Hi Kim,

I am in near by Polk County we have many desirable communities, If you are not sure about the Kissimmee area give our Polk county a try...... still close to Disney, Orlando as well as Tampa.

Michael Brenner

Thu May 8 2008, 12:53

Hi Kim,

Unless you are wanting something to rent out short term when you are not in the home, stay away from areas zoned for those. Have the listing agent or owner let you know if it is, because this means there will be an awful lot of different people coming and going each week. A gated community could definitely be a good area to consider for the added security there. I don't work in that area, but I know some good agents who do, so when you are ready let me know and I can get you in touch with someone.

Good luck!

Thu May 8 2008, 11:31

Hi Kim,
Looks like you have received some helpful advice. I would like to add to that advice as well. If your goal is to use the home down here during the winter, you may want to look at that are low maintenance. This usually means townhomes but there are several communities that include lawn care in their HOA fees. Communities like Lake Berkley Resorts, Stonefield, and Park View Point are just a few communities that offer lawn care. The Fountains off of John Young Parkway in South Orlando is a townhome community that is an Adult community. They are currently building new townhomes starting in the low $200’s which might fit your needs.

As stated before, you need to assess your needs. There are many people who call central Florida their second home during the winter and many options for you to choose from. You should consider ease of maintenance of the property for when you are not here to care for it. If you would like a list of properties in any of these communities, feel free to e-mail me at steve@thefloridalivingteam.com .
Best,
Steve

Steve Glose
Real Estate Specialist
The Florida Living Team
Keller Williams Realty

407-616-7286 direct
020 3239 7286 London
407-962-4242 office
866-531-1709 fax
www.TheFloridaLivingTeam.com

Tue May 6 2008, 12:21

Hello Kim,

It really depends on what you are looking for in your winter home.
Mobile home, single family, pool home, do you want it to be in a community that does not hav short term rentals, does it make a difference to you if it does?

There are many options available to you in the areas around Disney.

Tue May 6 2008, 06:27

Kim,
Now is a great time to look for an investment home. You should be impressed by all of the choices that you will have avaeilable. If you are looking for a place to retire w/ activities Kings Ridge in Clermont is Great. Clermont touches Kissimmee, but you will not deal with the congestion like you might experince in Kissimmee. Clermont and Minneola are smaller towns yet we have many of the bonus that you will find in a big city. We also have the chain of lakes. If you enjoy boating you will want to take a trip down our canals... nature is everywhere... a true must see. We are one of the few areas that offers rolling hills and great mountain like views. If you have some extra time you might want to take a drive out to hwy 50 into Clermont. Who knows you might be like so many others and fall in love with our town. If so please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to show you around. Best Wishes,
Jessica Purvis

Mon May 5 2008, 20:36

Kim:

Kissimmee is a beautiful and versatile town. It would be counter productive to point negatives when there is so much good.

Perhaps, if you share what your dream winter vacation home is we could point you in the right direction.

Are you into entertaining family and grandchildren.....stay close to Disney or Four Corners.
Do you like nature..... look into acreage in St. Cloud. You can probably find/build your own mini conservation resort....
Move into a community when conservation of green areas is priority one.... Harmony.
Like to go boating.... Bellalago has great amenities and access to Lake Toho, you can park your boat in your backyard.
Over 55....Solivita is the place to be, you will never run out of activities to do...and what beautiful landscaping....and golf.
Want the fancy side of life, then Celebration with its own downtown and the small town feeling.

So Kim...tell us what you are looking for and well help you find it. In Kissimmee everything is available.

Tony.Vega@ColdwellBanker.com

Mon May 5 2008, 19:56