Dianne Scott GRI - RE/MAX Realty Centre

Hi Steve and Jo,

Ocala is certainly a beautiful place. It sits on the edge of the pristine Ocala National Forest and is easily accessible by I-75. You don't say if you are looking for a retirement community, per se, or just a nice area with a slower pace and good quality of life. I assume you are at least interested in taking a look at the retirement communities, because that is mainly what you will find in the Southeastern areas. There is Spruce Creek North, which is very nice, and the Villages, Harbor Hills and Water Oak communities. I have owned several homes in Southeast Marion County and I work some of the southernmost areas of Marion County, which is on the South end of Ocala. I personally prefer Lake County, not necessarily because I live here, but because of the multitude of choices and the quality of life overall here. The economic conditions of every area are tough right now, but it tends to be better in areas closer in to the larger cities such as Gainesville, which is about 60 miles north of Ocala, and Orlando, which is just south of Lake County. Of course, there are other isolated areas that have their appeal for various reasons such as tourism, the arts, antiques and such. Examples would be Mount Dora, The Villages, etc.

Lake County has a chain of lakes consisting of more than 40,000 acres of adjoining waterways, and over 1,000 lakes. Some of the top 10 in Florida and top 200 in the country for retirement communities are located here. The construction quality is outstanding and the beauty of the rolling hills and valleys, lakes, rivers and springs is unparalleled. The building boom of 2005 and 2006 has created a huge inventory of homes with every kind of deal you can imagine in those communities. You can buy a brand new or newer home from the low to mid $200,000's up to about $400,000's. Some communities are waterfront with access to the lakes and some are geared more to golf. Most all of them offer the most desired amenities, and with pretty reasonable homeowner's fees. You generally don't pay country club, golf or marina fees unless it is something that you will use. If a retirement community is not your cup of tea, there are numerous other nice choices, as well. In a newer home, it is more difficult to find the larger lots, but there should still be some good choices for you. This is also a nice central location within easy driving distance to the attractions, Orlando, Ocala, the beaches - both East and West, and not too far from any family and friends you are leaving behind in St. Pete. We are mostly a bedroom community for Orlando and a retirement haven. If you would like to contact me, I will be happy to e-mail detailed information on the area and the listings for homes that meet your desires. If you would like to tour the area, I will be happy to take you around one day and let you see what is available. - Earlier today

Hi Joann,

I don't know of any builders who are offering this, but if you will send me your e-mail address at DScott@Remax.net , I will see what I can find through a private owner. Also include some information about what you are looking for and price range.

Most of what we would have available, if anything, would be Lease/Purchase homes. These are handled in about the same way as a purchase, with a pre-qualification and down payment, and you are locked into a contract with a finite closing date. Typically with a Rent/Option, you must pay a sum of money that will be forfeited in the event you do not exercise your option to purchase. Otherwise, it is just a rental. Some owners are willing to credit you, in either case, with part of the rent you have paid - some are not. In most cases you have to either put a large down payment or qualify in some way for the eventual purchase. We do see a few isolated cases where the terms can be very flexible. You need to make sure you are protected from a possible foreclosure, etc. by making sure to have a good attorney handle the paperwork for you.

Dianne Scott - Mon Jul 21 2008, 11:21

Hi Reg,

I'm not sure exactly what type of sports you are interested in, but we have an abundance of gated retirement communities in Lake County in Central Florida, just north of Orlando. In fact, several of our communities have been highlighted as in the top 10 retirement communities in the United States by retirement magazines. They range in theme from waterfront/boating communities to golf communities. All of them specialize in friendly atmospheres and FUN! Lake County is a bedroom community for Orlando with literally hundreds of beautiful lakes and green rolling hills. We are near the attractions, and about an hour from either coast. The quality of life is wonderful here and we are a favorite destination for people from all walks of life! Several of the communities are favorites with the newly retired and very beautiful and luxurious and the homes are amazing. Disney does have a large sports complex, and Lake County is currently constructing a large sports complex near the pristine Ocala National Forest. Currently the deals are everywhere because our Buyers from up North are having trouble selling their homes so they can move here. If you'd like more information, just contact me anytime. You just might run into some of your friends from home here, because it is a popular area also for many buyers from the UK! - Tue Jul 8 2008, 10:32

Hello M,

I would call my mortgage company before anything else, and see if, under the circumstances, they will allow the mortgage to be assumed by your sister. Some companies are starting to allow this to be done again. If they will allow it, then contact an attorney who can assist you with a Deed and make sure that your name is released off of the note and mortgage. Otherwise, you will have to consult an attorney for other options.

Good luck. - Tue May 20 2008, 11:30

Hello M,

When you choose your new lender, give them the name of the appraiser who did the appraisal and ask if he or she is on their approved list. They may accept the appraisal in that case. I have had them assigned over many times. Generally in this market, the lender wants the comps to be within 3 months, but in the absence of any comparable sales, or if it is a very unique type of property, I have had them allow comparable sales as far back as 6 months. Check with your new lender and see if they will accommodate you on this.

Good luck. - Tue May 20 2008, 11:17