Hi Kathy,

If you are buying as an investor -- not a primary residence, then plan on putting 20% down. If buying as a primary residence, many properties will qualify for FHA with lower downpayment requirements. Best to buy before the end of the year and take advantage of tax credit ($8k) and while prices/interest rates are low.

Talk to a lender and see what you qualify for based on income, down payment, etc.

If you can move now, there are some potential real advantages from a housing perspective.

Let me know if you have any additional questions.

Rick Tressler
TCAT Realty http://www.tcatrealty.com
407-421-3002

Hi Kathy,

I see you are from Bayshore, My husband used to live in Bayshore. We here from eastern Long Island, NY 6 years ago. We found this wonderful island with lots to do and we feel so much better.

Look up our business & see what we do here, it will also tell you of our beautiful little island.

http://home.comcast.net/~pineislandhousewatch/site/

Any questions contact me at any time. Thanks Doreen

Yes. To your question.
Now, my question is: where in Florida? budget? time frame? are you coming to FL soon?
I can help you, if are thinking to buy in Miami.
Let me know

Erick Farfan
Miami Fl
305-439-7468
erick@erickfarfan.com

Johnathan, Spam is Spam don't care if you work at home or have offices around the world.

Detailed question? Must be why you gave the detailed answer..Flag

Dunes, I have read the guidelines..its a detailed question and I was offering additional help in both answering her question and helping her with the move... Sometime because of sheer number of offices around the world Engel & Voelkers can offer additional help that smaller agents can not!

Jonathan, Please read the Community Guidelines about Self-Promotion.......

Dunes

Kathy,

We offer the best of all worlds you can stop bye any one of our NY offices to view listings and get advice on Florida properties...

Engel & Voelkers has many locations in Florida and we would be happy to give you details!

Best,

Jonathan Lerner
Engel & Voelkers

Interview a few buyer's agents in the metro area of your choice. You can contact any of us through our Trulia links & we can also speak on the phone. This may be the best time to buy, but how to get the most value is just one of the things you should discuss. If you are interested in the Orlando area, kindly give me a call, as i have worked with first-time buyers and people moving to Florida. Thanks, Vivian

You Don't need to move in Right Away. You should remember you might spend less in a house now than a year from now. We have very great homes in florida. We specialize mostly in Florida, Georgia and New York. We also have Programs that can help you restore credit if that's a problem. You can contact me on 347-283- 0244.

Kathy,

Absolutely, we are from the upstate area of New york as well and went this route.

It is not too early to begin the process that should begin with considering your ideal location and type of property you wish to purchase. So start today by collecting the information you will need to be able to make an informed decision about location.

A preliminary to making financial arrangements, the next step, should be doing an analysis of your personal budget accounting for all money both coming in and going out.

We would be happy to provide additional insight into the process if needed.

Good luck

The Eckler Team
Michael Saunders & Company
billeckler@michaelsaunders.com
941-408-5363

Yes, you certainly can; I did when I purchased my home in Port St Lucie.

I know many really terrific Realtors all over Florida (that's where I grew up) and would be delighted to provide you with some names. Contact me at Gail@GailGladstone.com if you would like to get a head start on this.

Of course you can. I agree with Mark using Wells Fargo. They are all over the United States and you will appreciate the professionalism you will receive.

I am sure you could. You would need to explain to your mortgage broker that the Florida home would not be your primary residence right away. I would suggets calling Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, I referred a customer to Randy Ascher at (631) 943-6340, http://www.Randymortgage.com. They were in a similar situation and just moved into their newly constructed home in Virginia. Good luck.

Regards,
Mark Hannigan

Kathy,

why do you want to buy a home in Florida now - when you're not going to live there for a year? Do you plan to move there? Can you afford to pay rent here and buy there and not live there?