http://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Where_is_the_best_place_to_buy_a_single_family_hom-114732UK based. We dont want expensive HOA either! We are looking along the gulf coasten-ushttp://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Safety_Harbor_FL-115774/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Safety_Harbor_FL-115774/Hi Karen: I would have to ask first - How much do you want to spend here on the Gulf Coast? HOA fees are generally with condos or high end gated communities. How much of a down payment are you planing to put down? Are you a cash buyer? Are you interested in foreclosures? Buying a house in the U.S. and in Florida is quite a bit different - take it from me - I moved here from Canada. For instance I live in Safety Harbor, and there are many opportunities fo homes selling for under 200,000. So it is up to you and if you want a free list of homes that meet some of your basic requrements then just let me know. Andf also consider when you buy a house in Florida you have to be aware of wind insurance and flood insurance and understand house taxes. Please feel free to contact me anytime for more information at anytime.Thu, 23 Apr 2009 06:48:19 -0700http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Tampa_FL-81769/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Tampa_FL-81769/Hello Karen, You'll definitely want to take a look at the "Apollo Beach" area before making a decision on your vacation home on the Gulf Coast!! There are many types of homes from canal (with boat docks) to waterfront gated communities in our beautiful sunshine city full of friendly folks with a relaxing pace, yet close to the city. For a quick property search, type in the zip 33572 in the search field on my website: www.apollobeach4u.com -- you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you find!! Call me if I can be of assistance. Lynn Seevers, GRI, Realtor Keller Williams Realty lynn@tampabayFLhomes.comThu, 23 Apr 2009 06:40:23 -0700http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Palm_Harbor_FL-228114/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Palm_Harbor_FL-228114/Hi Karen! Well you know I have to say the entire Gulf Coast of Florida is very beautiful and very special! Of course that is why we all live here. There are so many fabulous areas you could buy in and this is a great time to do that! It is really going to come down to what you like to do, how populated an area you want to be in, how easy your traveling is going to be and proximity to airports etc...... Let me tell you about the Tampa Bay Area. First of all we have an awesome International Airport with Tampa International in close proximity to the entire Bay area. On average, in 30-45 mins you can be at some beautful pristine beach communities from there. The Tampa area has the Florida Aquarium, Busch Gardens Theme Park, Lowry Park Zoo, etc for lots of outdoor family fun and adventures; the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, the St. Pete Times Forum, and Ruth Exkerd Hall for plays, concerts, and other shows. Major sporting competition with football, baseball, hockey, golf, car racing, and beach volleyball and more for the sporting types as well as Tampa Bay Downs for horse racing in the winter. Basically there is something for everyone here. Not to mention state parks and gorgeous beaches like Caladesi Island which was voted by Dr. Beach as the Top Beach in 2008. Surrounded by Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico Pinellas County is the perfect boating and fishing community. Okay so I am a little biased! Another thing to consider is how you are going to use the property. Will it be occasional or seasonal for you? Will you want to rent it out when you are not using it. It is important to understand rental rules and deed restrictions for how and when and how long you can rent your property. This will be location specific. Deed restrictions can be a benefit because they help keep neighborhoods orderly and neat and keep properties maintained well and property values up, but they do not work well for everyone. As a Real Estate Consultant I specialize in helping my clients first determine what is really important to them in a home purchase and location and then go out and find them what they are looking for. If I can be of any service to you feel free to contact me or search for local properties on my website below! Happy Hunting and you must come visit us to really see if it feels right for your needs!! Patty Neri PattyNeriRealtor@gmail.com 727-278-8084Thu, 23 Apr 2009 06:22:03 -0700http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Palm_Harbor_FL-684998/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Palm_Harbor_FL-684998/Karen, I have great news! There are many waterfront communities in the area that match your requirements. UK folks with whom I have worked loved their new home in Crystal Beach. Other communities that you would find exciting would be Dunedin and Safety Harbor. Each of these communites have a real heart, distinctive downtown, thriving art and performance culturesa and provide the resources to be as active as you choose. Boating, biking, roller blading, swimming. running or just celebrating this piece of paradise by embracing the nature that surrounds us. Karen, there are lots of homes and environments from which to choose. Drop me a note and I'll get a thorough list to you. Annette Lawrence ReMax ACR Elite Group, Inc info@annettelawrence.com 727. 420.4041Thu, 23 Apr 2009 06:20:52 -0700http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Clearwater_Tarpon_Springs_Palm_Harbor_St_Peterbsurg_FL_and_surrounding_areas-115369/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Clearwater_Tarpon_Springs_Palm_Harbor_St_Peterbsurg_FL_and_surrounding_areas-115369/Hello Karen, I am not sure if you qualify for communities requiring you to be age 55 or older or not, the price range or wht you would liketo be near to. There are so many nice areas it is hard to recommend ay communties without knowing yourperonal wants and need. Please email us at Kathleen@BuyersLighthouse.com with a litte more information and we would b happy to help you find the right fit for you.Thu, 23 Apr 2009 06:15:56 -0700