Colin

Hi Alessandro

One of the main reasons is price. Selling prices rose rapidly between 2003 and 2006 and when the real estate slowdown came along, builders were forced to find lower-cost alternatives. Not only had buyers naturally become cautious after the rapid price rise, but the economics of investing didn't work any more: rental income was way below any level needed to pay operating costs and loan repayments.

Townhomes were one response (e.g Lennar at Paradise Palms) because the building cost is lower. Other builders such as Park Square still offer townhomes (e.g. Bella Vida) but they also build new villas (Bella Vida and Watersong). They have changed the floor plans to make some of their villas less expensive - for example, by using shingle roofs instead of barrel. There are other villa developments, just not as many as there were and not selling very fast!

Regards

Colin Stafford
Perfect Florida Homes LLC
407-703-8663 - Mon Aug 25 2008, 05:09

Hi Leslie

Although there is a Lynx bus service, it doesn't meet everyone's needs - for example, I have a home in the 34747 zip code which is west Kissimmee according to the US Postal Service, but in practical terms I could not live in that house without having the use of my own car.

You may get some help by looking at htttp://trip1.golynx.com/ and put in a few addresses to see how well served is the part of Kissimmee you're interested in. If you're still looking for a property or you need more guidance, Realtors and others on here will be pleased to give you more input on request.

Regards

Colin Stafford - Fri Aug 22 2008, 07:07

Hi John

I'd echo the comments of others who have answered on here: proximity to Mystic Dunes is not a problem. There are many communities (or developments or estates, in English!) close by - Windsor Hills is certainly one but there are many others to look at before coming to a final conclusion, depending on your budget and preferences.

As far as the HOA part of your question is concerned, there is a separate one for each community, not for the whole area, and each one can have a big impact on the look and feel of the estate it is responsible for. Well-managed ones can maintain and even enhance property values, while poorly managed ones can be a nightmare. So I’d recommend that you focus on how well an individual HOA does its job rather than worrying about Mystic Dunes or whatever, because that is more likely to impact on how much you enjoy your property and how your property value fares.

Overall, if you haven't made an inspection visit yet, please keep an open mind until you’re here and actually looking at property, because in the end that’s the only way you can be sure you’re getting the home you want.

Regards

Colin Stafford
Perfect Florida Homes LLC
407-702-8663 - Thu Aug 21 2008, 12:00

Hi Alessandro

Your English is fine - and definitely a lot better than my Italian, so you certainly don't owe any apologies to me!

As far as the Compass Bay Townhomes are concerned, there is no absolutely right or wrong answer because so much depends on personal preferences. I wouldn't describe the area as unsafe by any means, but we would usually recommend that our clients look at houses and townhomes a few miles to the west of the Compass Bay location - just because our experience is that a higher proportion of people like it better there (and their renters also). I also prefer the 34747 zip code because I find it more to my personal taste. Other Realtors and buyers and owners may have different preferences, of course, which may be just as valid.

On the question of builders, KB has definitely come in for some criticism over the past few years and there are alternatives - but if your friend has signed a contract then it seems as if he is committed (unless he's willing to forfeit any deposit he's paid). He should discuss any options he has with his Realtor as soon as possible if he has any doubts.

Hope that helps and if you need any clarification, please just get in touch. - Wed Aug 6 2008, 07:33

I'd second Paul's answer, except to say that "a bit trying" understates the position. We are advising our UK & Canadian clients to seek finance in their own countries first, due to problems with US lenders. In the peak times of two or three years ago, many lenders would not lend to LLCs, and now I'd expect it to be very nearly impossible to find one who would at any acceptable rate of interest.

There may still be UK lenders who will make loans to UK buyers secured on Florida property (I believe that Lloyds and/or Abbey National used to be in that business, but British Mortgages Abroad has pulled out of the market). As far as I'm aware, they only worked with individuals and not LLCs, though.

Good luck!!! - Sun Jul 20 2008, 15:03