Buying a Florida Holiday Home?

I want to buy a house in Florida for a holiday home and investment.

I'm resigned to it being in the Orlando area as I think this would give me the best opportunities for holiday rental income although were it for sole use by ourselves this would not be an area I would choose. Alas, I would be unable, financially, to support it without some income.

So, I'm after some help finding a place. Without wanting to upset any of our American friends, all American real estate agents websites seem really crumby! Any advice on some good up to date sites? Obviously I don't want to be paying over the odds for agents fees, so going as direct as possible seems the best idea.

Also, which are the best areas of Orlando to buy? I have 3 young children and would prefer a community where they will find other kids to play with. Any suggestions on some communities with some great facilities?

Thanks

Perhaps you are right. I would prefer the Gulf coast.

Don't get me wrong I am sure I am not going to be unhappy in Orlando, I just thought property was cheapest and easiest to let there.

I'm in the UK btw

Thanks

The agent above raises a good point: why buy a holiday home where you don't want to spend a holiday? Orlando is a hot, muggy, swampy area in mid Florida. Prices are high because of Disney and Universal, but wouldn't you rather be at the beach? You can get a nice home near the ocean (in many areas for less than in Orlando) and still rent it out during the season. I'd look in Tampa, Emerald Isle, Fort Walton Beach, Pompano Beach, the list goes on and on!

Try Realtor.com to start looking, as this website pulls info from the areas' multiple listing services. So does ColdwellBanker.com. Also, I'm not sure where you are from, but in most parts of the US, the buyer does not regularly save any money by not using their own Realtor. The buyer's agent receives their commission from the seller of the home, while being contractually and legally obligated to work in your best interests. You get free professional representation. If you go it alone, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area market, you will almost certainly pay more to purchase and loose out on several seller concessions. I can put you in touch with an experienced Realtor that serves any area of Florida. Contact me at Jason.Horgan@ColdwellBankerAtlanta.com

May I make a suggestion? Why not buy where you want to be - most areas of Florida are attractive to holiday renters. Why spend lots of $$$ to be unhappy?

FYI, the most up to date site in America is http://www.realtor.com. Most listings hit this site within 24 hours.

And, as a buyer, you don't pay agent fees. The seller does.

Orlando is nice. Lots of kids. It's a BIG city, though. I hope that fits your wish list.

If not, again, why not buy where you want to be? Most coastal areas (beach towns, waterfront properties, etc.) are very popular for seasonal renters.

If I may offer a suggestion: consider Venice, on the Gulf of Mexico. Clean, safe, family oriented, good schools. Popular with seasonal renters. Very affordable.

It's 2 hours due west from Orlando. One hour south of Tampa, one hour north of Naples. 15 minutes to Sarasota for big city jobs - if you need that.

This area has the only school in the State of Florida for gifted children that will take them from first grade through high school (12th grade).

Check out the area - and use the search engine to look at properties - at http://www.searchforvenice.com.

Email me directly if I can be of further help.