A Floridad

The move would be a minor downsize. My current home has open waterfront and is in a gated community. I want to move closer to work (nearly 2 hours commuting every day) and get off the water. I'm just wondering if the waterfront home will rebound faster than nonwaterfront property. Since I'm planning on moving, I figure I would be taking a bigger hit on my comparatively more expensive home if I sell now, which is why I'm thinking of buying now and selling later, possible renting for 1-2 years. Any thoughts? - Fri Jun 20 2008, 05:09

I think you need to figure out where you want to live and in what condo complex, possible 55+, amenities etc. A price range is a good start. I have an FSBO that will be coming up for sale in July in a large 55+ waterfront community in zip code 33707 with 2br,2ba, covered parking and a waterview. It will be priced as a steal when I finally put it up for sale. Let me know if you are interested. - Thu May 15 2008, 04:34

A long time ago I heard someone refer to the stock market in the following way:

Bulls make money, bears make money. Pigs get slaughtered

I apply it to real estate as well. The smarter real estate agents are already snapping the good ones up for themselves to flip when the market rebounds in 1-2 years. The unscrupulous agents are beating the drum of hysteria to "Buy now before the prices rebound or sell now before prices go lower."

You've got a brain, don't be rushed. Do your homework.

I know of a house listed at $2 million, it isn't worth $1.2 million. Think $1.6 million is a good deal? - Thu May 15 2008, 03:52

I am NOT a real estate agent, so I have no vested interest in this answer. Coming from the Midwest in the 1980's, I checked out both Florida Coasts before I settled on the Gulf Coast side.

The Atlantic side is much too busy and rush-rush for me. Yes, the weather is about 5 degrees warmer than the Gulf side, but it is prone to more hurricane danger and, because of the congestion, much more prone to crime. If you like the hustle and bustle of a big city like New York, then the east coast side is it. If you like more of a midwestern attitude, go to the west side of Florida.

Florida real estate values are down across the board and you might get a better deal on the Atlantic side, but there are plenty of deals on the Gulf side too. For my tastes, the Atlantic side is too congested. I would prefer the west coast from about Citrus/Hernando down to Sarasota. The northern counties actually get cold in the winter with a more distinct winter season. Go south of Tampa/St. Pete to blunt that winter effect. By going to the Naples/Fort Myers area, you pretty much avoid cold winter weather - but you run up against much higher prices and into the "relocated refugee's from the east coast" (those who lived on the Atlantic side and found out the hard way they didn't like it.).

A little background on me, I lived in Tampa (felt too northern for me!), moved to St. Pete and still live on the water - but the insurance premiums have gotten to me. I own a small parcel of land in eastern Manatee county (the REAL boondocks complete with wild boar, turkey, deer, snakes, gators!!!) and am looking forward to moving toward Panther Ridge or Lakewood Ranch in Manatee County soon due to family reasons. There are reasonable deals all over the place, I expect to snag one myself. - Thu May 15 2008, 03:38

Forget Lakewood Estates and Pinellas Point - these are not safe neighborhoods to raise a family. If you want safe, look at Gulfport, specifically the Pasadena Yacht and Country Club with guard gated security. There are a few very good public (read FREE) schools namely Bay Vista Fundamental, Pasadena Fundamental and a few others. The private schools are NOT worth the tuition (as I found out). Of course, you can continue looking in Palm Harbor - another nice area. - Sun Apr 27 2008, 18:46