insurance on the unit. Any improvements that are needed, or wanted in the unit are the responsibility of the owner as well. If you need new tile in the bathroom, you will be responsible for paying the bill for the installation.

The operator pays the operating expenses of the hotel. This includes all administrative costs and marketing, such as advertising the units for rental. In addition, the costs incurred for housekeeping are paid by the operator. This includes the salary of the cleaning personnel, supplies and other equipment needed to keep the hotel in good condition.

When you purchase the property, you will need to sign an owner’s agreement. This should stipulate the amount of money you get and the company gets for rental on the condo. The agreement should spell out when you plan to use your condo. How much time will you be staying there? If you want to add more time, how much notice do you need to give the company? This is important because if the unit is already rented, you may not be able to stay there.

More information on our Florida real estate investments: Florida Investment Property

Popularity: 19% [?]

Orlando vacation homes are a great investment. This area is a popular tourist destination, with millions visiting each year. Many property owners rent out their homes to tourists to help cover the costs of ownership. This can be a great way to supplement your income and help cover the costs of maintenance. When purchasing a home that you plan to rent, consider what makes a property attractive to tourists.

Purchasing Orlando Vacation Homes

When purchasing a vacation home in Orlando, it’s important to consider location. In this area, it’s important to be near the attractions. The closer the home is to the theme parks and other attractions, the easier it will be to rent. People are looking for places to rent close to Disney and other theme parks. In addition, you will get more for your rental in the areas near the parks.

You will want a real estate agent to help you find properties. Look for an agent with experience selling vacation homes. This person will be knowledgeable about the rental market in the area. In addition, your agent will have helpful information about the necessary paperwork for renting property and management options. Hire an attorney for closing. Your attorney will look after your interests and will read over all the paperwork to be sure your interests are protected.

Be sure to check the local zoning ordinances. Make sure the properties you are considering are in an area that is zoned for short term rentals. If not, you won’t be able to rent it to tourists. Your real estate agent will be able to help you with zoning issues.

Consider the outdoor area around the house. A pool is a very popular amenity. Many people want a pool when renting a vacation home. A pool that is screened in and heated will be even more popular. There should be some privacy in the back yard. This can be done with privacy fencing or by planting shrubbery to give privacy from the neighbors. An outdoor area for barbecuing or picnics is an added benefit.

There are some things you should consider for the inside of the home as well. A decent kitchen is important in a vacation home. The ability to cook is important for comfort. This allows visitors to save money and enjoy some meals in the house. The home should be nicely decorated and furnished. The look of the home is an important feature, since you will be advertising with pictures.

Make sure you can afford the mortgage and all related costs. These include taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, repairs and other fees. Other expenses include pool care, lawn care, trash pick up and the cost of having the home cleaned. Prices have risen on properties in the Orlando area in recent years. At the same time, the rental fees have not increased. This has resulted in less money to cover related expenses. Don’t depend on renting the property to pay for your mortgage. You can get into financial trouble this way. Be sure you can afford the home, even if it isn’t rented.

Managing Orlando Vacation Homes

You have a few options for managing your vacation property. You can manage the property or hire a management company to do it for you. If you plan to manage it, be sure you have the time to devote to advertising, renting and performing repairs and maintenance. If you live far from the property or don’t have the time, consider hiring a management company.

Property management companies will take care of advertising, renting and collecting fees. Some just handle renting, while others handle all the maintenance and repairs to the property. If you live far away, you may want the company to handle repairs and maintenance as well. The company will charge a fee, depending on how much they do for you.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Florida is a popular destination for those who wish to buy an investment property or second home in the sun. Each year more than 10,000 Brits make a move into the Florida property market. They are joined by thousands more from across North America, and indeed from many other countries right around the world. Demand is high, so high in fact that property supply can hardly keep up!

Florida’s popularity is all down to one thing - lifestyle! For second homeowners this means a chance to relax in a sub-tropical climate where the sun is virtually guaranteed to shine throughout the year. There are miles and miles of golden beaches, a wealth of stunning attractions, including the Disney World and Epcot theme parks in Orlando, and over 1400 golf courses. In short, there really is something for everyone.

For investors the same applies. If it wasn’t for the climate, the theme parks and the golf, Florida would not be the year-round resort that it is. It is what makes the ’sunshine state’ a property rental paradise - a paradise that is made all the more attractive by the relatively low prices of property in Florida.

Florida Property Prices

When compared to property prices in the UK, Florida property prices yield more home for your money. A 4-bed Florida property of 1800 square foot with a private swimming pool can be acquired in Orlando in 2006 for as little as $350,000 USD. By today’s exchange rates that is equivalent to around £195,000 UK Pounds or 280,000 Euros. In Southern England you’d be able to acquire the same size of home for not much less than £350,000 UK Pounds.

What’s more the specification to which Florida properties are built and furnished is much higher than you’d find in the UK too. Typically a newly constructed 4-bed Florida property for $350,000 USD will have three en-suite bathrooms, one family bathroom, air conditioning, fitted kitchen with all appliances and cable TV in all principal rooms. Now, you won’t get that with a new home in the UK for the same price!

Potential for Capital Gain

The investment potential of Florida property though does not just hang on its low purchase price and the potential for a high rate of rental occupancy. Capital appreciation figures too. In 2005 Florida property in some parts of the state rose by as much as 45%, and there’s every indication that double figure capital gains will be made in 2006 and 2007.

Orlando leads the way. A combination of historically low property prices compared to elsewhere in the state, and the fact that the city has become an important tourist destination courtesy of Disney World means that the Orlando property market is booming. NorthEast Florida has a buoyant property market too, as do areas along the Gulf Coast (Naples to Fort Myers), the Florida Keys and Miami.

The bottom line is folks, if you’re looking to buy a property that has the very real potential to offer you a strong double-figure return on investment over the next few years, Florida is the place to invest.

Popularity: 11% [?]

Orlando in Florida is one of the hottest property investment locations on the planet right now. Purchase prices are low, increases in capital value are simply immense (in 2005 parts of Orlando saw home values rise in excess of 40%), and rental demand remains strong no matter what the time of year. Naturally, with so much going for the area, it is easy to see why demand for Orlando real estate outstrips supply - a situation that is predicted to continue through to at least 2007/08 and perhaps beyond.

For investors, Orlando’s buoyant market represents a great opportunity. If the right property in the right location at the right price is purchased, investors have the potential to make a profit of $50,000 USD in just 9 months from purchase!

How to make $50,000 USD from your Orlando Villa

Let’s start with a typical 4-bed Orlando villa with swimming pool close to Disney World. If you look around the real estate market and choose wisely you’ll have little problem getting your hands on a preconstruction Orlando Villa through a local developer or via a web site such as http://www.1st-for-florida-property.com

Preconstruction villas are homes that are yet to be built. They are ‘pre-sold’ by the developer in order to raise finance for the construction phase. As you will be committing to buying real estate in the preconstruction phase the developer will be open to giving you a discount. If you take the right approach and employ some tactical negotiation skills there is no reason why you won’t be able to obtain a preconstruction Orlando villa for up to 15% below market value. On an Orlando Villa whose built market value will be $350,000 USD that represents a saving of over $50,000 USD!!

Standard build time in Orlando for preconstruction homes is currently nine months. Even if the market does not rise during this time - something that is highly unlikely - you’re already guaranteed to make yourself $50,000 USD profit from your Orlando Villa. If you factor in a conservative pro-rata market growth of say 10%, you’ll find yourself sitting on a profit closer to $75,000 USD!

Realizing Greater Profits through Rental

An Orlando villa sited within a gated community inside a short-term rental zone, and close to the theme parks in the city will garner an annual rental yield of at least 10% with all management costs accounted for.

For your Orlando Villa valued at $350,000 USD a 10% yield translates into a rental income of $35,000 USD. Based on a mortgage rate of 6% over a fixed term of 30 years, which would give annual repayments of less than $20,000 USD, you stand to make around $15,000 USD in clear profit every year.

After just two years you could therefore sell your Orlando villa having made a total profit of over $100,000 USD. Not a bad return on your investment if you ask me!

Popularity: 12% [?]

We have recently updated the property area of the web site.

All listings include a thumbnail image of the property / development.

There are more extensive descriptions of the properties with more tools - such as the price in various currencies.

We also provide an extensive set of tools for registered members of the site - including saved searches, favourites and email alerts.

We hope you enjoy the updated property section

We have also introduced a Florida Magazine - lots of interesting articles and advice. The content is updated on a daily basis.

Popularity: 8% [?]

South Florida House Prices Continue to Surge Ahead!

January 2005 home prices across the South Florida region have risen dramatically since Christmas, defying the forecasted slowdown predicted by some experts. Many now think that the trend is set to continue thanks to low interest rates and a shortage of property compared to demand. Several South-Florida based realtors are claiming that the current buoyancy in the property market is the strongest that they’ve ever seen, as despite being battered by hurricanes in 2004, South Florida remains the #1 retirement and holiday destination for many North Americans.

For Brits planning to invest in property in South Florida, now is the time to take the plunge. The exchange rate still favours British buyers - £100,000 translating to $190,000 USD at the end of February 2005. This can buy a detached 4-bed home with swimming pool in a beautiful gated community anywhere from Key West to Naples or Miami. Given South Florida’s popularity as a tourist resort, there are ample opportunities to turn a property purchase into an ongoing income stream too.

Palm Beach County continues to be the hottest location in which to buy South Florida property, closely followed by Broward County and Miami Dade County. All counties are within a few hours drive of Miami International Airport. Car hire from Miami can be booked through http://www.your-carhire.com

Popularity: 34% [?]

2004 saw huge rises in house prices across South Florida, even in areas that were affected by the active hurricane season. Broward County experienced a rise of 28%, with median prices for a single family home climbing from $237,200 to $303,300. Miami-Dade also recorded an impressive increase, with prices rocketing up 25% across the year. These two areas though were left standing though by Palm Beach County, where prices rose a massive 36% through the year.

In 2005, house prices for single family homes in South Florida are expected to cool, but are likely to continue to record substantial increases for several years to come.

Popularity: 59% [?]